Review: The Full Belly Deli

There is something about a good deli sandwich that cannot be matched by a fancy salad or slice of pizza. Whether it's the sprinkling of poppy seeds on a crusty roll or the stack of meat layered under thick slices of cheese, nothing satisfies the midday craving like a deli sandwich. My mouth starts to water just unwrapping the folded white butcher paper that envelops so many fine creations.

And answering the call of my lunchtime hunger recently was The Fully Belly Deli. Like many small businesses on Federal Road, I have driven by this Tudor-style shopping center countless times but have never stopped to eat here.

The deli's interior is clean and organized, with a case of cold drinks and various snacks at the counter. Specials are listed daily, with the main menu displayed above the work area. There are a few tables inside, but we chose to eat outside on this warm spring day.

My first thought when my sandwich was placed in front of  me was that I would be eating this for dinner as well. Which, after the first bite, was more than alright with me. My Grilled Chicken Pesto ($6.75) was served on a large crusty sesame roll. The abundance of sliced, seasoned chicken was nestled with roasted red peppers, curly green leaf lettuce and fresh mozzarella. Not only was the wedge visually appealing, but it tasted delicious. I would  have liked more pesto mayonnaise, but it's better to have to ask for more than to scrape it off your sandwich.

I rarely order chicken salad because so often it's slathered with gobs of mayonnaise and is hardly recognizable as chicken. So when my friend ordered the Chicken Salad Special ($9.35), I was curious to see how she liked it. Served on a traditional deli roll, the chunks of white chicken were complemented, not overpowered, by the mayonnaise. And the bacon, avocado, lettuce and tomato added to this perfect combination.

This special came with a side of pasta salad, another item I never order out. Again, I was surprised and delighted with the freshness and taste of this little salad. The broccoli was still crisp, and the pasta had just a hint of seasoned dressing.

My son got the Fresh Fruit Cup ($3.75) and a brownie ($2). Nothing like a little sugar before I deliver him to preschool. But he also enjoyed my grilled chicken sandwich. The fruit was good, however, I would skip the brownie next time.

Speaking of next time, I have my eye on the Sloppy Russian ($6.25): pastrami, Swiss, coleslaw and Russian dressing on marble rye. Unless I opt for the Beefeater ($6.25): a wedge with roast beef, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, onion and horseradish mayo. Full Belly also serves traditional sandwiches, as well as soups and salads.

While the sandwiches here are not cheap, you get what you pay for: freshly prepared quality food. The deli offers sandwich trays for catering and delivery from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.