It was the end of summer’s first heat wave and nearing the noon hour. Attempting to miss the lunch crowd I hopped on the scooter and headed south to a deli spot I had spotted West of Rainier beach high school. As I pulled up I noticed that it doubled as a used car lot, good to know if my ride should be jacked while I ordered. Much like my adventure at the Nhuy café I entered the Rainier Beach Deli and café to find men playing computer games, chain smoking and some just staring off in to space. This deli featured a nice lively poker game and a fish tank so filled with algae that the fish past in and out of the scene like ghosts. The wall was adorned with a nice picture menu of the many sandwiches to choose from. They must of recently gone through a pricing overhaul, $ 2.50 was scratched of each sandwich and big red 3 written next to it, damn inflation. I ordered the meatball sandwich, and was warmly greeted with a blank expression from the girl behind the counter. I thought holding up four fingers might help, this time I got a blank expression with a tilt of the head, progress. I finally just pointed to the picture and we were on our way. The microwave and toaster were swift and hot; I can only pray the refrigerator works as well. I sat on my scooter eating my sandwich and looked over the used cars for sale. From the poker table came a round of applause as cigarette smoke came billowing out of the barred window. The bread was good, the jalapenos nice and spicy to make up for any real flavor in the meatballs. I figure it tastier and a better value than Subway, you have about the same chance of mild food poisoning. If you are looking to trade in your stolen car and get a quick sandwich at the same time, I can’t think of a better place.