Stephen Montoya
Just the other day, while I was having dinner with my in-laws, the subject of our food column, Holes in the Fort came up. Apparently, they read a few of them and gave me some suggestions for other places in and around Fort Worth to try. In the spirit of keeping things copasetic, I nodded my head and wrote down a few of their suggestions to check out. Later on, that same week, a co-worker also mentioned a few places to try out with one common denominator — Carshon’s Deli located at 3133 Cleburne Road. I figured if two separate people that have never met each other, gave me the same restaurant suggestion, then it must be something special. So, in an attempt to add more merit badges to my proverbial local food scene sash, I made it my mission to give this family-owned deli a try.
Usually, I plan my day around taking in the ambiance of an establishment of this caliber so as to give it the time and reverence it deserves. However, I found myself knee-deep in field assignments and didn’t get to Carshon’s until nearly 2 p.m. in the afternoon. Needless to say, I was starving. That, and since my wife and daughter knew I was doing a column that day, they both asked me to bring them some food home. As I entered Carshon’s I noticed a huge deli counter filled with premium meats and cheeses ready to be purchased by the pound. Once inside, I noticed a seating area near the south wall of the restaurant that looked inviting. I had just come back from covering a couple of stories back-to-back at the Fort Worth Stockyards and was thirsty and very hungry.
I was greeted by a happy-go-lucky server who quickly took my drink order and gave me time to look over the menu. As I reached for my camera to do a lighting test, I realized I had forgotten one of the most important things a journalist owns while covering my last story — my digital recorder. Panic ensues as I do my best to backtrack its whereabouts. Meanwhile, my patient server keeps coming back around to check on me and see if I am ready to order. I am a shaky mess at this point, hungry and desperate. I try to place my wife and daughter’s to-go order first, but alas the words coming out of my mouth are jumbled and confusing. “I would like a roast beef sandwich, wait, no I need a brownie and lemon bar to go, um….” I could see the confusion set in on her face, so I took a breath to try and center myself. I explained to her my dilemma, and why I was, well, frantic. She smiled and repeated the order back to me perfectly, almost like she had been in the same situation herself. With the preliminary to-go order out of the way, I push forward and order the Ruben with a side of Cole slaw to eat in-house. My daughter ordered the potato soup and my wife well as I said earlier got the roast beef sandwich.
Stephen Montoya
After my order was placed, a quick phone call calmed my nerves when my last source verified that I had indeed left my digital voice recorder in his store. With this perplexing mystery solved I re-aligned my chi and prepared my tastebuds for this highly recommended cuisine.
Almost on cue, my sandwich made it to my table just as my mood began to lighten. This giant corned beef sandwich was served on rye bread, with a heap of sauerkraut, a side of red onions, and a pickle. My Cole slaw, which was made fresh, was served in a separate monkey dish. My first bite was so good I was stunned for a minute by how tender the meat was. Always a stickler for continuity, I took a second bite to make sure the first one wasn’t a fluke. I continued this process for the next several minutes, which resulted in my sandwich disappearing in record time. I sat back, taking mental notes of my surroundings. This bodega-style eatery was quiet, with a hint of schmaltzy oldies playing in the background. The staff seemed laid back and conversed with the clientele like old friends or family.
Later on, that same evening, I got to relive this feeling when my wife had the same reaction I did after taking a few bites of the roast beef sandwich, I ordered her. Her sandwich was served on rye bread, with an added slice of Swiss cheese. Of course, I snuck a bite for continuity’s sake as well as my daughter’s potato soup; everything was top-notch. So, if you are near the TCU campus and have a craving for a great sandwich or soup, surrounded by a calming atmosphere, then I highly recommend Carshon’s Deli.
Holes in the Fort Rating Scale
Ambiance: 4 out of 5 (I was a bit confused that there was another section in the back where you can sit and eat.)
Service: 5 out of 5 (In all of my years of ordering this was the most confusing order I ever made, and it came out perfectly. Great staff.)
Food: 5 out of 5 (I would like so much to give them 6 out of 5 but I need to stay consistent with my rating scales, plus, the circumstances surrounding that day added to the magic.)
Price Point: 5 out of 5 (Most of the food items on the menu fall under $9 but there are a few pricier items. Cash only, no credit or debit cards accepted.)
Do: try out the Ruben with corned beef, it’s amazing.
Don’t: forget to bring cash or a personal check to pay for this deliciousness.
(Holes in the Fort is an ongoing series that highlights some of the city’s best local food spots.)
