<b>By Pamela Brownstein</b>

Beaufort is now fortunate enough to boast its own Groucho’s Deli. The original restaurant was started by Harold “Groucho” Miller in Columbia in 1941, and has been beloved by USC students and graduates for generations. The popularity of the specialty sandwiches, sauces, salads and original recipes led to

[caption id="attachment_15530" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0058.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-15530" alt="My Wife’s Salad Bowl" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0058-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> My Wife’s Salad Bowl[/caption]

the expansion of the store in recent years across S.C., Georgia and N.C., and local franchise owner Patrick Ragsdale said his is the 27th location.

[caption id="attachment_15528" align="alignleft" width="199"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0049.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-15528" alt="Mid East Special with chips and a drink." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0049-199x300.jpg" width="199" height="300" /></a> Mid East Special with chips and a drink.[/caption]

The Lunch Bunch has been looking forward to dining at Groucho’s since it opened several weeks ago on Lady’s Island in the spot that was once home to Upper Crust and, most recently, Lighthouse Pizza. It turns out we weren’t the only ones wanting to try it because the place was packed when we went last Friday.

Elizabeth took Patrick’s recommendation for the Mid East Special — a fat sub roll filled with lean pastrami, bologna, salami and cheese with an oil and vinegar dressing, served hot. Although it usually comes with Provolone cheese, Patrick suggested Muenster instead. Elizabeth, who frequents the Groucho’s in Charleston, also had to order a side of Formula “45” — their famous herb blend of spicy Russian and Thousand Island.

From the extensive salad menu, I chose My Wife’s Salad Bowl because it has a funny name, and our sever said it’s a popular item. The salad included healthy stuff like lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as piles of fresh ham, turkey, bacon and big chunks of diced cheese. Tossed with my choice of ranch dressing, this hearty salad made for a super tasty lunch.

Kim and Irene both enjoyed the chicken chili, while Irene also ordered the delicious Apollo Dipper

[caption id="attachment_15529" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0054.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-15529" alt="Apollo Dipper." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0054-150x150.jpg" width="150" height="150" /></a> Apollo Dipper.[/caption]

sandwich with hot turkey and Swiss cheese melted together and served with Formula “45” sauce.

Nikki tried the Low Fat Chicken Critter that comes with grilled marinated chicken breast covered with herb slaw and Formula 95 sauce on a soft, seeded roll. She said the sandwich was great, and she also really liked the side of grain mustard and pretzels.

[caption id="attachment_15531" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0056.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-15531" alt="Low Fat Chicken Critter sandwich" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0056-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a> Low Fat Chicken Critter sandwich[/caption]

For dessert, we all shared the salted caramel brownie with a pretzel crust, and it was an awesome way to end our meal.

Groucho’s Deli in Beaufort is located at 81 Sea Island Parkway, Beaufort, SC 29907. Call 843-524-4545 for takeout and catering or visit www.grouchos.com.