jan milliman

One of these days I’m going to splurge on that pretty jar of anchovies.

There is something special about a sandwich someone else makes for you. Even if they use the same old ingredients you have on hand, the sandwich somehow winds up tastier. Especially when that sandwich is made with love.

Rochester has plenty of good sandwich joints. DiBella’s is a mainstay, Barber’s Grill and Tap Room in Brockport has their legendary “Balboa,” and Open Face has their own unique take on the classics.

But if you’re looking for a sandwich made with love, you need to head on out to Calabresella’s on Buffalo Rd. in Gates.

The Mister and I knew we had to check the joint out when we heard they had a sandwich called the “Colon Kicker.” The Mister gave this grilled cappy and steak number a go and we’ve been hooked ever since!

Calabresella’s is a family-run operation with a casual dining area on one side of the building where you can pick a cold soda from the cooler. On the other side is the deli — packed with cases of meats and cheeses, and shelves full of all varieties of ethnic foodstuffs on the other.

After we order our sandwiches at the counter, we like to browse the grocery offerings — there’s always something tasty to try out. We’ve enjoyed tinned beans in tomato sauce and stocked up on a couple of other unfamiliar items, but I especially have my eye on a big, pretty jar of anchovies.

The staff is friendly and obviously takes pride in the food they prepare. This is the kind of place where they recognize return customers and welcome you with a warm greeting.

And the food? We haven’t had anything that wasn’t top-notch. We went for the Italian assorted on our last visit, and it was great. Sitting at the table, as the staff brings each new sandwich out to your fellow diners, you can’t help but plan future visits. Next time, I’ve gotta try the meatballs.

And that’s not all! If you’re a Rochester transplant and you’re craving Zweigles hot dogs, Country Sweet wing sauce, or your favorite locally-produced meat hot sauce, Calabresella’s NewYorkStyleDeli.com can hook you up. Believe it or not, they’ll even ship Abbott’s Custard.