Sandwich Beauty

1022 South - Croque Monsieur

2011-06-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

It's official. As of June 9, 2011, I am officially off the market. I am absolutely, head over heels in love with a sandwich. I know it sounds sad and wrong on many levels, but trust me, it is oh so right. The Croque Monsieur Panini at Tacoma's craft cocktail lounge 1022 South had me at hello...and first bite.

Sure, he looks great on paper, what with his applewood smoked ham, cave aged gruyere, dijon mustard and bechamel sauce on a toasted potato demi baguette. But what really got me was what was on the inside...so, the applewood smoked ham, cave aged gruyere, dijon mustard and bechamel sauce! With every bite all I could think was, "I really hope this sandwich never ends!" Unfortunately, the panini did end, but I know that this is just the beginning of something very special.

The picture doesn't do it justice, but this place is so choice.

Great specialty drinks with house-made bitters and botanical infusions.

P.S. - Is that balsamic Jesus?

Bacon Avocado Sandwich 2.0

2011-06-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

Lets face it, we all love a good remix. It's practically second nature to take the best of one thing, combine it with a newer, better thing to make one giant awesome thing...its math, I have it all written down somewhere, I can show you later. For example, who among us can say they haven't busted at least one or two moves to R. Kelly's Ignition Remix? (I'm listening to that genius as I write this!)

The point is, remixes make life (and dance parties) more fun and Chris T. proves that with his Bacon Avocado Sandwich 2.0. He took his prior culinary invention, added turkey and tomato and got the party started...in his mouth. Oh, and did I mention it's all on sour dough? Yes!

Thanks Chris T.

...and R. Kelly :)

Gillian

Bacon Avocado Sandwich a la Chris T.

2011-06-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

Another day, another sandwich from my second favorite chef*, Chris T. I'm not sure how I could have made it through finals week back at Western Washington University without Chris' arsenal of culinary masterpieces including, among others, his famous BBQed bacon wrapped asparagus spears. I'd describe them now, but that's another blog altogether.

So once again, Chris T. has graciously contributed his genius to Sandwich Beauty! I present The Bacon Avocado Sandwich. This sammie is just how it seems...but better! As we all know, natural law dictates that bacon goes with everything (and transversely, everything goes with bacon) thus, Chris paired the simple bacon foundation with honey mustard dressing and feta cheese!

Thanks Chris!

*first favorite chef : my mom

Gillian

Stadium Thriftway Pantages

2011-06-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite things about living in Tacoma's historic Stadium District are the fact that the late Heath Ledger graced the halls of my alma mater Stadium High School in the 90s movie The Ten Things I Hate About You, and the delicious pre-made sandwiches featured at the local grocery store, Stadium Thriftway.

When pressed for time, and out of dinner ideas, I simply cannot resist the Pantages (named after a nearby theatre). The grilled, buttery focaccia bread gets me EVERY time, I swear. I also can't help but love the perfect combination of turkey, roasted red peppers, sun dried tomato pesto AND basil pesto all smothered in muenster cheese...I mean, come on, heaven! It almost makes me want to sing...

I love you baby! And if it's quite alright, I need you baby!

(photo: Heath Ledger)

Gillian

Liz Lemon = Girl After My Own Heart

2011-05-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Photo : Liz Lemon

"I believe that all anyone really wants in this life is to sit in peace and eat a sandwich."

Liz Lemon

Not only have I been told that Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) is my celebrity doppleganger, she also shares my undying affinity for everything sandwich.

Gillian

The Oregon Trail of Sandwiches - Part 3 - McKeown's Restaurant & Bar, Seaside, OR

2011-05-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Turkleberry Sandwich

Seaside, Oregon is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous - and that goes for their sandwiches, too. After a short drive from Portland to Seaside and after checking into our hotel, my fellow travelers and I decided it was about time to explore the small ocean town and its cuisine.

Located just on the other side of our hotel (give or take a parking lot or two) was a fun looking place called McKeown's Restaurant and Bar. After reading the silly and Steve-Urkel-rhyming name, I could not deny the Turkleberry Sandwich which begged the question, "Did I do that?" In short, YES.

The Turkleberry is composed of several thick slices of turkey breast, smooth cream cheese, fresh greens and a delightfully sweet marionberry spread all on a hearty baguette. Anything that tastes just like the day after Thanksgiving is definitely for me! Delicious! The cool cream cheese and sugary marionberry combo really made this sammie.

