With fast food chains and “concept restaurants” de rigeur, there isn’t much room left for traditional delis and lunch counter places. If you’re feeling nostalgic, hungry or both, you gotta check out this staple in the middle of an Oak Park, Michigan neighborhood to get some love and your hunger satisfied at the same time.
Ernie Hassan, third generation owner of Ernie’s Market, holds court in the back of his small grocery store, educating the first time customer, reconnecting with others, building gargantuan sandwiches, spreading his love and generally bringing a smile to every customer’s face that walks in the timeless grocery store. You aren’t in the store more than a minute or two before you hear Ernie shout out “Who loves you baby”? It almost feels like you’ve been cast into a Kojak episode.
While the experience of Ernie’s Market is “fun”, the sandwiches keep the loyal customers coming back. You can order a $3 or $5 sandwich and Ernie takes the order verbally right as you
wait as there are no menus. Building a sandwich with as many as 4 meats, 3 cheeses, sliced vegetables and a variety of condiments, the customer is KING and decides how messy their lunch will be. First timers do not get their sandwiches cut in half and have to “wrestle” the sandwich to see who comes out on top. My first attempt to finish the $5 sandwich failed miserably and I look forward to the opportunity to try again.
If you’re looking for a unique experience and a sandwich as big as it is good, check out Ernie’s for some nostalgia and great deli food. You won’t be sorry. Ernie’s Market is located on the northwest corner of Capital and Republic in Oak Park. ENJOY !!!
Author: Robert E. Mattler, Green Agent Man, Representing GreeningDetroit.com
Associate Broker, Attorney and LEED AP BD+C, is Director of Green Brokerage at Armada Real Estate Services in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Bob is also Senior Correspondent forwww.greeningdetroit.com He speaks, writes and blogs about emerging sustainable real estate issues in Michigan and elsewhere. For more information, contact Bob at Armada Real Estate (248) 855-1221; or by e-mail: bmattler@armadarealestate.com
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