What do you think of when you think of Memphis?... Graceland? ...The Heartbreak Hotel?... Elvis Presley? Probably, but we're not going to talk about any of those things today. This is a sandwich blog people. If you want to talk about "The King" you should probably go else where. Jeez, I know I said I'm here for you guys but REALLY, let's stick to what I know. And that's sammiches.

Today's delicatessen was that by the name of McAlister's Deli. It's one of the bigger chain of delis around right now, but it's got some history. Want to hear it? Here it goes. Unlike alot of the other restaurants talked about on here McAlister's is still a pretty young company. Don Newcomb a dentist from Oxford Mississippi decided to try his hand in the delicatessen business and after some years tracking winners and losers he decided to enter the game with something different. In 1989 with his two sons, Don came up with the idea of a deli that had speedy service with a "side of southern charm." They opened their first store in a converted gas station in Oxford and McAlister's took off from there. In 1995 it was recognized by INC. Magazine as one of America's fastest-growing, privately owned companies. McAlister's Deli can now be found all over the country offering a menu of over 80 items including their famous "home brewed" sweet tea and lemonade.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is a very casual mixture of an old school/modern day, saloon/soda shop if you can dig. Can you dig? No seriously, I've got this whole I need dug in my back yard and I'm looking for some cheap labor. Anybody...? Anybody...?

Alright, now to the goods. The sandwich for today was the Memphian. ("Ohhhh, that's what that Memphis thing was about...") You guys are too quick. The Memphian is a sub type sammitch consisting of layers of choice roast beef, ham, turkey and melted provolone cheese on a 6" wheat hoagie, "dressed" with lettuce, tomatoes, spicy mustard, and mayo. Looking back I'm not really sure why it's called the Memphian. Is Memphis famous for bad ass sandwiches with lots of meat on an awesome hoagie with lots of spicy mustard? Cause if they are, the name makes all kinds of sense. If not, then it's just kind of a weird name for a sandwich if you ask me. Luckily no one did. But I digress. The sandwich was good, I'm not a HUGE roast beef fan, but it all blended nicely together, and the mustard was a nice kick of flavor to an other wise semi-dull sandwich.

As far as price went it was pretty much average I guess. The Memphian came with chips and a pickle for 5.75. I didn't get any of their famous sweet tea (I'm not a big tea drinker), but I've been with folks who are hard core tea lovers and they informed me that this tea definitely lives up to the hype. It's 1.57 for a 32 oz glass. Or you can buy a gallon for 5.00. Ye Haw!

Now when it came to service, I've usually always had good experiences at McAlister's, but today it was a little shady. So, I call in my order (yes, I had to work again, I'm always at work) and I go to pick it up. I'm like five minutes later then when they actually told me it'd be ready so I know my food was ready to go. I get there and stand in front of the to-go counter, my food in a bag an arms length away, and about four McAlister's employees walk by me without even acknowledging that I'm standing there. They continue serving the people in the regular lines for a few minutes and then eventually say "can I help you?". Can you help me? No, I just thought it'd be fun to come and stand by your to-go counter and count the number of times someone orders no onion on their sandwiches. Continue what you're doing McAlister's employees, I've counted four so far. Ok, sorry, I'm done venting. Other then that, it was alright. I'd go back.

Oh, I also wanted to throw in that McAlister's offers a great military, cop, and fireman discount. If you're in uniform you get 50% off your order. So suit up folks and get some grub.

On a normal day they'd probably get a gold star too, but because of the line situation I'm going with a silver star today. (But lets face it girls, we all like silver better anyways don't we?) That's enough for now folks, keep the Rock-a-billy flowin'. Until lunch time folks, good night and good eating....

