Cathy2 wrote:Hi,

I give a nod to Borinquen's for inventing the Jibarito sandwich, though my preferred variant is from:

Papa’s Cache Sabroso Restaurant
2517 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL 60622
Tel: 773/862-8313

I will have to try one at Papa's. I've also had an outstanding Jibarito at Cafe y Restaurante de Pancho (2200 N. California Ave)...

Just to name a few.......

Bari Sub


Jibarito from Borinquen


Manny's Pastrami


Polish at Jim's Original


Cemitas at Taqueria Puebla


Banh Mi from La Banh Mi Hung Phat


Lamb and Beef Shawerma from Semiramis


That's a Burger with egg


Cevapcici on Bosnian pita from B & M Bakery


Italian beef/sausage combo from Johnnies


Jury's Blue cheese burger


And possibly my least favorite sandwich in Chicago, Steak Hogie from Home of the Hogie.


Enjoy,
Gary

Why does your Bari sub come with either a big slab of maguro or cranberry jelly? What is that stuff?

Mike G wrote:Why does your Bari sub come with either a big slab of maguro or cranberry jelly? What is that stuff?

Mr. G

Marinated red pepper with the sun shining through giving it a translucent appearance.

Enjoy,
Gary

It isnt the best sandwich I have ever had, But my weekly wreck, toasted twice, with extra gardinera from potbelly's in Deerfield (with the occasional italian with marinara for variety) is by far my favorite chain/suburban fix.
-Will

As long as we're extending the definition of sandwich to take in pictures of burgers, Italian beef, etc., here's the thuringer (rear) and venison sausage (front) from Hot Doug's.

Beth and I just got back from Hot Doug's, and the casing on the venison was a little thick for my (and her) taste, but the flavor was excellent. The apple/gouda chicken was also very good, with a nice honey mustard (or some other type of spicy honey).

To go with: large tater tots and duck fries. We actually much preferred the tots today. They were really, really good.

YourPalWill wrote:I raised the issue over on Chowhound and voted for the Chicken breast with bacon,oven roasted tomato and blue cheese on thin sliced toasted italian couintry bread as served at Milk and Honey.

You know what? I had this for lunch today, and I think Will is right.

Does anyone remember the restaurant Club Sandwich on Kinzie, behind the Merchandise Mart (which later morphed into Club Creole)? They used to serve a chicken Caesar sandwich which was amazing...marinated chunks of chicken that was then grilled, piled onto a toasted sub roll, which was then loaded with shredded lettuce, parmesan cheese, and a good Caesar dressing. Served with a side of shoestring onion rings...mmm...heaven! When they closed, they pointed me toward the chicken Caesar club at Bar Louise (same owners) but it's just not the same.

if you're truly interested in exploring what consitutes a sandwich, check out my website at:

sandwichmanifesto.blogspot.com

and feel free to leave a comment!

HI,

Why not contribute here with an interesting, knowledgeable commentary on sandwiches?

Just a thought!

Regards,

you got it, Cathy. You're the boss, and here's an excerpt from the site:

We put forth the following rules as guidelines for determining exactly what it is that makes something a sandwich. Is a s’more a sandwich? Is a quesadilla a sandwich? These are the questions we are in a conquest to answer once and for all. The rules have been established as a result of many conversations with sandwich experts, and we would appreciate your expert opinion. These rules are subject to change to accommodate good suggestions.


There is no such thing as a typical sandwich. A sandwich can be many things and is defined as the sum of all its parts. There are no such things as mere similarities; all similarities have meaning and everything is mutable. This is the modernist’s view. Let’s apply it to the concept of the sandwich.

Historically speaking etc. etc., the category “sandwich” encompasses all enjoyably ingestible material (be it pita, bread, tortilla) that is symmetrically arranged around the inner ingredients. The unifying concept that gives this definition of a sandwich truth is symmetry. Symmetry, symmetry….

The inner ingredients vary from culture to culture. This is, however, not an argument about multi-culturalism. I will not allow THAT shoe to drop.

The sandwich is limited in size to that which can be handled SAFELY and feasibly eaten in one setting by a human not named Takeru Kobayashi. It should be able to serve as a meal and stand alone. Here we have managed to avoid the “then a ravioli is a sandwich” critique that has been proposed to weaken the argument.

The sandwich has tops, bottoms, and sides. The sandwich must be enclosed by the same substance on either two, three (e.g. a taco) or four (e.g. a wrap) of the sides. Otherwise you get the “The Open Faced Sandwich” or “Hot Pockets,” both of which violate the symmetry common to a true sandwich.

Sandwiches were invented by the Earl of Sandwich. Popcorn was invented by the Earl of Popcorn, and salad dressing by the Oil of Vinegar. The moon invented the tides of the ocean. The sun invented natural rhythms, but civilization uninvented (no, this is not a word) it.

