"The Panini sandwiches are awesome."

They would be manager June Calhoun's suggestion for those who are new to Elliotts' Off Broadway Deli at the Airside Business Park.

The sandwiches feature thick bread that is grilled in a sandwich press machine. "The grilling really brings out the flavor of the meat and sauces that go on them," she says.

The Italian sub also is a customer favorite.

But, Calhoun says, whatever customers choose will be a good choice because everything is made fresh daily. The meats are sliced fresh daily and the salads also are made fresh everyday.

Other choices include bagel melts and a variety of subs.

Salads include turkey bacon and chicken breast. Customers also can choose from a variety of sides like chips, French fries, apples, oranges, fruit cups, vegetable cups, cookies and soups.

A different soup is featured each day. Chicken noodle is available on Mondays; potato on Tuesdays; chili on Wednesday; Italian wedding on Thursday; and a tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich special on Fridays.

In addition, Calhoun says at times, she will make homemade soups such as stuffed cabbage, stuffed pepper, minestrone, vegetable beef and spicy cajun sausage.

She says the potato soup is so good that some customers call ahead to order it on Tuesdays.

Elliotts' also serves breakfast, as it opens at 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday

Many employees in the business park stop by to pick up bagels, egg sandwiches, toast and omelets at the deli, which seats 36.

And, Elliott's also offers catering services.

The atmosphere also is a little different than most sub shops. Going along with the off-broadway theme, the deli features posters of Casablanca, West Side Story, Mama Mia and Cats.

The deli, which is a franchise, has been open in the Airside Business Park for three years, but Elliotts' actually is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

It all began when George Pulice converted a bowling ally coffee shop in Downers Grove, Ill., into a popular deli restaurant in 1986. Now, the delis are located throughout Illinois, Wisconsin and Pittsburgh.

Dave Gaybauer owns both the Airside Business restaurant and another located at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, which has received a food safety award from Allegheny County Food Advisory Board.

The Airside deli has been named one of 14 finalists for the 15th annual Excellence in Food Protection Awards, which recognize food establishments that go beyond the minimum health code requirements and undertake extraordinary efforts in food safety and sanitation.

The food advisory board includes a group of food industry representatives who work with the health department to promote food safety.

The winners will be selected by an independent panel of judges and announced at an awards ceremony during National Food Safety Education Month in September.

For more information, call the deli at 412-472-0777.