Opa Opa! Which apparently means a variety of different things in Greek. But nothing that would offend your grandmother so yell away! Unless of course you're yelling it your grandmother and she speaks German and then she'll just be confused. (Cause Opa is grandpa in German! Duh! Don't they teach you kids anything in school these days? Besides how to used those ipods of course. Conform! Conform!) OPA!!!! In case you're just really dense and haven't caught on yet, today's sandwich is a Grecian themed one.
Our sandwich, or ouo (sandwich in Greek), is from the Acropolis Four Stars Grill. Now before I move on to the whole history segment of this rambling, does it bother anyone else that it's called the Four STARS Grill instead of the Four STAR Grill? Maybe it's just me, anywho lets continue. The Acropolis is owned by a "young" man by the name of Teddy Kyriakidis. Don't you just love last name? Kyriakidis. Rolls off the tongue, I love it. Teddy came to America in 1951 (An immigrant!I wonder if the government knows about this?!?) and brought with him the tastes and smells of the foods from the streets of Athens and hills of the countryside. "The hills are alive with the smell of gyros, la la la laaaa, with a smelled they have smelled for a thousand yeeeaaarrrrssss....." Sing it Julie Andrews, forget music, sing about food! You go sista!
Teddy is also the head Chef there at the Acropolis but more often then not when you go there to eat he will be at your table at some point through out the meal making sure everything is ok. Opa!
As for my sandwich, I ordered the Souvlaki Sandwich and I'm pretty sure I really jacked up the pronunciation, but that's ok, I threw in an occasional Opa so they wouldn't know I wasn't Greek. The 'sandwich' was not a typical american type sandwich. Can you believe it? The nerve of those Greeks serving me an unamericanized sandwich! Don't they know this is America? (Kidding of course, and hopefully you've caught on by now to the sarcasm relating to some of the ridiculous things that have been said in the past week about this whole immigration thing.) Anyways, my sandwich consisted of Marinated chicken, sauteed with onions, on pita bread with lettuce, tomato and tzatziki (cucumber/yogurt [it's the ranch of Greece]) sauce. It was really quite fabulous. The chicken was tender and seasoned to perfection and if you have never tried tzatziki sauce, you're really missing out. You could tell the pita bread was home made, and all the veggies were super fresh. It was a light, fresh, yet very filling 'sandwich.'
The price wasn't bad either. For 6.95 you get your sandwich, a good portion of REAL fries, and a cup of soup. Not too bad if you ask me. The service was great, again I was on the way to work so I called it in and they had it waiting for me when I got there.
Now I have to tell you the best part of this whole experience. When it was time to take my lunch break I went to the fridge to remove my bag of food, and I experienced something I've never felt when eating take out food from some where.
I reached into my bag o' food and pulled out the container that had my sandwich and my fries in it. (Which was great and all, but it gets better) Then I go to the brown paper bag that I assumed had my cup of soup in it and I seriously felt like I was unpacking a lunch from elementary school. That probably doesn't make sense but, I had that feeling like "I can't wait to see what kind of fun stuff my Mom packed for me today." And you know when you open it up and you find that she put two packs of your favorite fruit snacks in it and you feel so loved? Anyone? Anyone feeling me?
Anyways for those of you that do, that's what this was like. I opened the bag expecting to only find soup, but to my surprise found homemade bread (three different kinds) wrapped up nicely with a little dish of their homemade cinnamon almond butter (yes it's as amazing as it sounds) and two little peppermints. I'm not making this up whilst I'm writing, I felt like a school kid again. And even though I'm sure they do it for everyone, I felt so loved.
I don't think I can give a restaurant any higher of a complement then that. When I opened up my lunch I could feel the love. It's like their menu says "Eating Greek means dining on food that is bursting with flavors, feasting with family and friends through good times and bad, celebrating life with an attitude and an appetite. Greece, it's food, and it's people promote a warm sense of hospitality and the ability to live life to it's fullest extent."
I don't think I have to say it but definitely got my gold star. (Have you people yet to watch Reno 911? I told you watch, learn it, live it. I wasn't kidding ; )
Until lunch time folks, good night and good eating....

Mama Mia Pizzeria! I was going for a whole Italian feel to start this one off but I've failed miserably realizing too late that I'm not at all familiar with anything Italian. (unless the Olive Garden counts witch I'm sure it doesn't) Anyways, I tried a fun little joint today called the Gondolier Pizza and Italian Restaurant. Now settle down folks don't get your granny panties in a bunch. I'm sure you're thinking "But Theresa, this is a sandwich blog, how quickly you've lost sight of what is truly important. Where will we turn now for our daily dose of delicatessens?" They serve sandwiches too. (And the masses said: "OOOHHHHH....AAAHHHHH") They actually have quite a large array of specialty sandwiches, but I'm getting ahead of myself. A little history lesson for you first.

