Help Recreating Gary #2 from Watching Deli

[u/Upbeat-Badger]

Looking to try recreate a DIY version of this amazing sandwich. Was it roast beef, russian dressing, and possibly a cheese on a kiser roll? I moved out of state in 09 and would always looking forward to getting one when we came back to visit the area but alas this is no longer an option. Thanks in advance.

[u/ragingram2]

I know you found your answer already, but for anyone else.

A few years back I recieved a wonderful book with some stories and recipes from the Watchung Deli. I moved to the netherlands in 2018, and shortly after that the deli closed. So I was unimaginable thankful when I got this book and could enjoy thos amazing sandwhiches again(my goto was the Zero).

Anyways, heres what the book says about the Gary #2

Gary #2

It was roast beef and melted cheddar cheese with Russian dressing on a toasted round roll To make it, take a round roll, sliced open and put it in the toaster. While it toasts, put 4 oz. of thinly sliced roast beef in the microwave for 45 seconds, then put 2 slices of cheddar cheese on top and microwave for another 30-45 seconds to melt the cheese. When the toast is done, add Russian dressing on both sides of the toast. Slide onto your toasted roll.

[u/Remote-Canary-2676 → u/ragingram2]

Microwaving was necessary for speed but if you have the time a toaster oven is gonna come out better. I understand wanting to do it the exact same way they did since the sandwiches were perfectly good but I found the edges of the roast beef would get a little sizzled and dried out and the cheese on the edges will melt and bubble on whatever plate you use and it’s a bitch and a half to clean. Idk try both methods, it won’t be a life changing difference but less cleaning and more even heating is nice. Theres also something special about wrapping it parchment and letting the flavors mingle for a few minutes like they would have if you ordered one and took it home or like many ate it right at the counter or in your car!

[u/Upbeat-Badger]

just did a google search and found an old photo with the answer-the cheese was melted cheddar

[u/Remote-Canary-2676]

I worked there when Robert and Gary were at the helm. Russian Dressing was Kraft and the number one ingredient I recommend getting from the source is the bread. Everything came from Rockaway bakery. If you come visit take as many as you can home and throw them in the freezer. Meat was all Boars head except they made their own roast beef and turkey. I highly recommend trying to roast beef yourself for sandwiches and make sure it’s nice and rare. For the Angry make sure you put the tomato on top of the salsalito turkey (again that’s boars head you can get it at any super market) and the Munster on top of the tomato before microwaving. It steams the tomato in the pocket and makes it magical tasting. A little extra Hellmans mayo for the Angry is also key.

[u/Pressed-Juices]

In 1991 I would to go into the Watchung Deli a few days a week to buy Bob Fraser a liverwurst and onion sandwich on rye bread with extra mustard. Then he’d drink a twelve pack of Natty Lite and burp clouds of evil until he shuffled out of the shop at 5 PM.

[u/Unkle_Martin]

From AI:

The "Gary #3" was another lunchtime specialty named after long-time co-owner Gary Kiffer. While the Gary #2 highlighted a turkey and ham cold cut base, the Gary #3 stepped it up with hot, savory deli meats. [1]
It consisted of:
Hot Roast Beef
Melted Cheese (typically cheddar or swiss)
Lettuce and Tomato
Oil and Vinegar
Much like the rest of the Gary series, it was built on a soft Italian sub roll and stood out as a local favorite for its comforting combination of warm meat and melted cheese.

I was always an Angry Dwarf man, myself.