Italian sandwiches

RE: Italian sandwiches (wmceaton)

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 01:31:41 GMT

Have some tea & chill.

RE: Italian sandwiches (confrone)

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:39:10 GMT

you know i love visiting this website everyday and couple times aday. enjoy looking at all the pics. but i will never post about a subject again. someone about cut my throat one time in here nasty comments to me. its a shame u cant say what u feel. someone will cut u down in a hot min.

RE: Italian sandwiches (feeglebeegle)

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:19:30 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by 2ifbyC

Up here in Portland Maine we have what we call Italian Sandwiches. Has anyone ever had one? You cannot get them outside of Portland, not real ones.[/

Most people have had "their" versions of an Italian sandwich. It depends on where one is located, it's ethic makeup, etc which really decides what version you will get.

A lot of people here seem to be ridiculing (making fun of the Maine version) you but ignore them. The bottom line is if you enjoy your Maine version then "go for it".

I would only suggest that you may want to try making your own at home with the best ingredients you can find locally or even make yourself, ie; bread. Try to avoid commercially, vacuum packed goods if possible. Of course you can find great local produce to add to it in Maine. So improvise a little, be creative and maybe you can create the best Maine Italian sandwich.

Good luck.

RE: Italian sandwiches (wmceaton)

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:00:57 GMT

Please...I lived in Portland for 5 years and have had plenty of what you consider an "italian". Please dont try to incorporate what is basically a "sub" into something that is regionally landlocked like a beef on weck.
I grew up in Boston & when I moved to Maine back in '96 I had plenty of people tell me "oh you have to try an italian sandwich". I did & trust me what I tasted didnt strike me as anything that I would make a special trip or go out of my way to eat while in Maine. Why fill up on a sub that you can get at hundreds of pizza/sub shops when there are lobster rolls and seafood to eat?

RE: Italian sandwiches (GNeedles59)

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:41:13 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by dholk

There seems to be some magic in portioning when it comes to making a really good sandwich. I buy the best ingredients I can find but my sandwiches just turn out 'OK'. I've had better sandwiches made with average ingredients because the person making the sandwich had that magic eye for portioning. There seems to be an art to it. It's really amazing the difference a skilled sandwich maker can make. If you have a skilled sandwich maker AND the best ingredients its almost magical.

I could not agree more with this.

RE: Italian sandwiches (MsDiPesto)

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:07:42 GMT

Never been to Maine, but used to work with a young guy who would visit his grandparents there in the summer. He brought in pics from his trip, and had one he called "Italian Sandwiches". Looked like big subs, but with a lot more lettuce.

RE: Italian sandwiches (hutt)

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:15:50 GMT

I think you can probably get a great Italian sandwich just about anywhere you go. Except maybe in Maine. You probably can't get a good one in Maine, it's something to do with the water.

RE: Italian sandwiches (dholk)

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:54:22 GMT

There seems to be some magic in portioning when it comes to making a really good sandwich. I buy the best ingredients I can find but my sandwiches just turn out 'OK'. I've had better sandwiches made with average ingredients because the person making the sandwich had that magic eye for portioning. There seems to be an art to it. It's really amazing the difference a skilled sandwich maker can make. If you have a skilled sandwich maker AND the best ingredients its almost magical.

RE: Italian sandwiches (Uforgetaboutit)

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:34:42 GMT

St. Petersubrg, Florida Mazzaros Italian Market 22nd North exit off I275. Take a right off the exit head West for a mile. ON the right side you have to park in the back where there are several places. For the I275 traveler it is easy to get there and won't take you five minutes to order after turning off the highway...so go ahead.

It's a busy market where the deli is wonderful. Take a ticket and order your Italian sausage combo. While your there shop around...if you can't find the Italian item your looking for...it isn't available anywhere. The balsamic vinegar or olive oils can go up to $100.00 a bottle if you want the best the world can offer. Breads, cheese, wine, meats, deli...you just don't know what to look at next. Coffee bar and seating in the garden. Napkin count:(# of napkins you use to eat) The Italian combo is about six napkins for the perfect one. They should use paper towels as they hold up better than the skinny paper thin ones.

