February’s Sandwich of the Month, the “Monsieur Mousigian”
Honoring the passing of one of our favorite food-world people
One of the beautiful things about working with artisan food is that nearly all of our suppliers are staffed with caring, generous folks who share our values and are a joy to work with. Last month, we lost one of our favorites when James Mousigian passed away at the age of 65. The Monsieur Mousigian, February’s Sandwich of the Month at the Deli, is a tribute to our dear friend.
James was our rep for the small artisan firm of Fra’ Mani for many, many years, and we’re pretty sure he would have loved this sandwich! For those who don’t know the name, Fra’ Mani is the cured-meat company started many years ago by Paul Bertolli, once a chef at Chez Panisse in Berkeley who’s also a kind and gentle soul. Since Day One, Fra’ Mani has been known for its high quality, and James was a remarkable and joyful part of it. I’m imagining him now with his signature pork pie hat and big smile, a smile we saw regularly at the Deli and at Camp Bacon for many years.
That said, James was more than just a sales rep. As Connor Valone, cured-meat specialist at the Deli, says:
He represented everything good about those in our industry: passionate, caring, and enthusiastic, not only about his products, but everyone he met. Being one of the warmest souls who walked into the Deli, smile wide and shining eyes glinting behind his signature spectacles, James was like a brother in meat and in spirit. It was entirely our pleasure to welcome him through the Deli front door, whether for a special event or just visiting with his family during the holidays; it made the “Traveling Salami Salesman” more personable, and among the most revered friends of ours.
Moreover, James was a kindred spirit who cared deeply about the arts, progressive causes, and the betterment of his fellow humans. He had a certain way of seeing each person as their own individual, treated everyone with enormous amounts of kindness and respect, and quickly made himself everyone’s friend. We are better for having known James, and we will deeply miss his charming presence, generous spirit, thoughtful advocacy, and big bear hugs.
The Monsieur Mousigian is our version of a French Croque Monsieur. It features the delicious Fra’ Mani smoked ham that James helped us bring to the Deli menu. The sandwich starts as a grilled ham-and-Swiss with a splash of Dijon vinaigrette on hand-sliced Bakehouse Better than San Francisco Sourdough. It’s topped off with a creamy Mornay sauce, sprinkled with Grana Padano cheese, and toasted until it’s a nice golden brown.
The Monsieur Mousigian is available every day in February. Our love for our dear friend James and his kind spirit will endure forever.
Un Monsieur, Monsieur?
P.S. We sell the wonderful Fra’ Mani ham that’s on the sandwich—sliced, by the pound—for anyone who wants to take it home and make sandwiches of their own!