(Steve Urkel)

Gillian

The Oregon Trail of Sandwiches - Part 2 - The Side Door, Portland, OR

2011-04-17T15:53:00.000-07:00

Ham and Egg

The Side Door in Portland was great! The Ham and Egg bagel breakfast sandwich was divine not only because it tasted so 'durn good, but it was made with a sliced hard boiled egg! The bagel was the perfect combination of soft + chewy + shiny bagel outer crust. I recommend this sandwich along with one of the Side Door's famous fresh squeezed mimosas!

On a side note, anytime I can drink a cup of black coffee from a 'vintage' Garfield glass mug, I am 100% content with the world.

Gillian

The Side Door

Happy National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day!

2011-04-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

(Photo: Chris T.)

April 2nd is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day! That's right, an entire day dedicated to one of America's favorite sandwiches. To commemorate this joyous occasion, my good friend Chris created his own version of the PBJ - the PBBBJ - Peanut Butter Banana Bacon Jelly sandwich!

A great twist on a classic and the perfect way to celebrate! Thank you, Chris!

Gillian

The Oregon Trail of Sandwiches - Part 1- Big-Ass Sandwiches, Portland, OR

2011-03-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

(photo: Elizabeth E., hand: Michael W.)

(photo: www.foodcartsportland.com)

Sure, Virginia may be for lovers and Montana has a rather large sky, but Oregon is simply yummy - especially Portland.

As promised, I have returned from Portland with much sandwich abundance and will be presenting each find in a four part series lovingly titled "The Oregon Trail of Sandwiches." And, although no one died of dysentery and we never once ran out of bullets, the rations on this Oregon Trail were ALWAYS generous.

First stop on the trail, Big-Ass Sandwiches in downtown Portland for a small, after hours meal...which is exactly the opposite of what we got. Such a deliciously huge and hugely delicious bunch of sandwiches! The particular sandwich featured above, The Big-Ass Breakfast Sandwich, was devoured in less than three minutes. Boasting a deceivingly simple design, this breakfast sammie, containing only scrambled eggs, bacon and home-cut fries (YES, fries!) was beautifully semi-enclosed in the most gorgeous grilled ciabatta roll in town. It was equal parts mouth watering, greasy, silky and amazing.

Retired to rest with full bellies. On to bagel sandwiches and axel replacement.

Gillian

www.bigasssandwiches.com

Nordstrom Cafe Bistro - Bistro Club

2011-03-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

(photo: Colin P.)

A big thanks to Colin P. for thinking of Sandwich Beauty while on a recent visit to Nordstrom's Cafe Bistro in Tacoma. According to Colin, the Bistro Club which includes sliced chicken breast, organic baby greens, bacon, Roma tomato, avocado, French green beans and garlic aioli toasted on rustic bread, it was fantastic! He especially enjoyed the aioli and that the chicken was not "fake" but more like it was carved right off the bird and put directly onto the sammie.

This confirms my suspicions that sammies + shopping = heaven.

Thanks Colin!

Gillian

http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-restaurants

Sandwich Drought!

2011-03-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

Lack of updates! Not to worry - I am heading down to Portland this very weekend to visit my other half, Elizabeth and will surely return with sandwich abundance!

Hopefully going here - Big Ass Sandwiches yes yes yes!

Gillian

Dock Street Sandwich Company - Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast Sandwich

2011-02-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

Located in the heart of the Museum District in gorgeous Tacoma

My Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast Sandwich

Sandwiches + Groceries = Anything/Everything you could ever want/need

Elizabeth's Bacon and Egg's Classic Breakfast Sandwich

The Dock Street Sandwich Company is not only a great sandwich stop, but it is also a small grocery market geared towards serving the residents that live in the condominiums above.

Although Sundays mean the Dock Street Sandwich Company operates off a limited breakfast menu, they do offer pre-packaged non-breakfast sandwiches in the cold case. I believe these can be taken to go or toasted on the grill.

Dr. Seuss didn't raise no fool, so I went for the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast Sandwich. Wow, it was to die for. My sandwich included Black Forest Ham, scrambled eggs, pesto and provolone cheese all grilled together on my choice of Texas toast. My only problem with the sandwich is that I wish it were bigger! Elizabeth suggested the Texas toast limited the size. Honestly, I didn't need anymore sandwich, it was just so delicious that I wanted more! Elizabeth enjoyed her Bacon and Eggs Classic Breakfast Sandwich on Texas toast as well :)

www.dockstsandwichco.com

Gillian

The Grilled Cheese Grill - The Hot Brie

2011-02-15T15:40:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I visited my best friend Elizabeth and her crew down in Portland, Oregon. I had the absolute best time going out to local bars, randomly meeting former NFL Quarterback Drew Bledsoe, visiting the Oregon Zoo and spending time with the ones I love. However, as the end of my sales-tax free dream approached, I realized that I hadn't experienced even one Oregonian Sandwich!