RE: Italian sandwiches (DawnT)

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 03:15:27 GMT

If anyone is interested. I worked for two sub/pizza joints in the mid 70's and I'd be happy to post what I remember as an Italian sub. I've already posted what I recalled as a sub dressing from some notes that I used to keep on another post earlier.
dt

RE: Italian sandwiches (leethebard)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:34:22 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by fabulousoyster

Italian sanwich or submarine hero, I'm making several for the beach for July 4th:

Italian bread(I prefer without seeds)
Italian dressing like viva italian or any you like
sliced red onions
sliced red roasted peppers
lettuce
skip the tomato
genoa salami
provolone cheese

I'd add some prusittine(spelling????) not prusciutto...and perhaps a bit of balsamic dressing with Extra virgin...rather than the commercial Italian...otherwise, sounds right!!!!!...Oh and I don't mind an Italian bread with seeds...either way!!!

RE: Italian sandwiches (fabulousoyster)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:30:21 GMT

Italian sanwich or submarine hero, I'm making several for the beach for July 4th:

Italian bread(I prefer without seeds)
Italian dressing like viva italian or any you like
sliced red onions
sliced red roasted peppers
lettuce
skip the tomato
genoa salami
provolone cheese
capicola ham

RE: Italian sandwiches (leethebard)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:53:47 GMT

RE: Italian sandwiches (divefl)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:03:48 GMT

We have to go bare knuckles on sandwiches, they won't let us talk about politics anymore.

I'll tell you one thing, though, the Green Party can't make an italian sandwich worth a fig.

RE: Italian sandwiches (hatteras04)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:22:09 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

quote:
Originally posted by Greymo

Well, the best Italian sub that I ever had was in Columbus Ohio and maybe you have been there. If you ever want a great one, I will give you the address of this place.

That's OK. I don't eat sandwiches any longer.

Well i do so please let me knwo where this place is.

RE: Italian sandwiches (Jimeats)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:58:22 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by 2ifbyC

Up here in Portland Maine we have what we call Italian Sandwiches. Has anyone ever had one? You cannot get them outside of Portland, not real ones.[/

I have to respond once again, due to the fact that I seem to be the one who lit the fuse on this thread.
My reply was to give fair warning to those visiting the Portland area
that the Portland version of the "Real Italian" sandwich is like nothing else they have encountered elsewhere.
Lookit honey we are going to be visiting here for a whole week eating a boat load of seafood why don't we try an Italian that they are raveing about on Roadfood. Then to be dissapointed to find out it's a ham and cheese sub that can be found anywhere.
As I said I spend a lot of time in that area, I have some interests there. At lunch time I will frequent one of the many corner stores to grab a sandwich, one of my favorites is in the Back Bay area.
The only time I ordered one for myself and partner to take back to the job turned out to be a good laugh for us the rest of the afternoon. He said that I must have grabbed the wrong sandwiches.
We ate them, they were OK but nothing special.
Returning to the store for lunch the next day I commented to the clerk that I may have been given the wrong order yesterday and explained what I ended up with. That's when I was told "that is an Italian". Really? Yup really.
Nothing extrodinary about the rolls either, just a soft sandwich or hoaggie roll.

RE: Italian sandwiches (stricken_detective)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:16:49 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by MetroplexJim
And, please take the time to learn the idiot-proof commands of the site, like how to edit a post and delete a post.

