For all its usefulness, the web has taken a lot of the spontaneity out of dining. So much research can be done online now, you almost feel like you’ve eaten somewhere before actually stepping foot in the door.
That’s why my favorite food moments are often the accidental discoveries that occur, well, by accident. Take Pablo’s Deli in Dobbs Ferry.
Pretty non-descript. Barely any sign. I swung by Dobbs to check out a bakery I’d seen once (it’s closed now) and take a peek at Tomatillo. Was strolling down Cedar St. and noticed that little chalkboard in the left side of the pic. On it was written something about “Spanish food” and “churrascos.”
Ooh, I thought, a churrasco. Sounds intriguing. So I walked in.
The man behind the counter (Pablo?) was nice as could be, and seemed genuinely pleased that I was inquiring about the churrasco, a popular Chilean sandwich of thinly sliced steak cooked a la plancha. Here’s how it came out:
Grilled steak with a little cheese (very similar to a cheesesteak) with grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, avocado and mayo, on a foot-long toasted wedge.
“Look how heavy,” Pablo said to me proudly, handing over the sandwich for me to heft. He wasn’t kidding, this was a serious sandwich. And very tasty. I was so hungry, I destroyed the thing.
But there was more — in a display case were golden brown empanadas.
Like the churrasco, these were Chilean style empanadas, filled with ground beef, spices, raisins, olives, and a pleasant surprise, hard-boiled eggs.
When I got home I Googled Pablo’s Deli, but didn’t come up with anything, not even a phone number. Now I’m confused — but I’m fairly certain the place is called Pablo’s Deli and is at 25 Cedar St. Like I said, an accidental discovery.
Pablo’s Deli
25 Cedar St.
Dobbs Ferry, NY
9 Comments
That sounds like the sandwich at Chacarero in Boston. DId you ever eat there? It’s in Downtown Crossing:
http://www.chacarero.com/menu.html
If you like Chilean food, check out the Los Andes bakery in Sleepy Hollow. They have great empanadas, sandwiches, and fresh Chilean bread.
Thanks Aaron! I’ve read about Los Andes Bakery, but have never been. The pics on the website look great — definitely going to make a visit.
the best is to hear Pablo sing while he´s cooking… hahahhaha
i´ve being there a bunch of times!!!
se ven deliciosos todos los pasteles y empanadas
I had a very bad experience there…stale, old food and when I complained the manager said she was too busy! Lousy food, lousy customer service!
Cannot figure out the comment from Victor, as Pablos is always fresh. He bakes and cooks everything daily. Also, there is no lady manager there, so not sure that he even has the right place?! This place is fantastic, clean, and nicely priced. The empanadas and authentic Chilean sandwiches are off the charts good! No apprehensions….go!
I have to I was surprised but two bad reviews I found through Google. I really enjoyed their churrascos. They took their time to cook the steak, I enjoyed the sandwich.
I saw their brunch menu, I have got to try their egg whites w/goat cheese. May be this weekend.
LOVE THIS PLACE. soooo good. whenever my boyfriend and i are hungry and don’t know what to eat, we come here!!! the size of that churrasco is huge and well priced! not expensive at all, and the food to me tasted very fresh. never had a bad experience here.