Bob & Wilson's

Rochelle Koff3/23/2011

Bob Workman and Wilson Devia worked together for about 10 years at Offerdahl's in downtown Fort Lauderdale - Bob as the manager, Wilson the catering manager - before deciding to start their own business. Six months ago, the personable duo opened a deli aptly called Bob & Wilson's, a tiny spot that's already a big hit in the City Park Mall, a plaza under the Fort Lauderdale parking garage (across from the Main Library).

The place caters to the downtown work crowd, serving breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday. Much of its business is takeout, but there are a few tables indoors plus better spots under shady umbrellas on the plaza. Everything's under $10, and you can order online as well as by phone or at the counter. Insiders come for the delicious, house-made soups; hot specials like roasted chicken, meatloaf and arroz con pollo; personal-size quiches; fat sandwiches; salads and Bob's cakes, including "the best cheesecake in Florida."

Quiches - ham and Swiss, spinach and feta or broccoli and Cheddar - are rich, creamy and just the right size for a light lunch paired with a salad. A half sandwich and a cup of soup is another lighter-side option. Soups change daily, but we especially like the summery tomato.

Sandwiches include classic Cuban, B.L.T. and our favorite, the hot corned beef or pastrami on rye - not mile-high but a generous stack, served with chips, cole slaw or potato salad and a deli pickle. The quarter chicken in our hot entree was moist, flavorful and well-seasoned, served with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.

Grab a slice of Bob's homemade blueberry or pound cake or, for a splurge, strawberry-topped cheesecake. Friends say they've never been disappointed by anything they've ordered at Bob & Wilson's, and after several stops, I'd have to agree.