(Photo Courtesy of Alex Compton)
Sept. 10, 2018 By Tara Law
A deli offering big-bite sandwiches opened in the western section of Astoria on Friday.
Compton’s Delicatessen is now serving specialty sandwiches, smoothies and coffee drinks at 30-02 14th St., the former location of Château le Woof.
The deli specializes in thick sandwiches on gourmet bread, including “The Tony,” (prosciutto, soppressata, provolone, arugula, tomato, peppers, red wine vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, and oregano on a hero); and “The Dimitri,” (sliced chicken, feta, tomato, cucumber, red onion, lemon, black pepper and tzatziki on a hero).
Compton’s owner, 33-year-old Alex Compton, said he opened the deli because he always wanted to pursue his passion for cooking. He first started to dream of the sandwich shop six years ago, and began by scribbling sandwich recipes in a notebook. He shared his recipes with his friends and family and asked for feedback.
(Photo Courtesy of Alex Compton)
Although he now lives in Long Island City, Compton lived a few blocks from the deli’s storefront for some time. He always liked the area, he said, but he noticed that there were few restaurants within walking distance.
“Even when I had a Sunday hangover, I had to order a bacon, egg and cheese on Seamless,” Compton said.
When he learned Château le Woof was moving to 31-01 Vernon Blvd. this spring, Compton decided to make his move and rent the restaurant space.
Compton said that he’s excited to finally share his ideas with the community.
“This is the first job where I’ve had to get up at 5:00 a.m.,” said Compton, “But I don’t care, I love it.”
Compton said that he envisions the restaurant as a combination of an old-school New York deli and a contemporary city coffee shop. He said that he hopes both longtime Astoria resident and newcomers will feel welcome there.
Besides sandwiches and smoothies, the restaurant also serves coffee, espresso drinks and cold brew on tap from local roaster Demarco Coffee.
Compton’s is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The shop seats about 15 people.
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