#83: Hot Salami (Salam de Testa) at Gioia's Deli

True, my 100 Favorites list has been a wee bit sandwich-heavy so far. But this entry isn't about a sandwich so much as the meat inside of it: the famous hot salami (salam de testa) at Gioia's Deli. Made from scratch each day from beef and pig snout, the salami is served in thick, warm slices nearly as tender as pâté.

The flavor is earthy, meaty, peppery -- everything you'd want from top-of-the-line lunchmeat. The sandwich itself doesn't get in the way of the meat, adding only cheese (pepperjack, in my case, or Provel), lettuce and tomato. Don't even think of it as a sandwich. Really, it's just a handy carrying case for Gioia's unique, delicious salami.

Gioia's Deli
1934 Macklind Avenue
314-776-9410
$7

I'm counting down -- in no particular order -- 100 of my favorite dishes in St. Louis. Some are well-known, others obscure. Some are expensive, others dirt cheap. All of them, I guarantee, are delicious. Please do not hesitate to share your own favorites via the comments thread.

Previously:

#84: Veal parmesan sandwich at Biggie's
#85: Nachos (with jalapeños and extra cheese cup) at Busch Stadium
#86: Lobster bisque at Café Ventana
#87: Calamari fritti at Mangia Italiano
#88: Brisket sandwich at Winslow's Home
#89: Paletas at La Vallesana 2
#90: Spaghetti and meatballs at Sugo's Spaghetteria
#91: The Michael burger at Michael's Bar & Grill
#92: Fried egg and ham toastie at the Schlafly Tap Room
#93: Bavarian chips with Welsh rarebit at Dressel's
#94: Onion soup at Brasserie by Niche
#95: Baby-back ribs at 17th Street Bar & Grill
#96: Kingshighway burger at the Royale
#97: Gyro sandwich at South Grand Gyro Express
#98: Carne asada tacos at El Paisano (Watson Road)
#99: Pretzel bites at Joey B's on the Hill
#100: Hot and sour soup at Shu Feng Restaurant