New Deli Sandwich Honors Curtis Sliwa

A deli in New York City is making waves with its latest creation. Located in Queens, the establishment has unveiled “The Curtis Sliwa Hero,” a sandwich that packs a punch, much like the Republican mayoral candidate himself. The owner made a cheeky remark that a sandwich named after one of Sliwa’s opponents wouldn’t be nearly as appetizing.

Joe DiGangi, the owner of Mario’s Meats and Gourmet Deli in Middle Village, praised Sliwa as “the only true New Yorker candidate” and shared some humorous, albeit grim, opinions about other candidates. For example, he proposed that Andrew Cuomo should be served “bread and water”—a nod to the former governor’s statements—before joking about adding cold cuts if independent candidates joined the mix.

“What do you think they serve people in prison? Cuomo lets all the inmates out, so maybe he gets a baloney sandwich,” DiGangi commented, referencing the controversial criminal justice reforms pushed by Democrats.

Cuomo has often used “baloney” as an expression during his time in office, often referring to things he feels are nonsensical.

On the subject of Democratic candidate Zoran Mamdani, DiGangi didn’t hold back, saying he had shown him the door. “We could send him to a government-run supermarket to get something for free,” he quipped, alluding to one of Mamdani’s campaign proposals.

DiGangi has begun promoting $16 Italian-style sandwiches in Sliwa’s honor, clearly showing his support for the Republican candidate. The “Curtis Sliwa Hero” is made with grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, fresh mozzarella, arugula, and a spicy Calabrese chili spread, all nestled in fresh ciabatta. DiGangi explained that these ingredients reflect Sliwa’s fiery spirit.

“He wears that red beret, so we chose roasted red peppers,” DiGangi noted.

He felt that the spicy Calabrese chiles represented the bold flavors that New Yorkers appreciate. “It captures that bite of New York’s attitude,” he insisted, adding that Sliwa possesses a quick wit, ready to respond to anyone who challenges him.

This sandwich pays tribute to Sliwa’s Italian heritage, as he is half-Italian and half-Polish. DiGangi mentioned that they’ve sold around 80 of the special sandwiches since introducing it as “Mario’s Sandwich of the Month” on Tuesday, which he acknowledged is a notable number for a simple sub.

Many have shown interest in the new creation, and DiGangi expressed his support for Sliwa, saying, “He is the only true New Yorker candidate who truly cares about the city.” DiGangi previously cast his vote for Sliwa when Eric Adams lost the 2021 mayoral election.

“I definitely don’t want Mr. Cuomo in there, and Mr. Mamdani, well, he’s a bit clueless,” DiGangi added. He didn’t miss the chance to remind everyone of Cuomo’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis, implying that the former governor is out of touch with New Yorkers.