Largely in part to Elizabeth's quick thinking and dedication to all things sandwich, and after a group slow clap/"Grilled Cheese Grill" chant, we were able to make a 2:00AM Grilled Cheese Grill run.

(Image: http://pnwcheese.typepad.com/cheese/2009/05/the-grilled-cheese-grill.html)

I know what you're thinking, "Grilled cheese? Really? I could make that at home and be in bed in time to watch Portlandia," (look it up kids). But wait, before you hate, I have to tell you that this was not your grandma's grilled cheese. In fact, I'll be damned if this wasn't the best grilled cheese sandwich I ever done had.

If you are looking for the classic-two-pieces-of-bread-with-cheese-in-the-middle, consider The Kindergartner, with your choice of Portland French White Bread or Daves Killer Cracked Wheat Bread, and either Tillamook Cheddar or Classic American Cheese. But if you are looking to have your commemorative Oregon Ducks socks knocked off, go for The Hot Brie!

Besides getting to eat it inside of a mural-tastic school bus converted into a dining area, I had the pleasure of experiencing the most delicious combination of melted brie, roasted red peppers, fresh tomato and spicy brown mustard all enclosed in the most perfectly toasted two pieces of sourdough on earth. It was the drippiest, meltiest brie I have ever had which made me thankful I was eating it in front of good friends who wouldn't judge me for having it all over my hands and face and going through nine napkins (yes, I counted them, it was just that messy). My only qualm with this sandwich is that I could not for the life of me taste the spicy brown mustard and I really wanted to! I think it would have been a nice accent to all the creamy brie. Such is life, but at least there was a side pickle!

You must go there. Today. No excuses.

www.grilledcheesegrill.com

Gillian

P.S. - I saw a giraffe.

Sugee's Box Lunch Co. Country Baked Ham

2011-02-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

A neatly packed surprise box

My lunch time view

Country Bake Ham Sandwich

Just the cutest little pickle you'll ever meet and my brother, Will

Last week I ate a lead paint sandwich....and by that I mean I completed a class to be come an EPA Certified Renovator who is trained to manage removal of lead based paint in construction...and they gave me a sandwich for lunch :)

I went for the country baked ham over the roasted turkey breast - shying away from my usual turkey inclination. The bread was definitely "bready" but moist enough to hold the bulk of the sandwich together. Not being a die hard tomato fan, I picked most of them off to cut down on the overall wetness of the sandwich. What I had left was essentially lettuce, some sort of white cheese and enough country baked ham to feed an army at Christmas dinner. I added one packet of both Grey Poupon and mayonnaise which came neatly packed in the box. Also in the box were a bag of Original Lightly Salted Tim's Cascade potato chips, a delicious chocolate chip cookie and an adorable baby dill pickle individually packaged in what looked like a tiny bag used for selling illegal drugs.

I have to say, after 4 hours of a 9 hour class, the country baked ham sandwich hit the spot. It was not the most flavorful ham sandwich I've ever had, but after too much coffee and a small breakfast, I was quite happy to have it. I appreciate Sugee's Box Lunch Co. for taking the time to include what seemed like very fresh, quality ingredients in a box lunch...and an adorable little pickle.

http://www.sugeesboxlunch.com/

Celebratory Sammie!

2011-02-03T21:12:00.000-08:00

My goodness, could it be true? Gillian where have you been?! Has it not been over a year since your last Sandwich Beauty update?

Yes, that's true and yes, in that time there have been many sandwiches that, unfortunately, have not been documented. Fear not sandwich lover! Today is a new day and with every new day comes a new sandwich story to tell!

Last week, my very best friend in the whole wide world, Elizabeth, came home to Tacoma. This monumental event perfectly coincided with the release of Oscar Mayer's Carving Board Over Roasted Turkey Breast...thus, a celebration ensued.

Elizabeth, in her infinite sandwich wisdom, came up with the brilliant idea of testing out the new Carving Board Turkey, to which I had to agree. Unfortunately, it turns out that this product does not currently exist in Tacoma. The only logical thing to do from there was to suck it up and do what we knew best - make the most ultimate single-layer turkey club this side of the Mississip'

...and we did.

...and it was ultimate.

...and many a good time was had.

Just look at it! Could you deny that?...Neither could we.

