Deli Sandwiches at the Beach

A typical fun day at the beach just isn't complete without really good deli sandwiches.

I grew up in nearby Marin County and we went out to the beach all the time. Mostly to Stinson but sometimes further up the coast to the Pt. Reyes beaches, or to Doran and Salmon Creek beaches in Bodega Bay. Our picnic feasts consisted of chips, salads, cookies, and of course, scrumptious deli sandwiches. Once in a while we’d bring the charcoal and barbecue hot dogs or hamburgers, but for me, the deli sandwich is still the quintessential meal for a day at the beach.

We’d pick them up at Perry’s Deli in Fairfax or Lagunitas Market out in San Geronimo Valley. I have many fond memories of juicy turkey or roast beef sandwiches on hard sourdough rolls, with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, jack cheese, mayo and mustard dripping down onto the white deli paper on my beach blanket below, and sometimes with a little sand blown in for extra crunch.

Out here in Bodega Bay, I’ve found the very best old-fashioned deli sandwiches are actually to be found in the nearby small town of Valley Ford. If you’re coming out to the beach, I encourage you to stop first at the Valley Ford Market, on Hwy. 1, about 10 minutes before you get to the coast.


Valley Ford Market is family owned and operated. Dennis Becker, his adult sons, mother-in-law, and other family members all provide friendly service with a smile. Michael Becker said his family purchased this historical market about three years ago after running the famous Bateman’s Meats in Petaluma for 35 years. He said Valley Ford Market is about 60 years old and they plan to carry on its tradition of providing a wide variety of general store supplies for the local ranching community and hundreds of tourists headed for the coast.

Dennis Becker and his son Michael

In addition to sandwiches, they have fabulous local meats, poultry, seafood, Dennis Becker's famous smoked salmon and homemade sausages, groceries, video rentals, coffee, and an incredible dessert case filled with locally baked cakes and pies! My favorites are the carrot cake and the toffee crunch cake (you can click to enlarge the photos!).


Back to the deli sandwiches. They offer traditional favorites as well as their own combos such as the popular Tri-Tip sandwich with mayo, onions and swiss on a toasted roll; the Chicken Club with chicken, ham, cheese, bacon, mayo and lettuce on a toasted roll; and the hot Volcano with roast beef, peppers, jalapenos, onions, swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, on a toasted roll.





This is the Chicken Club:

The turkey was a little skimpy on mine, but I’ve noticed that all delis seem to be cutting back on meat, including Bianchini’s, Lucchesi’s, Safeway deli, Subway and others.

This is also the market I mentioned in a previous post that carries my and my sister’s favorite Smokey River Barbeque Sauce. You might want to pick up a bottle or two while you’re there.

As you can probably tell, I’m a real sandwich lover and believe me, I also have an appreciation for newer, innovative varieties. Our panini machine is in constant use, producing favorites such as smoked turkey, pesto, roasted red bell peppers and jack cheese on focaccia bread.

But I still maintain there’s nothing like a really good “old school” deli sandwich for a trip to the beach.

Valley Ford Market
14400 Highway 1, Valley Ford
(707) 876-3245