We know those truths to be self-evident:


Having understood these basic premises,

Recognizing that we must set aside our love or hate of the sandwich, (which implies that we ourselves are sandwich lovers or haters) we must clear any bias in order to discover truth, Celebrating cures for cancer, nuclear bangs, killer bees, earthquakes in California that make LA fall into the ocean, UFOs on the White House Lawn, the failure of the dollar, the apocalypse and all sorts of general anarchy,



A brief history of this manifesto:

In the Deep of Time, in the month of December, in the year of our Lord 2003……..


A team of mad scientists set out to hear the opinions of the experts and the not-so-experts on the subject of the sandwich.


The data was obtained through high-tech, high-frequency, ultra radioactive, magnetically CLASSIFIED and where otherwise noted scientific techniques that have been a virtual black hole of government funding for the past twenty years. I hate to tell you this, but we have actually lost every single war we have been fighting during the past 20 years as well. Sad, but true. What did you expect when, as the poorest nation in the world, we have no money to spread our imperialist STD to the genitals of those “less fortunate than ourselves”( a.k.a those tied up, bent over, and handcuffed into more compromising positions than ourselves) when the U.S. should be binging on luxury, sitting back, and farting footballs at terrorists everywhere?


Anyways,


This research was undertaken by the use of what we scientists commonly call “AIM”.

We employed the ever-inspiring “away message” technique.

It began with a very poignant question.

More than a question, it was a philosophical quest!


What exactly is a sandwich???

A) two pieces of bread with some stuff in between

B) a wrap (think pita)

C) a burrito (think Mexican Sandwich)

D) two blue adderalls with an orange one in between (but wait that’s not a FOOD group….)


Correct Answer: all of the above

Umm, Ok ...

I don't know about "best" but I had a terrific sandwich earlier today at Jerry's Sandwiches mentioned up thread this afternoon. They have some hundred sandwiches named after family and friends. This does not amuse me as it serves nothing by way of information (or entertainment) but you can always request your own. With a truly massive list of (very good) breads, fillings, cheeses, and condiments (many "homemade") you can't go wrong. Everything about my sandwich spoke of freshness and quality. I may have been a bit put off by the space and slacker staff, but I will return and soon.

As an aside, I will add, that one of the things I like best about a sandwich is the lack of commitment it involves. I can take a couple bites now, set it down, and return to it later. I'm always happy knowing I still have part of a sandwich sitting on the desk next to me or beside me in the car, quietly, readily available for my selfish satisfaction. Too bad I ate the whole thing -- I should have gotten two.

Jerry's Sandwiches
1045 W, Madison
Chicago
312-563-1008
M-F 10:30-8:00
S-S 10:30-5:00
http://www.jerryssandwiches.com/

-ramon

whoa there ramon. you forgot to tell us what was in your terrific sandwich. please spare us no details. thanks

NO!

-ramon

…sorry…i was kinda cranky yesterday…i got my reasons…think I’m holding out on you? isn’t that question awfully personal? i mean what if the sandwich catches on, and they name it the “ramon x”? how would i deal with the notoriety? it’ll be on your hands when i punch out a photographer while buying an african baby…it’ll be on your hands when my drunk limo driver (well, he’s usually more sober than myself) drives recklessly fleeing paparazzi, ending in a fiery ball of twisted metal and glass…

Well, I guess I can’t complain about something not conveying any useful information and then do the same myself. Well, I could but …

First, a couple minor notes before the meat of the matter. You can park right in front for fifteen minutes with your flashers on. Each sandwich is $7 flat (tax included) with a (very) small side. They have Zapp’s chips, Scooter’s frozen custard, Intelligensia coffee. For those conditioned to believe that the key to a sandwich is “tthhbt toasty” they can oblige. Each order comes with several large paper napkins.


The Ramon X:

American White Bread: Yeah, with a couple exceptions, this is a poor sandwich choice, but when it’s Red Hen, it makes a fine sandwich.

Pepper Jack Cheese: Normally I don’t like bits of stuff in my cheese, but the on-and-off heat of pepper jack works well in sandwiches.

Roast Turkey: You can’t go wrong with good quality turkey in a sandwich. It goes with everything. Jerry’s puts more meat on a sandwich than I would myself, but I’m not complaining. (I’m generally in the minimalist camp as Bill/SFNM and Antonius illustrate here).

Avocado: I think they scooped about half a fresh avocado on top of the turkey. Creamiliciousado©.

Lettuce: I requested only a little. I appreciate that they mix shredded ice berg and romaine together for a good balance of flavor and crunch.

Tomato: Sure it’s out of season, but when cut very thin, as Jerry’s does, I like it.

“Homemade” Southwest Mayo: Not sure what makes it southwest aside from the reddish color but I think I like the subtle heat along with the traditional mayonnaise sandwich benefits.

Ok, here it is, shade your eyes:




Seriously, I’m sure you can do better with your own selections. I was intimidated by the staggering array of choices. I just winged it in terror that I would leave with woe and regret over my hasty haphazard decisions. I think it would be a challenge to create a bad sandwich here. I’ll leave that up to you.