Gondolier was first opened by a Mr. Bill Sioutis in 1974 about 20 miles from me in Cleveland, TN. Really quick before I continue, is Sioutis an Italian name? Hold on I'll google it. Talk amongst your selves. Ok, sorry about that, it is in fact an Italian name. Ok, now I can continue without being distracted.
Starting out as a small town family owned pizza show in Cleveland, (still there today, I've been there) the restaurant has expanded to about ten different locations with a menu of over 50 items that go above and beyond pizza.
As for the atmosphere of the place, it's like stepping back in time. Definitely a family run operation still to this day. Picture if you will a dimly lit, cozy restaurant that has definitely started to show its age. Walking through the doors looking to your right you can see Cousin Joey and Uncle Vitto sitting at the booth "playin' cards," both of their eyes fixed on the TV playing the boxing match. Old Mr. Siotis sitting by him self at a table with a cigar and a beer not really sayin' notin' to nobody, but watchin' everybody. It's awesome, you feel like you might witness a mob transaction or something. Don't get me wrong, it's a perfectly friendly place. You can tell that love has kept it running all these years, but isn't the picture I painted a fun one? I guess I should get to the sandwich.

Today I picked out something I'd never tried before called the Malibu Chicken Sandwich. Not what you saw coming from the Italian restaurant was it? It was good though. It consists of a huge Grecian style chicken breast grilled perfectly, topped with ham, melted provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and dressing; served on a bun. It was really really good, it had a very Greeky feel to it. The sandwich was huge and was served with some bad ass seasoned fries. I know that alot of you out there would probably order it minus the onion. I normally would as well (not a big fan of the raw onion), BUT you don't notice it and it really blends all the flavors together for that great Grecian taste.
As far as price went, I have to say this is where I got the most food for my money. The other places I've told you about thus far have been sandwiches and chips for over six bucks. At the Gondolier I got my sandwich (huge) and lots of fries for $4.75. It really was a great deal.
As far as service went, I was pretty pleased. I called in my order ahead of time (I was on the way to work) and they had it all ready when I got there. All in all it definitely gets a 'd'oro stella' from me. (that's 'gold star' in Italian people, eatin' and learnin' don't get no better then that folks!) Until lunch time folks, della buonanotte (good night) and buono nutrire (good eating)...

After my attempt yesterday to share with you my Jason's Deli experience, today I am less then thrilled to try and recreate my witty ramblings once again. But I care about you the people and I want you folks to be informed so I shall try again.
Jason's Deli is the restaurant I visited yesterday and today (got a different sandwich today don't fret). First a little history about the joint. The first Jason's Deli opened in 1975 in Beaumont, TX by two fellers (we are talking about Texans after all) by the names of Joe Tortorice and Rusty Coco, who at any given time can be found spending more time behind the counter serving customers, then behind their desks of their now multi million dollar franchise. Starting with just one store and a 12 item menu Jason's Deli is now in over 18 states with over 75 stores and a 60 item menu.
The atmosphere of Jason's is reminiscent of that of a 50's dinner or a soda shop with red vinyl seats and chrome accents. Over half of their stores are still family owned and operated. Every time I have visited Jason's Deli it has been pretty busy but they offer plenty of seating in booths or tables, inside and out. The amount of people frequenting Jason's speaks volumes for their food but can sometimes slow down the service.
As for the sandwiches.
Yesterday the sammich I enjoyed was the Santa Fe Chicken Sandwich, consisting of marinated chicken breast, homemade guacamole, bacon, tomato, russian dressing, swiss, grilled on whole grain branola. If you are at all into food of the south west tex mexy persuasion you have got to try this sandwich. The flavor in the tender chicken breast along with just the right about of homemade guack blends together with all the other ingredients to create a flavor fiesta grilled between the perfectly contrasting bread that is branola. I tastes like a mouth full of wonderfulness. (If you're not a mad TV fan, that Stuart reference probably went right over your head and you thought of me as ignorant for a moment, it's ok I forgive you) Don't mess with this sandwich either, it's fine just the way it is!
The price on this one is slightly higher then the fire house sub, but portion wise is definitely worth it. Not to mention the entire menu is trans fat free. Then again a bag of Lays sour cream and onion has no trans fat either so who the hell really knows what the deal is with that. Anywho, the sandwich is 6.25 and is served with chips and a pickle (mine was limp). I highly suggest the baked lays with this sandwich, the salt on regular chips takes away from the flavors of the sandwich. Drinks are another 1.75.
As for my sandwich today. I wish I could be as enthused to tell you about this one as I was the last. Today I went for something totally different (I want variety for you people, see how much I care?) Today's sammich is actually called a Muffaletta. No, I didn't just call your mama a name, apparently its the name of a sandwich originating in New Orleans. It's served on a sesame seed bun type deal and has oven roasted turkey breast (you can get it in ham and hard salami if that's more your thing) with provolone and home made olive mix. It's grilled and served with chips and a pickle (limp again). Now, don't get me wrong, there are probably people out there who would enjoy this kind of thing. Probably the same people who eat black jelly beans and salt on their water melon. Nothing wrong with those people, just not my kind of thing. The bread was ok, kind of hard, the turkey was great, the cheese was good, but the whole "olive mix" thing was more then I could take. It is basically black and green olives chopped up and mixed together and put on the sandwich where a nice piece of iceberg lettuce should go if you ask me, but hey, I just eat the things, I don't make em'.
Now, if you decide this sandwich is for you, the price is decent. A whole Muffaletta (again, nothing against yo mama) is 9" across. So you could easily feed two people with one, or maybe just one person if that person is yo mama! Ha Ha Ha! Ok, back the subject at hand. A whole Muffaletta is 9.75, a half-muff (4.5" for those of you match impaired) is 6.75, and a quater-muff (which is all I got thank the dear Lord above) is 5.25. But if you ask me, don't try the Muff. It's Muffaletting gross.
All in all the service was good. The first day with my Santa Fe sandwich I tried ordering it to-go hoping to speed the process along. Didn't work. However, right was I was about to lose faith in the 18 year old boy with a hair net who took my order, he offered me a free drink on the house for the wait, once again restoring my faith in man kind. Today with the Muffaletta I took it to the next level and called in my order on the way there. Arriving at the to-go door I quickly noticed it was the same hair netted dude from the day before and I was slightly embarrassed. ("Does this chick never eat at home? And why is she always alone in those ugly light blue pajama looking things?" he thought to himself) But as I went through the door and approached the counter he greeted me with my sandwich (nasty as it was) and a smile saying "Hi, Theresa." He remembered my name! I'm sure you're not, but I was impressed.
All in all Jason's Deli definitely receives a gold star from me. (Reno 911 reference people, watch it, learn it, live it!)
As for me, I should probably get some real work done. So good bye for now my fellow sandwich lovers. Untill lunch time, good night and good eating....

