Blinks Deli, which opened just two months ago, is already a favorite stop for everyone who walks or drives by its convenient location, the corner of 35th Street and 43rd Avenue at the foot of the newly reconstructed Honeywell Street Bridge, WHICH

connects Skillman Avenue and Northern Boulevard. Combining a great location with an excellent array of breakfast and lunch items, Blinks Deli is the place to stop in for delicious cold or hot meals served in the blink of an eye, all at reasonable prices. Stop in just once and Blinks Deli is sure to become one of your favorite places to eat.

Spiro Kaloudis, the young, energetic proprietor of Blinks Deli, prides himself on the fact that all his food is prepared fresh each day, with a lunch time steam table selection that changes every day to accommodate the steady clientele. I marveled at the cleanliness of the eatery, where there are quite a few tables for dining. The place absolutely sparkles and makes for a pleasant atmosphere in which to eat, even if it’s only for a quick lunch. If you can’t get out, Blinks Deli will deliver to you. In fact, many local businesses receive the menu of specials each day via fax and then call in their orders for quick, free delivery.

Breakfast is served from 5 a.m. Almost any kind of omelet to suit your fancy is made right on the spot, to stay or to go. Three-egg omelets are filled with ham, cheese, Nova lox, spinach, peppers, onions and more, and Blinks will add home fried potatoes and toast for the same low price of $3.75. Fluffy scrambled or fried eggs and bacon can be piled on a roll, bagel or English muffin for a quick breakfast on the go. Don’t forget the French toast, pancakes and homemade oatmeal too.

Not long after the breakfast crowd has subsided, a hungry lunch crowd converges on Blinks Deli. Pounds of the finest Boar’s Head cold cuts are sliced fresh to create customized sandwiches on your choice of bread, roll, Italian hero or rolled in a wrap. Some specialty sandwiches such as the Soprano, a combination of grilled, sliced Italian sausage, roasted red peppers and provolone cheese, have rapidly gained popularity. Blinks Special sub is layers of fresh roast pork, melted Muenster cheese and special mustard dressing with a side of homemade potato salad for $6.50. A panini sandwich called the Calabrese is an Italian favorite, featuring pepperoni, salami, provolone, roasted red peppers and lettuce. The grilled chicken sandwich is another popular choice, served straight up or with your favorite toppings. In contrast, the Vegetarian is packed with tomatoes, mozzarella and roasted peppers, topped with basil and balsamic vinegar. Panini sandwiches are served with sweet potato fries.

If you crave a hot lunch, Blinks Deli has a wide variety of entrees on their daily steam table. For about $6.75, choose from moist, succulent roasted pork, roast top sirloin of beef, roast turkey, roast ham, sliced brisket of beef or homemade meatloaf. Daily specials may feature a fresh fish of the day, such as the scampi style halibut steak that I devoured. It was surprisingly fresh, flaky and delicately seasoned. Other fish dishes include fried fillet of sole or golden shrimp, sweet deep-sea scallops and fish cakes. All hot entrees are served with potatoes and vegetables or seasoned rice, salad and Italian bread. The mashed potatoes were creamy and delicious. I tried a side order of their chicken noodle soup and found it matched my homemade version. The prices for these complete hot meals are comparable to those of a fast food place, but here, you’ll enjoy real, home-style food quickly served in a friendly manner. The hot lunch entrees are so good; some people take them home for dinner.

Blinks Deli is open six days a week from 5 a.m. till 6 p.m., closed Sundays. You can dine in at one of their shiny, clean tables or have your meal delivered to your home or office. Think about Blinks for your next catered event for your business function or family party. You can customize the menu and everything will arrive fresh and hot to delight your guests.

Put Blinks Deli on your list of stops during the busy days ahead. Give Blinks your fax number to receive their list of daily specials. Their great food, convenient location and great prices will keep you coming back again and again.

the place absolutely

sparkles and

makes for a pleasant

atmosphere in

which to eat

Blinks Deli

43-01 35th Street, Long Island City

718.392.6155 / 718.392.6154