^^I mean for real.

quote:
I think you are reading far too much into my words. They call it the "real" Italian up here, it's in their advertising. That is what I was presenting, not an arrogant attitude. It was made by the wife of a man who worked construction, it had no "politcal correct" attitude in it..she made something that caught on and from there they opened a restaurant in their home, later that became a very popular place and of course was enlarged and so on, I'm amazed at the attitude on this board. I have been on many political boards and they are known for their aggressiveness, but this board beats the cake no pun intended. BTW, I am not whoever that other poster was.......and I am not a he, I'm a she. I didn't know I was to be judged so harshly on this board. YOU people are the ones who started out berating the sandwich; I did not say anything negative about any of the hoagies, subs etc did I? I only said that they do not taste like our Italian sandwiches. Someone said it's not "Italian" that is wy I spoke of its origin. I think you are the most arrogant and harsh people I have ever met on a board; all over a stupid sandwich. My God!!!!! No wonder we have so many problems in this world. No wonder polticians can't work together for the common people; we can't even discuss a lousy sandwich without such a fuss. I THOUGHT that this would be a nice place to enjoy posting from time to time but forget about it. I have better things to do than involve myself with such a grop. Hope you all enjoy your little clique. I had hoped to share my recipe for fish chowder, but hey, I might get bashed for saying something like Haddock....one of you would surely argue with me over something. Get a life you people. Who the Hell do you all think you are anyway? Nice of you to drive somone away the first day they post. Thanks loads. Hope you're all happy.

If you think sandwiches are stupid you could be in the wrong place. There really is no clique here, that I can see, we just enjoy debating.

And yes, most assuredly, someone will disagree with your use of haddock, and will post their own recipe. And they will try yours & you will try theirs, and then you guys will say what you each thought and other people will chime in. It really is a nice community, and I don't think it can be judged by one thread.

RE: Italian sandwiches (C Turner Joy)

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:16:57 GMT

quote:

Nice of you to drive somone away the first day they post... Hope you're all happy.

You can't go. All the plants are gonna die!

RE: Italian sandwiches (2ifbyC )

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:28:27 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by divefl

quote:
Originally posted by 2ifbyC

Originally posted by Jimeats

Nope, that's about it.
A ham and cheese sub on a crappy roll stuffed with a salad, That's it.
My fist and only time ordering it I should have known when the counter jockey asked if I wanted oil or Mayo.
Many of the corner stores up there sell many of them and I've seen them prepared since and they are all prety much the same.
Chow Jim
[/quo

sorry but anyone who works in a store that sells Italians would never ask if you want Mayo on it.....not in Portland, Biddeford perhaps, but not Portland. Why do you sound so darned negative about this? So you don't like them, that's fine, not everyone does. Geez. But they sure are pretty popular with the locals and with tourists who come back every year. The bread makes it and it's not a crappy roll no matter what you say. I can't believe anyone is taking this in such a negative point of view. After you having said that the kid asked you if you wanted mayo on it, I can't believe that was in Portland. It just doesn't jive. Sorry.

The negative responses are probably based on how you presented it. To start off by saying this is the only "real" italian sandwich starts off with the premise that everyone else's sandwich is fake. To support it's pedigree, you say it was made by an Italian woman for Italian men. Do I really need to address that one? No shortage of Italian women cooking for Italian men. It's not like no other areas in the country became home to Italian immigrants and their culinary skills.

I think you are reading far too much into my words. They call it the "real" Italian up here, it's in their advertising. That is what I was presenting, not an arrogant attitude. It was made by the wife of a man who worked construction, it had no "politcal correct" attitude in it..she made something that caught on and from there they opened a restaurant in their home, later that became a very popular place and of course was enlarged and so on, I'm amazed at the attitude on this board. I have been on many political boards and they are known for their aggressiveness, but this board beats the cake no pun intended. BTW, I am not whoever that other poster was.......and I am not a he, I'm a she. I didn't know I was to be judged so harshly on this board. YOU people are the ones who started out berating the sandwich; I did not say anything negative about any of the hoagies, subs etc did I? I only said that they do not taste like our Italian sandwiches. Someone said it's not "Italian" that is wy I spoke of its origin. I think you are the most arrogant and harsh people I have ever met on a board; all over a stupid sandwich. My God!!!!! No wonder we have so many problems in this world. No wonder polticians can't work together for the common people; we can't even discuss a lousy sandwich without such a fuss. I THOUGHT that this would be a nice place to enjoy posting from time to time but forget about it. I have better things to do than involve myself with such a grop. Hope you all enjoy your little clique. I had hoped to share my recipe for fish chowder, but hey, I might get bashed for saying something like Haddock....one of you would surely argue with me over something. Get a life you people. Who the Hell do you all think you are anyway? Nice of you to drive somone away the first day they post. Thanks loads. Hope you're all happy.

