Corsos Deli
Mike stands behind the counter, as usual, with his sister by his side and Mother running the register. He carefully cuts the prosciutto, as though he’s serving that sandwich to one of New Haven’s top food critics rather than an average deli customer. Featuring fresh mozzarella and a buttered toasted bun, the sandwich looks like something I saw on Food Networks “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” with over an inch of Proscuitto and stacked with fresh lettuce and tomato. Basically, the sandwich looks like the best sandwich in the world. Corso’s is a family run, friendly, and completely authentic Italian deli, which all creates the perfect Lunch atmosphere. Corso’s truly cares about their customers and the food they make, always striving to have everyone who comes in, leave happy. The owners will even cook your food in advanced if you call it in before you get there.
The main focus of Corso’s is making sure that a that all of the food is prepared and cooked fresh. Corso’s is an Italian family name, so you know they are going to provide some really good Italian food. “On the menu: Lasagna, meatballs, chicken Parmesan, Penne ala vodka and Peppers and onions. “ Its obvious that Corso’s deli is concentrated on Italian food and has been since they opened in the 70’s. Mostly, it is just Mike cooking up sausages or marinara sauce, but there are a variety of other Subs or plates you could buy like chicken wings, salads, or a make your own sandwich.
It’s a very underrated spot, almost the opposite of Texas Roadhouse or DiBella’s Subs. Being that it’s a small deli, it’s a comfortable environment and the customer service is excellent. As soon as I walked into Corso’s I was greeted by one of the owners and my order was taken immediately. I love that they are always so friendly when I go in there because it creates a good atmosphere too. I could see an exception for McDonalds or buffets where the food is usually self- served but aside from that, being taken care of is one of the main things people look for when dining at a place. The sandwich I ordered, a grilled chicken sub with mozzarella and mayo, had just the perfect amount of ingredients to mix well together; my only complaint is that it could have been warmer.
With its convenient yet satisfying services, Corso’s isn’t much different than a drive-through Carmines (http://www.carminesnyc.com/), except for its option to dine in and associate with the staff, which makes it more personal. Corso’s is known as the place to go for lunch, since it brings you quality food, provides service in a short amount of time, isn’t overpriced, provides entertainment with a comical crew, is close to school, and you’ll always see familiar faces there. Even though Subway can generate sandwiches at a closer distance to UNH, Corso’s will make it with fresher and tastier ingredients. Corso’s will also make it and give it to you for half the price.
It was really a satisfying meal, aside from the fact that I only spent about $6, my food was a generously large portion size and was absolutely delicious, as if I sat down and had a three course meal at a 4 star restaurant. Corsos’ really shines during the Lunch rush where the owners pump out good food and still have time to converse with their customers. Corso’s would flourish and be a much better place if they got a bigger space and added in more seating areas. How much more could they expand their business if customers had the chance to sit in and dine? Nevertheless, Corso’s seemed to be a good choice for lunch, I don’t think I could have found something better.