We have lost count on how many weeks weâve spent enjoying the seven cities and attractions of the Coachella Valley. Somehow, weâd never tried one of its iconic establishments, Shermanâs Deli & Bakery in downtown Palm Springs. Thereâs a second location in Palm Desert.
My bride has been spending a fair bit of time watching Guy Fieri on the Food Channel and he had recommended this place so we went for a late lunch on a Tuesday. We probably lucked out because seats were available at 1 p.m. in a place that a local couple said it routinely packed during prime season.
Sherman Harris, a World War II Army veteran who fought in five major battles including the Battle of the Bulge, grew up in Wisconsin and moved to Palm Springs after his discharge. He started in the restaurant business with a friend and they developed âearly bird dinners,â a feature that is particularly popular in this area with lots of retired year-round residents who like to eat early. In one of our earliest experiences in this area, we could not get into a fine dining Italian restaurant (Albertoâs that has since closed) until 7 p.m. and it was virtually empty an hour later.
After his apprenticeship as a cook, he established his own niche and eventually owned 5 deli/restaurants in the area including the original in downtown Palm Springs. The two restaurants now are run by his children, Sam Harris and Janet Harris. During Palm Springsâ heyday as the Hollywood folks escaped during the winter, actors and other celebrities frequented the placeâyou can see their photos on the wall.
You walk in and immediately see the enticingâto put it mildlyâbakery display case that has a variety of cakes and cheesecakes, pies and other desserts. When youâre given a menu, a separate dessert menu accompanies it.
Shermanâs is known for its quality and huge portions. The local folks seated next to us took home half of their portions as did we. I had the meatloaf sandwich that fit two ample meatloaf slices between a soft bun with a cole slaw topping and barbecue sauce. I barely worked my way through one half and ate with a knife and forkâthere was no way I could fit my mouth around it. The same went for our neighborâs turkey sandwich that must have had more than 2 inches of meat between the bread.
My wife opted for a different take on the traditional Reuben âit subbed a grilled and split knockwurst on toasted rye bread with sauerkraut. Both sandwiches were accompanied by French fries or cole slaw.
The meal started with three thick slices of dill pickle as an appetizer.
The menu is huge and diverse. Several entrĂ©e salads are offered and they would serve 3-4 people. Itâs a place for huge portions of quality food.
The huge portions also go for the baked goods. Plan on taking them home unless youâre only going for coffee and dessert. Harris continues with the early bird specials that are a real value at $18.45 including entrĂ©e, soup or salad, vegetable and starch. We spent about that much for each lunch entrĂ©e and received good value.
Itâs open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
By Tim Hunt