All Hail Guigni's!

If you know anyone in my family or if you have ever been to Napa Valley then chances are you have had a sandwich from Guigni's. Not one Christmas in the Shaw family has gone by without the exchange of Guigni's gift certificates. I cannot say how long Guigni's has been around, but it's been years. And it's a local favorite.

They used to sell cigarettes there. If your check bounces, they'll tape it to the counter. If it's your birthday, it's written on butcher paper and taped on the window facing Main Street. Want a sugar rush? They're loaded with trillions of candies and treats. They sell booze. It's a down-right American Institution.

When you walk in, it's as if you have gone back in time. The walls are covered with random memorabilia spanning many twentieth century decades. Celebrity autographs are taped on various shelves. Business cards of locals are stapled along the hallway leading to the back alley entrance. Some are so old, they are brown... This place has got charm, history and passion for damn good sandwiches.

The deli case holds at least 30 different types of meats and an equal amount of cheeses. You make your selection and someone slices them to order. The meats and cheeses (notice that this is plural) are then passed down the line where the magic happens...

You have a choice of breads like Sweet Rolls, Onion Rolls, Seeded Rolls, Jalapeno Cheddar, Dutch Crunch and more. The breads are made fresh in Napa and delivered daily. The options from there are endless. This is what I always get:

• Smoked Gouda


• Black Forest Ham


• Peppered Turkey


• Seeded Roll


• Mayonnaise (Homemade!)


• Lettuce


• Tomato


• Onion


• Avocado


• Sprouts


• Pesto (Homemade!)


• Guigni Juice

Always say 'yes' to Guigni juice. It's a homemade vinaigrette with herbs and they even bottle it if you wanna take it home.

So, how do you Guigni?

All Hail Guigni's!