Cecile Hull’s friends always told her she was such a good cook, she should open her own restaurant.

And Winnipeg agrees — Hull’s Pastrami & Things was voted Winnipeg’s Best Deli in this week’s Your Winnipeg poll.
 

“We make everything with love, and that makes the difference", says Hull, who’s been carving up sandwiches, salads and soups across from St. Boniface Hospital for 31 years. “I was tired of what I was doing. I was doing office things, and my friends always told me everything I made was so good I should go into the restaurant business,” Hull recalled. “And here we are.” Hull was quick to thank her loyal customers, who weren't surprised when she put out a sign advertising her win on Friday.
 

Of course the Pastrami Delight is her favourite specialty, on toasted marble rye with a signature spread — mayonnaise, dijon mustard and horseradish — and piled high with meat, tomatoes, purple onion and lettuce. But with a big vegetarian focus, Hull's most proud of her salads. “The Caesar salad is the best in Winnipeg. It’s got garlic in it; everybody’s afraid to put garlic in it,” Hull said. “People come from around town for it.”

Hull now runs the business with her daughter Tracy. They’re open Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., and 2 p.m. on Fridays, at 400 Tache Ave.