Looking for new twists on classic sandwiches using fresh, local ingredients? That’s what defines Mudgie’s Deli (along with eccentric names for some killer sandwich combos).
“There’s always been a deli on this corner,” explains Greg Mudge, who bought this corner eatery and reopened it in February of 2008.
The deli sits at 1300 Porter St., not far from the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Trumbull Street in Detroit’s Corktown. After years as a waiter in the old deli, Mudge knew what he wanted to do with his own shop – offer new flavor combinations using Michigan-made products like Dearborn mustard, Michigan fruit preserves and more.
While Mudgie’s Deli is mostly known for its sandwiches, regulars can’t resist the warm, rich chocolate brownies topped with Calder’s ice cream and Sander’s hot fudge.
Why not bring home a little Mudgie’s magic and serve this decadent dessert to your family? You don’t even have to venture to Corktown.
For more on Greg and his popular sandwich shop, Metro Parent asked him a few questions. Warning: your mouth may be watering after reading this post!
What three ingredients do you always keep stocked in your pantry?
I live very close to a great market, so I find myself shopping on a per meal basis. I do, however, always have olive oil, fresh garlic and spices on hand in the pantry.
And your favorite meal to make?
I guess my favorite things to cook are meals I have previously never prepared myself. I’m most excited when I’m trying out something new.
We all have a favorite indulgence. What’s yours?
Yes – there is an ice cream that’s only made on Mars, and it’s out of this world. Just kidding! Honestly, my favorite indulgence only comes once a year around the holidays. My grandma makes the best pizzelle cookies ever.
What’s one of your worst cooking mistakes?
I think that mistakes can be gateways to new tastes and methods. The only times that are disastrous are when a soup or sauce gets away from you and the bottom of the pot burns. There is no fixing that unmistakable and foul taste of burnt. Start over.
What’s your favorite Michigan-made food product?
I really can’t pick only one, there are so many. I love the movement that is happening with food right now. People are really starting to pay attention to where their food comes from. You can find many great Michigan products at your local farmers market.
For first-timers to Mudgie’s Deli, what do you recommend – or what’s one item on the menu not to miss?
We definitely can do a mean New York-style Reuben and put our own house-made dressing on it.
Everyone freaks out over the Sho’ Nuff (multi-grain bread with house-roasted turkey, applewood smoked bacon, baby spinach, strawberry cream cheese and Brownwood Farms Strawberry Preserves).
I would also highly recommend the daily specials – this is where we have the most fun.
Try Mudgie’s Deli’s Iron Waffle Brownie recipe!
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. butter
- 3/4 cup of your favorite unsweetened cocoa
- 3 eggs
- 1 to 1 and a 1/2 cups sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
- 1 Tbsp. vanilla
- Dash of salt to taste
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups all purpose flour
- Directions
- Whisk eggs, softened butter, sugar and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, cocoa and baking powder.
- While stirring, slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture until smooth. Batter should be fairly thick. If batter is a little thin, add a touch more flour. You want the batter to scoop, not pour.
- Pre-heat waffle iron. No need to grease iron; the butter in the batter will do the trick.
- Add a proper portion to the waffle iron. Cook thoroughly.
- Top brownie with a scoop or two of your favorite ice cream and hot fudge.
- Dust with powdered sugar. Serve.
