Pondering a Po Boy

So this one came to me sort of randomly. A list of the top sandwiches I’ve ever had. 

I guess the first thing that this requires is a definition of the word sandwich. Does a wrap count? No, I think it does not. Do tacos count? No, not unless they’re wrapped like a wrap…which would make them a wrap, no? Sandwiches, I think, require bread. 

Next: is this a list of best sandwiches in general, or specific sandwiches? I think it needs to be a hybrid. Do homemade sandwiches count? No. Do hamburgers count? Also no. I think they’re a different breed.

So without further ado:

1. Peace Maker Po Boy Sandwich, Acme Oyster House, NOLA: Fried oysters, fried shrimp, lettuce, tomato, and tobasco mayo. Traditional Po Boy roll.  It was wonderful on every level to sit at the bar at Acme Oyster House, drink a local brew, and enjoy this fantastic sandwich with Colleen.

2. The Vermonter, Noonie Deli, VT: Ham + cheddar+ green apples+ honey mustard+ homemade bread= sandwich of my dreams. This was #1 for a very long time on my list, and then New Orleans happened. 

3. Purple’s Pleasure, Noonie Deli, VT: Turkey, Bacon, Tomato, Red Onion, Avocado, Jalapeno Peppers and Cheddar melted with Lettuce and Garlic Basil Mayo, homemade bread…another fantastic work of sandwich art from the Noonie Deli.

4. Porkroll, Egg, and cheese on a bagel: This New Jersey classic deserves a spot in the top five no matter what else happens…this is the one that stays no matter how great the next sandwich is. Find it at your local 24 hour diner!

5. Cheese Steak, Jim’s on South Street, Philadelphia, PA: because you order it “Wiz/wit” and you need a million napkins to keep yourself clean as you eat it and walk down the street.

* While Jim's continues to reign supreme in my mind, Pat's is a very close second. It probably knocks everything down a peg below this, but I can't discount the deliciousness of L Gormet, so Pat's stands as a cheesesteak related footnote of mmmmmm.

6. Smoked Sausage Sandwich, Mighty Quinn’s BBQ, Manhattan, NY: When you walk in, you’re immediately taken with the smell of smoke, and you know you’ve got real barbecue.  The sandwich is made on rolls that come from down the street, its substantial, the sauce is fantastic, and they serve beer.

7. Pulled Pork BBQ, Pigman’s Barbecue, Kill Devil Hills, NC: While the quality of the meat isn’t up to snuff with High Cotton, their easy style and killer hot Carolina Barbecue sauce puts them over the top. That, and the tradition.

8. Pulled Pork BBQ, High Cotton BBQ, Nags Head, NC: Their BBQ sauce leaves a little to be desired, but the meat is tender and delicious. They do so well on their meat, and on their hush puppies and barbecue beans, that the lack of a proper Carolina Barbecue Sauce can almost be overlooked...almost.

9. Italian Sub: A real one. On a real sub (or hoagie, I guess) roll. No nonsense, no pretty boy crap, just lettuce, tomato, onion, salt, pepper, oregano, oil and vinegar.  Hot peppers optional.

10. Almost anything at L Gormet, Beachwood, NJ: A little out of the way place that does FANTASTIC work with food.