Well folks I had a whole damn thing all wrote out about todays sammitch and the wonders of technology have made it all go away. What's a girl to do? I shall try again another day. Peace out peeps- Theresa

So I have decided to blog about something I truly enjoy. Sandwiches or sammitches as I like to call them. I love them. Probably my favorite food group. I go to lots of different places all the time to try all different sandwiches and I feel since I consider myself quite the connoisseur of sandwiches that I could pass my knowledge on to you, the people (at least the three of you who actually read this blog). If you, the people, have any interesting sandwiches or your own personal favorite feel free to leave me a note so I can try them and see what I think about them. For today's sandwich.... The New York Steamer Sub from Firehouse subs. First off, Firehouse Subs is a chain in 1994 in Jacksonville, FL by two brothers who were fire fighters. The atmosphere of the restaurant leaves you with a sense of American pride and the courage to go home and put out a fire. (that may be stretching it a little) It's a very relaxed kind of joint and the employees there were very friendly. (highly unusual this day in age especially from people 16-22 but don't get me started on kids these days)
Anyways, as for the sammitch. It consisted of corned beef brisket and pastrami made famous by the delicatessens of NYC and served hot with provolone, mayo, spicy mustard and Italian dressing. It was served on a white bread sub style roll and steamed to perfection. The flavors of all the ingredients steamed together were really really great. I never really considered myself a corned beef brisket or pastrami fan but this was truly amazing. Don't be one of those people who are all "I want the steamer but can I have swiss instead of provolone and honey mustard instead of spicy, and can you add some banana peppers to that?" Eat the sandwich the way it was intended to be eaten. Leave it alone! Anyways, if you're looking for something filling with a GREAT flavor and not the same ol' same ol' subway sandwich, this is a good option. It comes in a 8" and a 12".
As far as price goes, it was pretty comparable to alot of the other stuff out there today. For a meal (sandwich, chips, and soda) it was like 6.98. Not too bad. I would say probably pass on the chips and soda (especially if you're just taking it home) and splurge on getting the large sandwich. It's worth it. All in all my Firehouse sub, New York Steamer was a great experience. I'll keep you posted on their other subs and many more sandwiches to come. Until lunch time, good night and good eating....