Trail Blog
July 01, 2010
IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Agatha Fertitta McCall
Fertitta’s Delicatessen is a remaining stalwart in Shreveport’s old Blue Goose District. Behind the counter of this mom-and-pop Italian grocery stands Agatha Fertitta McCall, the third generation of Fertitta to operate the restaurant. She was, in fact, born above it.
McCall is the daughter of Papa Sam Fertitta, inventor of their signature sandwich, the Muffy, not to be confused with the muffaletta. “The muffaletta gets its name from the bread,” she says. “The New Orleans original is a cold sandwich that uses Italian cold cuts with provolone cheese.” Its olive mix is chunky and heavy on the olive oil. The Muffy is a hot sandwich made with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella, American cold cuts, mustard, and, the pièce de résistance, Papa Fertitta’s Famous Olive Mix, which can be purchased by the jar. Lighter on the oil, the olive mix is made of fine chopped olives, vegetables, and other seasonings.
The Muffy is a Shreveport must-eat. Stop in to say hello to McCall and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Muffy by ordering one of your own. (They can also be shipped.) 1124 Fairfield Ave., 318.424.5508, www.papafertitta.com.
Want the recipe for Fertitta's Muffy Sandwhich?
