Jersey Mike's, so close, yet so far

If my post doesn't make you run to this sub job, you're crazy! I must warn you, it isn't all that easy to find. Jersey Mike's has won my heart over as the best chain sub in the world. If you haven't had it, you're going to! 

I first stumbled upon Jersey Mike's while visiting Chicago (see previous post here). My husband and I arrived to our hotel much earlier than expected, and due to the one hour time difference, our bodies were on lunch time when it was really just past breakfast. Since we had already eaten our first meal we were looking for a quick snack that would hold us over until our official lunch. Down the road from the hotel I spotted Jersey Mike's and noted how weird it was to see "Jersey" in Chicago. We decided to check it out. We ended up visiting there three times on our six day trip. Crazy I know, but it's a damn good sandwich. Since then I have been on the hunt to find my beloved sub. To my knowledge there are only three that are in NY; there is a shop in Mt Kisko, and two buried in Manhattan. If you're a Jersey native then you're in luck, there are 47 locations, but that means I'd have to cross state border just to get this meaty delight. Is it worth it? I think so! 

When you arrive at Jersey Mike's you will see the sub selections are numbered and listed on a big overhead menu. There is every sub you can think of, hot and cold. Jersey Mike's claim to fame is that their subs are made just as they were originally made out on the Jersey Shore. They take pride in their fresh cold cuts and their mountain of toppings, traditionally known as "Mike's Way." This includes onions, lettuce, tomatoes, vinegar, oil and spices. To note, all the meat and produce are hand sliced, in store, to ensure ultimate freshness.

In our typical style we normally opt for what they call a #13, The Original Italian. This meaty sub is filled with provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami and pepperoni. Of course we get our sub "Mike's Way" and this is where the flavor explodes!

I dare you to not watch this video. Here you will see just how the sub perfection is built. When it comes to the oil and vinegar, my heart beats a little faster. 

Along with "Mike's Way" we get a little mayo for extra juiciness and an order of pickles on the side. Jersey Mike's will do just about any combination you want so don't be afraid to add or omit an item. Make sure to grab some extra napkins because it's going to get messy but you won't want to leave a bite behind. 

"My Kind of Town (Chicago Is)"

I'm a real foodie at heart. Not only do I love to cook but I also love to eat. Whenever my husband and I go on vacation I always do research first to find the best places to eat and new foods to try. On a trip to Chicago, last year, I discovered some must have foods that are traditional to the area. These staple items became our main stops on the trip! Although Chicago is a beautiful city to visit, the food really made the trip extra special. Television and websites don't do these foods justice until you've truly tasted it for yourself.

Here are my must try foods in Chicago:

• Chicago-style deep dish pizza. This pizza is so different from traditional NY-style pizza. In Chicago pizza is sold by the amount of people it serves. It comes out hot and juicy with not one bite lacking flavor. Each pizza starts out with a buttery dough, thickly lining the deep pan. Then layers of cheese get piled on top. Next comes your toppings, the best is the meat pie with fresh crumbled sausage and sliced pepperoni and salami. Last but not least the top of the pie gets covered in homemade tomato sauce. These pizzas take roughly 45 minutes to cook but they're worth the wait. We tried two different restaurants, Lou Malnati's and Giordano’s, both restaurants battle for fame in being "Chicago's Best Pizza" winners.  We ordered a pizza for 2-4 people and could barely get past our first slice each time. You will not go hungry at either place.

• Chicago dog. This is by far the best hot dog I've ever eaten. It is really a small meal once you get through all the toppings. A Chicago dog consists of many ingredients you've probably never had on a hot dog. This list includes, tomatoes, onions, sport peppers, a pickle, yellow mustard and neon green relish. To support all of that you have a soft, yet supportive, poppy seed bun. It is finished off with a dash of celery salt for extra flavor.  You can find these little numbers all throughout Chicago. Our favorite place to taste test was at Wrigley Field. Who can resist this colorful, jam packed, mouth watering dog? I can't!

• Italian Beef. This dripping wet, meaty, beefy sandwich will make your tongue slap your lips silly. With this sandwich, the messier the better. To build an Italian beef sandwich they take a nice hard Italian roll and fill it with slow cooked marinated roast beef. The beef sits in its own juices to stew after it's sliced so its really juicy. Typically the cook dunks the sandwich right into the pot of juices and then tops it with sweet and or hot peppers. You can eat this bad boy with a fork and knife but most people just dive right in. Make sure you have napkins! We found this goodie at Al’s Italian Beef but it is a well known and created sandwich at most small joints in Chicago.

What do you think? You be the judge!

 


If you ever get the chance to visit Chicago, I strongly suggest you stop and have one of these legendary treats. You won't regret it!