Anyway, opinions differ. Offer yours up as the only true definition on a discussion board and people will discuss. Not everyone will agree. If that offends you, then you need to put your opinions on a web page where you alone can write. We disagree on a lot on this board. Despite that, it's a nice place to hang out.

RE: Italian sandwiches (2ifbyC )

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:14:58 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by 2ifbyC

quote:
Originally posted by divefl

quote:
Originally posted by 2ifbyC

Originally posted by Jimeats

Nope, that's about it.
A ham and cheese sub on a crappy roll stuffed with a salad, That's it.
My fist and only time ordering it I should have known when the counter jockey asked if I wanted oil or Mayo.
Many of the corner stores up there sell many of them and I've seen them prepared since and they are all prety much the same.
Chow Jim
[/quo

sorry but anyone who works in a store that sells Italians would never ask if you want Mayo on it.....not in Portland, Biddeford perhaps, but not Portland. Why do you sound so darned negative about this? So you don't like them, that's fine, not everyone does. Geez. But they sure are pretty popular with the locals and with tourists who come back every year. The bread makes it and it's not a crappy roll no matter what you say. I can't believe anyone is taking this in such a negative point of view. After you having said that the kid asked you if you wanted mayo on it, I can't believe that was in Portland. It just doesn't jive. Sorry.

The negative responses are probably based on how you presented it. To start off by saying this is the only "real" italian sandwich starts off with the premise that everyone else's sandwich is fake. To support it's pedigree, you say it was made by an Italian woman for Italian men. Do I really need to address that one? No shortage of Italian women cooking for Italian men. It's not like no other areas in the country became home to Italian immigrants and their culinary skills.

Anyway, opinions differ. Offer yours up as the only true definition on a discussion board and people will discuss. Not everyone will agree. If that offends you, then you need to put your opinions on a web page where you alone can write. We disagree on a lot on this board. Despite that, it's a nice place to hang out.

RE: Italian sandwiches (2ifbyC )

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:09:25 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by divefl

quote:
Originally posted by 2ifbyC

Originally posted by Jimeats

Nope, that's about it.
A ham and cheese sub on a crappy roll stuffed with a salad, That's it.
My fist and only time ordering it I should have known when the counter jockey asked if I wanted oil or Mayo.
Many of the corner stores up there sell many of them and I've seen them prepared since and they are all prety much the same.
Chow Jim
[/quo

sorry but anyone who works in a store that sells Italians would never ask if you want Mayo on it.....not in Portland, Biddeford perhaps, but not Portland. Why do you sound so darned negative about this? So you don't like them, that's fine, not everyone does. Geez. But they sure are pretty popular with the locals and with tourists who come back every year. The bread makes it and it's not a crappy roll no matter what you say. I can't believe anyone is taking this in such a negative point of view. After you having said that the kid asked you if you wanted mayo on it, I can't believe that was in Portland. It just doesn't jive. Sorry.

The negative responses are probably based on how you presented it. To start off by saying this is the only "real" italian sandwich starts off with the premise that everyone else's sandwich is fake. To support it's pedigree, you say it was made by an Italian woman for Italian men. Do I really need to address that one? No shortage of Italian women cooking for Italian men. It's not like no other areas in the country became home to Italian immigrants and their culinary skills.

Anyway, opinions differ. Offer yours up as the only true definition on a discussion board and people will discuss. Not everyone will agree. If that offends you, then you need to put your opinions on a web page where you alone can write. We disagree on a lot on this board. Despite that, it's a nice place to hang out.

