Now that the snow has subsided, at least a little bit, you no longer have an excuse to sit at home and eat bread pudding — or whatever it is you eat at home.

Katzinger’s Delicatessen (another option), located at 475 S. 3rd St., serves a large selection of fresh-baked daily and “not-so-daily” breads, and all things deli-like with the finest and freshest ingredients, which — for the most part — are sandwiches and some traditional Jewish fare.

This German Village deli has become an institution in Columbus, with people coming from all over just to visit. President Clinton even opted to eat there rather than at a fine dining establishment, when he was in town a few years ago.

The inside of Katzinger’s is a bit cluttered yet still attractive. One half of the front room is filled with various exotic cheeses, breads, oils, spices, etc. The rest of the building has the feel of my kindergarten classroom at Rose Hill Elementary (Represent!), but with wood floors and coffee. Someone just went a little crazy with the construction paper decorations.

The Greek Salad ($2.75 side — $7.75 large) was above average compared to others I’ve eaten in the past, although it was lacking in flavor. What really stood out was the freshness of the vegetables. They tasted like they were just picked off the vine, and considering there is about seven feet of snow on the ground, I thought that was quite impressive.

The sixty or so sandwiches here use the highest quality ingredients (do you see the theme here?) but as a result they are expensive.

Co-reviewers Ryan and L-Jo went with Marrigene’s Meal of Fortune ($8.75 quarter pound — $10.50 half pound). “I liked the sourdough bread a lot, but it wasn’t a good sandwich for picky eaters because of all the s*** inside,” L-Jo said.

Ryan, on the other hand, was more than satisfied. “The ingredients were quality and the applewood bacon was awesome. The bread was fresh. The smoked turkey breast was as moist as Michael Jackson’s lips with a five-year-old around,” he said.

I tried Phil Katzinger’s Club ($8.50 quarter pound — $10.25 half pound) and have to agree with Ryan about the bacon. It really complemented the chicken salad well, which was very hearty — and they didn’t overdo the mayonnaise. The honey mustard dressing was exquisite and actually looked and tasted more like honey than mustard for a change.

Co-reviewer George, who will from now on be nicknamed Scallop because of an incident a few years ago in Salt Lake City (don’t ask), tried Mimi’s Melody ($7.25 quarter pound — $8.75 half pound) and said “The quality and ratio of ingredients was appetizing. I would order the same thing again if I didn’t have to give a pint of blood every time I come so I can afford to eat here.”

Everyone agreed the pickles were a definite high point. The garlic and dill pickles cost 40 cents apiece but are free with the purchase of a sandwich. Scallop questioned the sanitary integrity of a giant pickle barrel in the center of the restaurant, wondering if homeless people ever wandered inside and stuck their arms in it, but everyone else felt the setup was safe.

For dessert we shared the Fudgie and Blondie brownies ($1.50 apiece). “The Fudgie was not freshie. It was dry and old,” Scallop said. The Blondie was slightly better because of the walnuts mixed in, yet the same dryness issue arose.

Katzinger’s is holding a French cheese tasting on Tuesday March 18 at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $12.95 a person, but space is limited so you need to call 228-3354 for reservations. They also are having an Alpine cheese tasting on April 22.

The deli is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Carryout, as well as box lunches and catering, is available.

Katzinger’s will accommodate the palate of even the most sophisticated sandwich lover, but they’ll have to dish out about 10 bucks.

Nicholas Gill is a senior in English and journalism and can be reached for question or comment at [email protected].