There is no simple way to describe SLICE Deli & Cakery. To me, a deli conjurs up images of soups, sandwiches and maybe salads. A cakery? Well, there must be cake involved! SLICE, however, is more than just a deli offering cakes.
On my first visit to SLICE for a media preview, we are introduced to a sampling of offerings available from 5pm onward. A week later, I return during lunch for a few more items. SLICE boasts a pretty decent selection of beers on tap on any given day. The wine list is not too shabby either. Sit at the bar, or grab a table. Regardless of what you choose, this fast casual concept evokes a friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a pint or two with some stellar bites, or if you prefer, a meal with friends and family.
As we sip on our libation of choice, we munch on Savory Popcorn ($5) tossed with thyme, chile oil, garlic and rosemary. This is a perfect accompaniment for a few drinks before moving on to dinner.
If you’re looking for something just a tad more substantial, then Pub Pretzels ($7) is a solid choice. These house-made pretzels are served with stout mustard and caramel. I try both, but my savory palate is partial to the mustard even though the caramel has hints of salt in it.
Sliced Caprese ($8) is not only beautiful to look at, but so tantalizing with fresh tomatoes, basil, and burrata cheese, one of my favorites. The house-made pesto is bright, adding a burst of elevated flavors to the mix.
One of my favorites of the night is Loaded Fingerlings ($6), a decadent dish of fingerling potatoes topped with caramelized onions, horseradish creme fraiche, and Nueske bacon. This is what comfort food is all about. The slightly sweet onions combine together with salty bacon for that salty sweet experience which my mouths craves. Add to that the kick from the horseradish, and all flavor profiles provide for a mouth-tingling extravaganza.
For lunch (as well as dinner), there are several sandwiches for you to choose from. Croque Madame ($10) combines four cheeses, double smoked ham, and of course, a perfectly executed egg which oozed all over the sandwich when I cut into it. The sandwich itself could have benefited from a few extra minutes under the salamander (or on the flat top), but otherwise, a very respectable offering.
The Cuban ($12) is a slight twist from the traditional. Instead of roast pork, mojo pulled pork is used, along with dark ale mustard, double smoked ham, Emmentaler Swiss cheese, house pickles, and roasted garlic aioli. The sandwich would have been perfect had the bread been a little less dense. On the plus side, the filling is delicious which helps offset the bread. A tad lighter on the bread and this will be an excellent sammie.
If you’re a fan of turkey, then The Freebird ($10) is possibly one of the best sandwiches I’ve eaten in quite some time. Smoked turkey, alfalfa sprouts, pea shoots, beet horseradish and avocado mash are stuffed between two slices of San Francisco sourdough. I’m not sure whether it’s the alfalfa sprouts – LOVE THEM – the beet horseradish, or just the combination of everything together, but it is SO good I wouldn’t be opposed to eating it on a regular basis. For someone who wouldn’t ordinarily order a sandwich when there are other items on a menu, I think that’s saying something!
Oh, here’s a tip. When asked what you’d like as a side, choose the potato salad, or the house chips! They’re highly addicting and seriously good!
If you have a sweet tooth, then the meal does not end here. There is always cake in the display case, and you have the option to order them for birthdays, anniversaries or any special occasion which a cake is required. There is rosemary lemon, chocolate salted caramel and blueberry coconut among others. If you can’t make up your mind, then the Everything cake might just be the thing with five layers of cake, each individually flavored and a whimsical exterior that’ll blow your mind.
The cakes are offered by the slice ranging between $5 to $6. Try a slice before you commit to taking a whole one home!
There is a selection of main courses I have yet to try. I’ll have to visit again soon to get those under my belt.
SLICE Deli & Cakery
8780 Warner Ave. Suite 15
Suite 15
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Tel: 714-842-1049
Everything sounded delish!i definitely will try???