RE: Italian sandwiches (MetroplexJim)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:46:07 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Pigiron

This has got to be the most annoying thread we've had here in a long time.

Not necessarily, he is a newbe. Worse, we thought he was a shill.

So, 2ifbyC, please:

1) Be particular as to "where".
2) Specify and describe fully "what".
3) Tell us "why".

We already know "who"; it is you. We all know "when" - it is when you chose to share your discovery with all of us.

And, please take the time to learn the idiot-proof commands of the site, like how to edit a post and delete a post.

That said, WELCOME TO ROADFOOD!

RE: Italian sandwiches (leethebard)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:44:51 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Michael Hoffman

quote:
Originally posted by Greymo

Well, the best Italian sub that I ever had was in Columbus Ohio and maybe you have been there. If you ever want a great one, I will give you the address of this place.

That's OK. I don't eat sandwiches any longer.

Longer than a sub???????

RE: Italian sandwiches (Michael Hoffman)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:35:24 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Greymo

I guess Italian sandwiches are quite different in Maine. I have never heard of American cheese on an Italian sub. If I constructed that sandwich, I would do away with all the salad items and add some good Italian cheeses and meats.

Apparently in some town in Maine it's a long ham and cheese sandwich.

RE: Italian sandwiches (stricken_detective)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 21:12:27 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by fattybomatty

2. The attitude you presented this with as well as the attitude of the author of the article of the origins of the sandwich (http://www.afn.org/~stan/sandwich.html). Are you two one and the same?

Ooooh. Good catch!

RE: Italian sandwiches (Pigiron)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:29:18 GMT

This has got to be the most annoying thread we've had here in a long time.

RE: Italian sandwiches (stricken_detective)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:16:52 GMT

^^While this is true, I want to point out I've never had pickles, black olives or raw green pepper on a sandwich made by my Italian Gramma. Fried Bologna, yes. Scrambled eggs with peppers or peas, yes. She never had pickles in the house, nor does she now.

RE: Italian sandwiches (leethebard)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:38:33 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by essvee

That is not an Italian Sandwich, it is a hoagie with green peppers and black olives. No one in their right mind eats a hoagie with green peppers and black olives!

It is olive oil, shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced onions (extra for me) and oregano. No substitutes Thanks You.

And putting Mayo or Ketchup on should warrant the Death penalty

Wrong!!!! An Italian sub can have any topping you want. I often add olives and hot red peppers to mine...and I've been Italian for 62 years...and ordered my fair share of subs.!!

RE: Italian sandwiches (wanderingjew)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:36:01 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by FrankBooth

quote:
Originally posted by wanderingjew

quote:
Originally posted by FrankBooth

quote:
Originally posted by tiki

quote:
Originally posted by wanderingjew

quote:
Originally posted by MetroplexJim

And frankly, I am amazed to see anything Italian north of Rhode Island; I thought all they had in Maine was "lobstah ruhls"!

They need places for the locals to eat, remember the locals are laughing at "touristas" who are eating the lobster rolls.

and PAYING for those lobsta rolls!!!

Can someone please explain to me on what you all base this idea that Mainer's don't eat lobster rolls? i am married to a mainer, raised her entire life in maine, and i can tell you that she eats lobster rolls with abandon. she went to wiscasset high school and grew up in the next town over and red's was/is still an institution. yes, tourists line up for those lobster rolls, but mainers can be found eating there all the time too (including my mother in law and wife, both of whom are real mainers). the only reason i can see not eating those lobster rolls as a mainer is if one couldn't afford the high ticket price for a lobster roll, but i can guarantee you that plenty of mainers are eating hamburgers, "steak" sandwiches, fried haddock sandwiches, fried fish, and all the other goodies from red's.
so i humbly ask for further explanation on why people think mainers don't eat lobster rolls. this has not been my experience at all... thanks fb

Davydd and I had a similar conversation about Scandinavian Food/Hot Dish, etc in Minnesota- he argues that its far and few between (even though I had no problem finding it when I last visited in 2006 and competely disagree with his opinion on that)

When I was at Reds waiting for them to open up- There was a huge line- and not one local was on the line, everyone was from out of State- I'm sure Mainers do eat lobster rolls, however they pick up the lobster at the local market and make it themselves...

