Moto Deli Cruising Into North County With Gourmet Sandwiches

Former Stone Brewing Co. executive chef Alex Carballo, who's now a partner in East County's URBN St. Brewing Co., is adding another project to his plate. Carballo and local entrepreneur Mario Warman are launching the flagship for a new gourmet sandwich concept, Moto Deli, in a 1,200-square-foot space on Highway 101 in Encinitas that is revving up for a January opening.

Appropriately, the motorcycle-themed shop will offer delivery service via scooter; its menu of gourmet sandwiches will be built on housemade ingredients, from fresh bread to roasted and smoked meats, freshly-fried chips, pickles and condiments. Though the fast-casual eatery will allow for custom-built sandwiches, Carballo's pre-curated combinations include porcetta with kale, lemon, crispy capers, smashed white beans, grilled rapini, pickled chilies and smoked garlic aioli and a twist on a Cubano made with house smoked brisket; local yellowtail, cooked then preserved in olive oil, will feature in an eight-inch sub with jalapeños, oven dried tomatoes, avocado, cabbage, pickled carrots and sambal aioli. There are also soups, salads and protein bowls. And naturally, with his beer background, there will be local craft brews.