Sula Deli and Coffee Shop

August 12, 2010
This evening Linsey and I visited the Sula Deli and Coffee Shop at 1605 E. 7th Avenue in Ybor City. Luckily Linsey drove. But I fear walking in Ybor City more than I fear driving in Ybor City. That is probably because I am a magnet for beggars. They see me, a conspicuously tall, somewhat blonde anglo chick and immediately identify a target. I must fit their profile for someone who has a couple bucks in her pocket. Linsey must also fit the profile: red hair, glasses, snazzy purse. So as we walked just one block over to the Sula, we were approached by two beggars. I guess I fear them, because if they have the guts to go up to a perfect stranger and ask them for money, they might also have the guts to just stab me and take the money. So I immediately respond, "no, sorry," in order to minimize interaction time and bolt in opposite direction. If not accompanied by a vicious attack dog or a large burly man, I feel quite vulnerable on the streets of Ybor.

Once safely inside the Sula we meet a sweet Saudi Arabian boy behind counter who takes our order. I don't typically find the Middle Eastern look particularly attractive, but this little fella had a certain charm about him. We order our coffee first. I get cafe con' leche with caramel and Linsey gets ice coffee ( only $2.29 which Linsey points out is cheaper than McDonalds and served in big "medium" cup!). Both were served with whipped cream and drizzled with a little chocolate. How decadant! Then Linsey blurts out, "so what is good to eat here!" The foreign waiter points out the most popular dishes, so I order the Falafel and Linsey orders the Gyro. I notice cuban sandwiches are also on the menu along with Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich. Kind of a global smorasboard represented on menu.

We sit down in a booth and wait for our food. This gives us time to absorb the ambiance. I like the cool paintings on the paneling over each booth/table and the red brick wall behind the "bar". Linsey notes the slight aroma of Pine Sol and old mop -- we debate whether or not this is a good thing (that they are clean and use Pine Sol) or a bad thing (that they NEED to use Pine Sol)... Due to spotless appearance of place and the amount of traffic it surely gets at two a.m. when the bars close, we decide it is a good thing. We note somewhat apprehensively that we are the only ones in the joint, but figure this is because it is more of a lunch establishment, and late night hang out. We arrived at dinner time.

Our waiter brought out two amazing pita sandwiches, large and full of food. My pita was overflowing with this unbelieveable mixture of crunchy fresh falafel pieces and lettuce and hummus and God knows what else, but it tasted absolutely fantastico! I ate the whole thing up and slurped down that Cafe Con leche like it was Vitamin Water. Linsey said her pita was equally excellent and by the time I was done devouring my dinner, I noticed her plate was licked clean as well.

I asked our order taker if he was Sula, he smiled and said, "no!". Then an older gentleman walked by and asked us how we liked our food. We both had mouthfuls of pita, so we nodded and made our eyes bulge out a little to express our approval without words. He then went outside to hang out in front of the store. That was when Mr. Saudi Arabia told us that that man was Sula. Ah, yes, Sula the Great. He walked with that air of authority. Linsey commented that the food was Sulicious. I agreed, unable to top her coined word.

While the owner was away our new friend, Mr. Arabia, began to tell us his life story which I found fascinating because usually the customers spill their guts to the bartender. Still, his story was way more interesting than ours. Having traveled across the southeast, he made his way to Sula’s Deli after having first won a “Best Sandwiches!” prize from the prestigious Medianoche Institute, the acclaimed culinary training camp for baristas with executive chef aspirations. As part of his honors thesis, he invented the ChocoMochaChewy Latte, a unique concoction that is not quite coffee and not quite candy, and which remains “under review” by the patent office. He also trains birds. Or, something like that. We may have been distracted by the sandwiches. Actually the music was a little loud, plus he had an accent and I'm not sure any of this paragraph contains valid information.

So overall, our trip to Ybor was definitely worth it and both of us were wanting to make a return trip to Sula's. The number of tic tacs required after our meals was only one, but two would have probably been better. Our fullness rating was 10 (on scale of 0-10, zero -- starving and ten - topped off). And another great thing about Sula's was the affordabilty. My total bill was eight dollars and something cents! Not bad. Five cups of Joe for the Sula. Plus there is an Urban Outfitter store right across the street! I bought a lovely peacock T-shirt for only $9.99!