The Tampa Bay area has a large number of first class restaurants, but not as many New York style delis as I would like. (Admittedly, I’d like one on every block.) There’s Jo-El’s Delicatessen & Marketplace (Jewish), European Goodies (Polish), and Mazzaro’s Market (Italian) plus a number of ethnic markets (Bosnian Bakery, Cafe Mozart, Dong A, and many others), but there’s a new place that is fast becoming a favorite of mine and has already earned a secure position in the company of the aforementioned establishments: Stella’s Deli & Gelato, in Gulfport.
Stella’s (3119 Beach Blvd., Gulfport Fl 33711; 727-498-8950) is open Tuesday-Thursday, 7am-3pm; Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 7am-3pm and 5pm-8pm, and closed on Monday. They have a breakfast and a lunch menu and, as their name states, deli supplies (lunch meats, etc.) and gelato. But, my favorite items on their menu are their potato knishes and their pierogi.
A friend who ate there recently told me of an item she had that was on special: a potato knish, sliced horizontally, with pastrami and cheese stacked inside the two halves, sandwich style. Doesn’t that sound good?
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Thanks for writing about Stella’s! It’s a great addition to Gulfport.
Thanks, Ester. I remember sampling their food before they were even open. They’d set up a table at the Geckofest (I think that’s when it was). Their hot blintz was so good, I knew I could hardly wait until they opened. It seemed like they’d never open, but then they did and I’m so glad. I really do hope they prosper. You’re right, they’re a great addition to Gulfport.