Largo's Deli Diva Gets Perfect Scores for Cleanliness

Known for its pastrami sandwiches, Largo's Deli Diva  is one of just 62 restaurants in Florida to earn perfect scores in its state restaurant inspections for 2012.

The downtown Largo deli is the only one in Pinellas County to receive no safety or sanitation violations for 2012 from state restaurant inspectors, according to ABC Action News.

"When we were told we were also the only restaurant in all of Pinellas County to receive this distinction, we realized that the long hours and hard work are very much worth the effort," wrote Chef Anne Money Buck in an email.

Buck also posted the news in an announcement on Largo Patch.

Gov. Rick Scott sent the deli a congratulatory letter in December for "having no safety or sanitation violations within the past year during inspections conducted by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation," according to the letter.

"When we first heard, we were very pleased, but as it sunk in and we realized that we were one of only 62 restaurants in the whole state to receive this honor, we became even more excited," Buck wrote.

For the downtown deli, its all about quality food and great customer service.

"We're in our fourth year, so we've developed a nice following of regulars who have become like family to us ... We have a great mix of local residents, local business people and  annual snowbirds," Buck wrote.

"Many of our northern customers tell us our pastrami is even better than Katz and Carnegie delis in New York, and that is quite an honor. Our customers think of us as the "Cheers" of Largo, only with great food in place of the beer!" Buck wrote.

If you go to Deli Diva:

• Address: 707 1st Ave SW, Largo
• Phone: 727-389-8861
• Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

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