Before leaving Mexico to come to the United States, husband and wife Rodolfo Montes Martinez and Norma Herrera were restaurant owners. They have worked in high-end establishments since then, but Rodolfo Montes has always dreamed of opening his own restaurant again someday.
That dream became reality in September 2011, when the couple opened the doors to their new restaurant, Pancardi Deli, in Sunset.
The menu is small, with just over a dozen entrees, but daughter Allison Montes, who works with her parents, said everything they offer is delicious. Her parents have developed and refined their recipes over the years.
Sandwich selections include Pulled Beef With Grilled Onions, Steak Philly, Teriyaki Chicken, Turkey Club and Grilled Chicken Club (each $5.99), served with a salad or french fries.
For a more international flavor, they also serve tacos on platters, with a pile of meat and a stack of tortillas ready for assembly.
Some favorites include the Pork With Grilled Onions and Mozzarella Cheese ($6.75), Steak With Mushrooms and Mozzarella Cheese ($6.99), and the Marinated Pork With Mozzarella Cheese ($6.50).
The Jarocha ($5.75) is a pork-and-grilled-onion taco served with flour tortillas instead of corn, and the Alambre comes with steak, peppers, onions, tomatoes, bacon and ham.
The deli also offers a small cheeseburger ($3.99), and nachos with choice of meat, cheese, homemade chili, jalapenos, diced tomatoes and onions.
The chips and salsa ($2.99) are made from scratch, and the fried zucchini sticks ($3.85) are another popular appetizer.
Martinez said through a translator that his driving philosophy behind running a restaurant is simple: "Making good food makes people happy," he said.
He accomplishes this by using only fresh ingredients and preparing foods from scratch.
PANCARDI DELI
- ADDRESS: 2465 N. Main St., No. 11A, Sunset
- HOURS: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays
- PHONE: 801-509-1244