There’s nothing better than a sub sandwich, and in my opinion, I’ve discovered the best one this side of Jersey, if not in the whole world! Well…..that may be a bit of an overstatement since I’ve not traveled the entire Earth, but I’ve certainly found the best sub sandwich in my own hometown.

The first time I ever tasted such a treat was in 1995 when I made my first ever trip to New York City. I went with a friend who was born and raised there and drove a cab for over 20 years before he relocated to my area. Needless to say, as a native New Yorker, he knew all the tricks and I got to see the city in ways that went beyond the usual boring tourist routine. But one of the greatest things about the Big Apple is the food. And during the ten days we were there, I got to sample many different cusines from around the world, having many exquisite and elegant dinners. But for lunch each day, it was simple: subs and beer. No matter where we were, in any of the city’s boroughs, or across the Hudson River in New Jersey, all you we had to do is walk in any convienence store or market and get a sub made to order. I’d never had anything like it before, and I feel in love with them, and one of my greatest regrets in having to come home was no more subs.

Now, however, things have changed in my area with the arrival a few years ago of a wonderful franchise: Jersey Mikes. There, you can get the real deal, the real thing. The first store called Mike’s Subs was a mom and pop operation on the seashore in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, opened in 1956, and eventually bought by a 17 year old employee in 1975. And he has turned it into a nationwide operation of over 450 stores.

My own personal favorite is #13 on the menu, The Original Italian with Provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami and pepperoni, made Mike’s Way with onions, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and spices, which includes basil as well a good old salt and pepper. And I always get a giant one, a 13 inch monster which not only feeds me my dinner but leaves some left over to carry to work the next day. The best thing of all is that I no longer have to drive 700 miles to get a real sub sandwich since the closest store to me is only five minutes away. And since it’s almost time for my supper, I think you know where I’m headed right now. So, see ya, bye ya, and watch out #13, here I come!