Saturday, March 19, 2011

Jay's Sandwich Shop (Lincoln Park)

Ok, I realize that we've mostly only reviewed sandwich spots in Lincoln Park or Lakeview.  But I've got to show some love to the unsuspecting local 'wich shop near my apartment called Jay's.  On the corner of Clark and Drummond, Jay's is...simple, to say the least.  A cash register, soda-filled refrigerator, and 4 or 5 stools lined up near the window is about all you'll find.  But don't be thrown off by the vibe; Jay's KNOWS how to make sandwiches.  On to the review...

Italian Sub
(Ham, Capicola, Hard Salami, Provolone, Tomatoes, Red Onions, Lettuce, and Italian Dressing)




Upon ordering a chicken pesto sub, the friendly owner / sandwich engineer looked at me like I was crazy person.  "You're gonna come in here and order chicken??" he asked.  "Look at these Italian meats, buddy (pointing to the fresh salami and capicola on display).  I've been making subs for 23 years...try the Italian sub instead." I obliged without hesitation...and I gotta say, the man was spot on.  Fresh cut meat, cheese, and veggies on a perfectly toasted sub roll.  Need I say more?  Jay's has got the makings of a fine sandwich shop: great ingredients, sandwich variety, personality, and an owner who knows his craft.

Do yourself (and your tastebuds) a favor and check it out!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Pastoral (East Lakeview)

I’m going to be upfront about this—"Sinfully Healthy," the name of this sandwich, is a lie. If you want to eat an actual sinfully healthy sandwich, you are probably better off staying home and making one yourself. If you want to eat a delicious sandwich that is kind of healthy, then check out Pastora and give it a try.

Normally, I’m a quasi-compulsive healthy eater. But today, I just couldn’t face another greek yogurt or cucumber/lettuce/hummus/ pita (yes, that depressing combination is my lunch everyday). So I headed over to Pastoral (Broadway & Wellington), where I knew I could at least get some fresh, organic ingredients and not that slimy, processed garbage that they serve you at Subway. On to the review!

Sinfully Healthy
(whole wheat bread, greens, turkey, chunks of buttery soft brie, mango chutney)



Essentially, this is a damn good sandwich with slightly less guilt involved for those aspiring health freaks or New Year’s resolution dieters. Let’s be real: there is so much cheese in this sandwich you won’t notice the lettuce—or possibly even the turkey. On the upside, it was so delicious I ate the whole thing before I remembered to take a picture for the blog (hence the 'google imaged' pic above).

*Note: The sandwich makers at this place are not speedy. Last time the guy making my sandwich took so long I was ready to club him with the nearest salami. However, be advised the wait it well worth it.