Quest For the Perfect Sandwich
Sandwiches from Club to Earl to Dagwood
Who knew the quest for the perfect sandwich was such a popular obsession?
When I was younger, I used to love watching old movies. It always seemed at some crucial moment, the characters would congregate in a well-appointed living room to review the facts or clues the story hinged on. Enter the female lead, carrying a silver tray of coffee and sandwiches. (There's a lesson about the importance of presentation here, folks.)
As a kid, those scenes cemented forever in my mind the importance of a perfect sandwich and a cup of coffee. It seemed clear that this was the nosh of sophisticates. (Okay, did I mention I was young?)
Well, here we are, once again witnessing the rise of the sandwich. Having discussed the merits of the perfect fried fish sandwich (Jasper White's Summer Shack) just yesterday afternoon, the topic is top of mind. It seems I am not alone in my adoration of this iconic item.
- Epicurious editors and staff are debating the issue.
- MSNBC lays claim to the perfect BLT. My perfect BLT: Pancetta or Niman Ranch bacon, heirloom or other farm stand tomato, ditto: lettuce, good white or light wheat bread toasted lightly with homemade mayo.
- Club sandwiches build on the BLT, but few offer improvement, however. Who needs all that bread?
- If you're ever in Boston, you have got to try Neptune's Lobster roll. Get the hot version with butter. Don't eat it every week, your cardiologist will never know.
- Vietnamese sandwiches or bánh mì, are becoming increasingly popular well outside the Vietnamese and Chinatown communities where they're found. Combining savory meats and crisp fresh veggies in an inexpensive sandwich, they have gained legions of devotees.
- Cuban sandwiches, too, have gained popularity far from Miami. Even in El Norte, as far from South Beach as the "Peoples' Republic" of Cambridge Cuban sandwiches have fans, even a restaurant known for them. My money's still on the ones we ate in South Beach.
- What's the perfect cheese for grilled cheese sandwich? I'll give you a hint.
My favorite sandwich memories include:
- The perfect hot open-faced turkey sandwich (white bread underneath). Oh yes, gravy on the fries, too please. My college diner did it best.
- Po Boys in New Orleans. Go to Mother's.
- Baked bean sandwich. Cold leftover baked beans on white bread, with thin rings of onion. I know "white trash" isn't PC but it is my family I'm talking about here.
- Spam on toast with mustard. Hey, it's a Hawaii thing. Gaining respect, too.
- Fried Taylor Pork roll or bologna on white toast. Mustard. Hey, it's a New Jersey thing. Not gaining a whole lot of respect, but Chowhounds know a good thing when they chomp it.
- And last but certainly not least, my Grandmother's simple but endearing egg saladsandwich. Her eggs were always perfect and I think the Japanese mayo added something.
- For locals, there's a new shop that's an homage to the sandwich. Check out my first stop by the All Star Sandwich Bar.
