By the “Gastronomette”

I really had a hard time getting this writeup pulled together! There is no way I can cram everything I want to say into this minimal space and still have room for a pic or two, so it is going to be short and sweet with more visuals.

First of all, Eddie McIntosh is definitely “one of a kind” and this transcends into the latest in his line of culinary concepts – Eddie’s Little Shop & Deli (ELS&D).

McIntosh, who is both Italian and Irish, grew up in the Bronx where he frequented family-owned delis on a regular basis…and worked in a few in the process. These establishments were his inspiration for ELS&D.  He is also a 2006 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America – I don’t know many “deli” owners who have that on their resume. His talent as a trained chef shines through in everything featured on the menu at Eddie’s. He is meticulous about the quality and freshness of everything that goes in to the making of the sandwiches (Sandos), sides, chicken cutlets (available Tuesdays and Thursdays), specials and the house-made cannoli.

We aren’t in the habit of printing the menus from the places we feature but there isn’t enough room to really tell you what to expect at Eddie’s. My favorite is the NO. 128. Check it out.

What sets ELS&D apart from other delis?

A major highlight here is that McIntosh makes the fresh mozzarella in-house. Eddie takes great pride in the final product and it is featured in many of the sandwiches and chicken cutlets. In fact, the store mascot – Ozzie the Mozzie – hangs from the ceiling above the meat case. To be honest, if you are a Ghostbuster fan, Ozzie resembles a character from the movie. However, once you know he is a “mozzie”, you get it. I learned a lot about the complexity of that task while doing this interview. He does in-store demonstrations and you are more than welcome to book one with a group of friends after hours.

In addition to the Mozzie demos, pasta making classes are offered at ELS&D. At the time of our visit there wasn’t one on the schedule for April but if you want to set up a customized class for your group, Eddie is happy to accommodate you. Classes are held on the “shop” side of the deli and are all inclusive.

The “Little Shop” side of the deli is pretty impressive. It is stocked with primarily Italian cuisine in mind with a concentration on what you need to make your own pasta (except the eggs) and the sauces to go with it. Everything from the flour to the herbs and garnish is available. These same ingredients are used in the aforementioned classes. The image on this page is just a part of the inventory.

I am a big fan of pastas that are different from the standard linguini/spaghetti/shells, etc. as well as trying prepared sauces from different sources. I like to make my own but when time is short, it’s good to have a tasty jar on the shelf. I like to try different kinds of tomato pastes and olive oils…do you see a pattern here? I would LOVE to receive an ELS&D Gift Basket and, if you are so inclined, you can have them put one together for me or someone in your life that loves all things Italian.

In addition to all of the above, they have a “made to order” catering menu. Think about them the next time you’re having a party or want to treat your office mates.

New to Eddie’s is a dine-in “shelf” with stools facing the window on King Street so you “can grab your eats and have a seat”. Sidewalk dining will be back as the weather permits and you can always “grab and go”.

Just like Eddie McIntosh himself, ELS&D is one of a kind!

Eddie’s Little Shop & Deli

1406 King Street

Old Town Alexandria

571-312-8625

Eddieslittleshop.com

11 am – 4 pm Mon – Sat