By LORRAINE SWANSON
Editor
Purists who mourned the loss of of the old Delicatessen Meyer's in Lincoln Square no longer have to rely on Ekrich's kielbasa for their sausage fix. Gene's Sausage Shop in Lincoln Square carries over 40 varieties of homemade smoked meats. This place is like crack.
Lincoln Square smells like meat again, thanks to the long-awaited opening of Gene’s Sausage Shop in the old Delicatessen Meyer’s at 4750 N. Lincoln.
Folks came for and wide from Florida, Milwaukee, Grayslake and Albany Park to Gene’s grand opening on Saturday, a veritable paradise of smoked sausage and other Old World delicacies.
Purists who mourned the loss of Meyer’s won’t be disappointed with the new Gene’s Sausage Shop which carries the same fine European imported foods, handmade sausage and smoked meats and prepared foods.
The delightful Luszcz has owned and operated Gene’s Sausage Shop at 5330 W. Belmont for 37 years, did a beautiful job restoring the old Meyer’s deli which underwent a gut rehab. The store boasts over 6,000 square feet of European gourmet food products and delicacies, over 40 varieties of homemade smoked meats, prepared foods and bakery.
The Luszczs’ spared no detail, from the authentic old world interior architecture including a grand staircase and copper skylight, to the custom ceiling wood shelving, natural stone walls and hints of reclaimed wood.
Gracing the grand staircase hangs the iconic, neon Meyer’s Deli sign. The second floor carries an extensive selection of hard-to-find imported beer, wine and liquor, and a deli where shoppers can grab hot soups, salads, rotisserie and sandwiches to go.
The new Gene’s Sausage Shop in Lincoln Square is beautiful. You probably won’t see this many sausages in one place outside of Wisconsin. Even though we think we may have accidentally sampled some head cheese, we resisted the urge to wipe off our tongue with a napkin.
Hat tip to Ald. Gene Schulter of the 47th Ward who didn’t let the building become another bank. Gene’s holiday hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For directions or smoked meat questions, call 773-SAUSAGE.
Lake Effect News asks, “WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SAUSAGE?”
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