It was in college that Peter De Shields passion began to take shape. A master of creative cuisine, Peter’s friends would crowd around every evening, eagerly anticipating that night’s meal. It was during this time that Peter says he discovered that perhaps economics was not his life’s calling, instead it might be the very thing he had loved his whole life – food. So Peter left his economic studies and transferred to the Culinary Academy of Westbury in New York. Upon graduation Peter was hired by the Marriott Corporation and subsequently by N.A.S.A. (no he didn’t specialize in dehydrated cuisine). There are many credits to his name but a true chef will always strive for a kitchen of his/her own and why not open one with your best friend?
Peter grew up with Scott Leifer in Long Island, New York. They attended the same high school and remained close throughout college, then ended up settling in Truckee, where they have become business partners. On the east end of downtown Truckee, the two opened Stir Crazy Deli, serving up hefty and tasty New York-style sandwiches.
When I posed the question, ‘Why open a deli a Truckee?’ Peter was quick to respond, ‘We felt there was a need for one and I couldn’t find a descent pastrami sandwich anywhere.’
But why call it Stir Crazy? The basic definition comes from 1920s/1940s prison slang meaning ‘confined with a need to do something.’ Did Peter and Scott feel gastronomically-challenged without a proper pastrami cure? Did they break free from other less tasty life-paths to go ahead and quell their ailment? Perhaps, but they claim the name refers to the 1980s movie of the same name starring Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder. The plot follows two friends who decide to leave New York and their adventures as they move our west, a fitting plot with many real life similarities. Nevertheless, the name sets the precedence for the personality of the deli.
A New York atmosphere infuses the deli: black and white tiled floors, marble rye bread, a menu named after famous New York landmarks, and diehard baseball fans working behind the counter. Of course Peter is a Mets fan and Scott cheers only for the Yankees, but that doesn’t seem to affect their deli productivity.
While names on the menu are inspired by famous New York landmarks, the items involved a lot trial and error. After all, there was the challenge of introducing New York-style deli food to a ‘meat-and-potato’ community. Ultimately the guys faced their menu challenge by following the mantra, ‘What would we like to eat?’
Oh, we’re a lucky community that these New Yorkers’ taste in food is excellent! Peter and Scott refer to their menu as ‘New York deli style with a chef’s flair,’ a description with which I totally agree. True to New York form, the menu is not lacking in taste or quantity. They feature Boars Head products which chef Peter swears ‘is the best I’ve ever tasted.’ Boars Heads boasts no artificial flavorings of fillers, instead focusing on the quality and taste of the products offered. All the meats and cheeses at Stir Crazy are also sold by the pound in traditional deli style. So the next time you feel like brown bagging, stop in to up some freshly sliced deli goodness.
Stir Crazy Deli definitely fills a need this community didn’t even realize was there before Peter and Scott came into the neighborhood. It is a pleasant surprise to the palette! So, if you haven’t had the opportunity to visit Stir Crazy Deli, I highly suggest you make the effort.
~ Stir Crazy Deli, 10010 Church St., Truckee, 530-587-9090, Stircrazydeli.com
Favorites on the Menu
Owner Scott Leifer: ‘The Joe Dimaggio’ – a chicken Parmesan sandwich topped with melted mozzarella, chef’s sauce on a roll.
Owner Peter De Shields: ‘The King’ – a classic pastrami sandwich (remember pastrami is at the root of this whole story!) with cheese and deli mustard on marble rye, which got its name from a restaurant called The Pastrami King, which unfortunately is no longer in business.
A Few Suggestions of my Own:
‘The Brooklyn’ – I have become extremely fond of this sandwich – marinated grilled tri-tip, bleu cheese and roasted red peppers on a hero.
‘The Port Authority’ – two portabella mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, marinated veggies with a balsamic drizzle (no bread).
All the sandwiches and salads on the menu are $9 or less with daily specials Monday-Friday. For dessert don’t forget to try the Black and Whites, brownies or the freshly made bread pudding.
Special features at Stir Crazy
• Breakfast: A great thing, Stir Crazy offers another option for breakfast in downtown Truckee opening at 8 a.m. and offering breakfast burritos and sandwiches for a reasonable price. At only $5 for a meal, including juice or coffee, it is by far the most reasonable breakfast on the go. Stir Crazy Deli will open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Take home dinners! Stir Crazy Deli has many – lasagna, macaroni and cheese, teriyaki chicken with steamed rice and peppers, and tri-tip and potatoes – the selection varies on a daily basis as everything is made fresh. If you would like something specific, you can call ahead and place an order. All take home dinners range in price from $9 to $12 and are portioned for two.
• BBQ kits: For summertime fun, Stir Crazy Deli will offer personalized BBQ kits, anything from seafood to chicken with your choice of marinades. Side dishes can be prepared for you as well. Prices will vary depending on your selections of course. Peter also offers his services for catering. He is currently equipped to handle 100 to 200 guests. He will customize the menu according to your needs, ‘like hiring your own personal chef.’