Don't get me wrong, I'm a "tourista" and I love lobster rolls- whether its for tourists or not I'm still gonnna get one

Similar analogy for the Kosher/Jewish Delis in New York- You'll rarely find a local at Katz's or the Carnegie- they're all tourists-
Many of my Jewish Friends in the NYC area are in their 40's and haven't been to these Deli's since they were little kids when grandma and grandpa took them- Even now they rarely/if ever eat Jewish stuff (except a bagel here and there) and will only go to the Kosher Style local deli (that's if there are any left in their neighborhood) when mom and dad are back in town from Florida.

But the food is still outstanding and it doesn't stop me from going.

an interesting perspective. being a jew born and raised in NYC, i still go to jewish delis all the time- and katz's and carnegie are places i would never go (not because they are too touristy, though they are, but because the quality of the food is SO poor these days compared to the golden era of my youth when both were spectacular). the new 2nd ave is FILLED with jews eating gribenes, chopped liver, specials (one of the only places you can get real specials), chicken in the pot, matzoh ball soup, etc., including my wife and children and anyone else i can cajole into joining us. so maybe it is that the locals know the places to go for the best quality and freshest product.
but in the case of red's, i can tell you that in my experience of spending months and months up at my wife's childhood home and trying just about every single lobster roll i could find in maine, and that's a lot, that in my humble opinion and the opinions of an awful lot of mainers we know, that Red's lobster roll is the best of the best- prepared SO perfectly, lobster is so fresh, never overcooked, never chewy or mealy, always plentiful, snapping fresh lobster that barely needs the accompanying butter. you can get great fresh lobsters just about anywhere in maine in the summer, but lobster rolls are fickle. Red's has the advantage of HUGE turnover, very small overhead (read portapotties and only a few plastic picnic tables), the lobster is obviously prepared off site and brought to the restaurant a number of times a day. i challenge you to show me a better put together lobster roll in the state of maine- places like sea basket, harraseeket, have great lobster rolls, but they seem to fall one step short of the genius of Red's, imho. so tourists or not, i eat tons of them when possible and so do all my mainer family members... we just know WHEN to go to Red's (8:30 p.m any night but saturday and never a line). enjoy fb

I'm not disagreeing, Reds puts out a fine lobster roll....

And you're correct about the 2nd Avenue Deli- probably my favorite of the NYC deli's, however most of it's local patrons (there are tourists that do go there) are over the age of 65....
If you were take my social network of jewish friends, and the jewish folks that they know and so one and so on and so on- we're probably talking about tens of thousands people- and honestly- none of them frequent the Jewish Deli's- even if you check out the local ones on Long Island- it's all senior citizens that are there.

RE: Italian sandwiches (divefl)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:35:55 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by NebGuy

The Sterns review of Colucci's Hilltop Market in Portland, ME looks to me to concur with what the OP is saying.

"...best place in Portland to get a real Italian – the submarine sandwich unique to Maine."

"There are two kinds of Italians made here: a real Italian, which means salami and provolone topped with tomato and green pepper, pickles, onions, olives, and oil; and a regular Italian, which features ham and American cheese, as the sandwich was originally configured just over a century ago by local baker Giovanni Amato. Mr. Colucci told us that the big issue among Portlanders who make them is not lunch meat or seasoning, but bread. "A good, fresh roll is the key," he counseled. Indeed, unlike hero sandwiches of the Mid-Atlantic states, Portland's Italians are made on soft white loaves similar to the kind of bun that traditionally encloses a lobster roll … but about four times the size."

No crusty goodness that you have to tear into and give it teeth? What good is that? Are they making it baby safe? Just in case grandpa needs to gum his sandwich? Blech.