NB: I miss the Turkey and Ham (with banana peppers!) at Jan’s Deli long gone from Elston and all the subs from Coast to Coast long gone from Milwaukee Ave. Curse you Slubway and your brethren. Fie!

-ramon

That sammywich was food-porn-tastic.

Anybody know if they deliver? My office is West 'o the Loop, East O'Damen.

*EDIT*
If you Google them, they will come.

Not only do they deliver to my office, they're opening up a new Jerry's in spitting distance:

"We have signed a lease to open a second Jerry's in Wicker Park at 1938 W. Division. We hope to open in January or February of 2007. We're excited about this, not just for the sake of becoming a mega sandwich empire, but because it will allow us to give our ideas for Jerry's some breathing room.

The new store will offer more seating, inside and out, later hours with wait service in the evening, and an interesting selection of beer & wine."

Suck on that, Subway!

I happened to be in the neighborhood of Jerry's around lunchtime today and had a darn fine sandwich there. It was basically the Jim A (steak, bacon, smoked gouda, chipotle chutney) with the addition of grilled onions. Very tasty, though I'm not enough of an authority to weigh in on the subject of best sandwich in Chicago... YET.

Personally, I adore Jerry's and have often marvelled that it doesn't get more love around these parts. It seems tailor-made for LTH props. The only thing more impressive than the array of sandwiches is the fact that almost every single one I've had is at least very good and at best superawesome. I, too, am within spitting distance of the forthcoming second location, and am extremely excited. Here's hoping the quality doesn't dip with the expansion.

bananasandwiches wrote:Suck on that, Subway!

Well, I'll save my invective for Jimmy John's, which is one block away from the new Jerry's location on Division Street.

At any rate, that is great news. I will now have two great sandwich shops within a block of my home.*

E.M.

* No, the other one is not Janik's, it's Milk & Honey.

Brief Sando Overview

Subs: Bari, Fontanos
Jibaritos: Papa Cache Sabroso
Italian Beef: Mr. Beef and Johnnies
Chicken Sando: Milk & Honey, Goddess and the Grocer
Miscellanous: Lorettas and Disasters at Sarkis

Still need to try Jerry's and somewhere for Banh Mi.

I love the Ham, turkey, and Gruyere at Southport Grocery!

And am I the only one who's grossed out by macro pictures of italian beef sandwiches? They make me want to eat it Less.

jonjonjon wrote:And am I the only one who's grossed out by macro pictures of italian beef sandwiches? They make me want to eat it Less.

Nope, they always look terrible to me as well. Maybe it's like a DMV phenomenon and you just can't make them look good.

Ralph Wiggum wrote:Nope, they always look terrible to me as well. Maybe it's like a DMV phenomenon and you just can't make them look good.

I think that the real secret is that Italian Beefs are actually pretty gross

Before I summarize...

Mmmm.

A great Italian sub

Spring Forest Meat & Deli Shop
8390 Archer Ave
Willow Springs
(708) 839-1056

The Beefeater and Crazy Club (BLT w/ Turkey)

Starship Subs
7618 Madison St
Forest Park
(708) 771-3016
Fax (708) 771-3529

List updated!

I must respectfully submit my FAVORITE sandwich:

Joey's Sub: Imported Ham, Genova Salami, Roast Beef, Provolone Cheese, Italian Dressing, Lettuce, Tomato

Lest this sound like just another sub, it is served on very fresh sub bread with sesame seeds on it. The sub dressing is just the right mix of spices and is a nearly orange color. YUMMY!!!!!

This can be purchased at Mario's Deli, 1700 W Lake Street in Addison. I guess that they also have another location on Addison Street in Bensenville, IL as well. When you go into the Addison location, they have an entire case of homemade Italian food (pastas, lasagna, brasciole) that they will either heat up for you or you can take it home and heat it up yourself. Plus pasta salads, etc. - I digress. This is one tasty sub.

bananasandwiches wrote:"We have signed a lease to open a second Jerry's in Wicker Park at 1938 W. Division. We hope to open in January or February of 2007. We're excited about this, not just for the sake of becoming a mega sandwich empire, but because it will allow us to give our ideas for Jerry's some breathing room.

The new store will offer more seating, inside and out, later hours with wait service in the evening, and an interesting selection of beer & wine."

Suck on that, Subway!

Hrm, is that the now-defunct coffeehouse or the still-in-construction multi-use space that's going to have a restaurant/nightclub as part of it's residents? (I'd thought that was being developed at least in part by the Soundbar/Zentra/Ybar/L8 people, so I'd assume they'd use the whole thing. But who knows when that'll open - look how long it took Ohm to open. But I digress.)

I'm thinking the coffeehouse. Jinx? Was that the name?

Pete wrote:I'm thinking the coffeehouse. Jinx? Was that the name?

No, 1938 is to the west of the former Jinx space. It's the eastern half of a brand new building, with the western half being occupied by the chocolatier, Coco Rouge.

E.M.

G Wiv,

You should win some type of award for that collection of photos.

Now if you would excuse me, I have to clean up the drool off my keyboard.