Milk and honey bread + baby swiss + deli turkey + avocado + tomato + the most delicious mustard/horseradish hybrid I will ever know + lightly toasted + good friends = amazing.

That's a celebration.

Specialty's Cafe & Bakery - The Sicilian

2009-12-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

A while back, I was in Seattle picking up a pumpkin in University Village for a carving party at a friend's house. Not having had any dinner, I decided to hit up one of my favorite Seattle sammie spots; Specialty's Cafe and Bakery or Specialty's for short. Maybe it was my Italian heritage talking, but I decided on the Sicilian. I could not resist the menu's description: "toasted thyme focaccia, red pepper pesto, smoked ham, salami, provolone, tomato, red onion, organic spinach, pepperoncini, kalamata olives."

If you enjoy salty sammies, this one may be right up your alley. The salty flavor of the focaccia worked well with the tang of the salami, perpperoncini and kalamata olives. I made an executive decision to remove about half of the organic spinach because there was honestly too much. Overall, this sandwich was a keeper and I would most definitely order another.

Ooo, they also take orders online - check their website www.specialtys.com

Barbie's Seabeck (Bay) Cafe - Barbie's Special Tuna Salad Sandwich

2009-12-01T09:01:00.000-08:00

Barbie's Special Tuna Salad Sandwich

Richard's Build-Your-Own Pastrami Sammie

Last weekend I was invited by Richard's family to wrangle a Christmas tree in Seabeck, Washington. Of course we needed to fuel before our hunt so we stopped in at Barbie's Seabeck Cafe for some grub. I had to go for the Special Tuna Salad Sandwich because with all the Thanksgiving ham I had been eating, I needed a change of pace. This really was a special sandwich complete with pure albacore tuna, apples, walnuts, celery, tomato and mayo all on my choice of sourdough bread. I was drawn to this sammie because of the apple-tuna combo. The sweetness of the apple is unique in a sammie that has the potential to be bland. Delicious.

Richard made his own sandwich - pastrami on rye bread with lettuce, tomato, mayo and provolone cheese. He wasn't too impressed, but it sure looked delicious to me!

Barbie and the gang smiling from the menu :)
15384 Seabeck Hwy NW Seabeck, WA 98380

Thanksgiving Sliders

2009-11-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving means many things to me - its a chance to thank my lucky stars for having a wonderful family and many amazing friends. Also, its a time to recognize the brave service men and women working all over the world to protect my freedom and beautiful country. But there is one other thing that is worth being thankful for this time of year - LEFTOVERS!

Years ago my best friend, Elizabeth (with whom my friendship blossomed during a discussion about sandwiches) introduced me to the Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. The theory behind the sandwich being a compilation of all of the yummy Thanksgiving dishes placed between three pieces of bread - two for the handles and one as an inner "moist-maker" soaked in gravy to push the sandwich into the realm of heavenly.

This year my mom suggested I utilize the leftover butter rolls to recreate the Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, thus the Thanksgiving Sliders were born! I cut the rolls "hamburger style" ala second grade. Next, I buttered and fried the rolls in a small pan. Then I layered on a dollop of the leftover garlic mash potatoes and classic stove top stuffing onto the bottom halves of the rolls. My family likes to mix up the monotony of turkey on Thanksgiving so instead we serve honey baked ham. I cut a slice of ham into a small square to fit the roll and topped it with a small square of swiss cheese. These were then placed atop the stuffing. Finally I drizzeled the whole thing with a chicken-pork combo gravy, placed the roll topper on the cheese and popped the whole batch into the microwave for a quick zap in order to meld all of the ingredients together. I topped it all off with some flashy toothpick skewers Elizabeth gave me for my birthday and commenced scarfing!

SOOO good! Please, if you still have leftovers, give this bad boy a try. You will not be disappointed, TRUST! Thank you to Elizabeth for the inspiration!

The Plantation House Barbequed Pork Wrap

2009-11-24T18:02:00.000-08:00

Long time no sammie! I know what you are thinking - it's been far too long since any sammie has graced SB with its appetizing presence, and believe me, I realize that this sad state of affairs has gone on too long. So, in order to feed the burning hunger for sandwiches out there, an update of epic proportions!

In Maui, I had the opportunity to check out a gorgeous restaurant called The Plantation House. The massive Pacific Ocean and lovely Plantation Golf Course at Kapalua can be seen a most any table. Even more lovely were the little birds that would occasionally fly in through the open windows and perch themselves on chairs throughout the room.

After running through the menu, I decided on the Barbequed Pork Wrap. You may be thinking, "Gillian, a wrap is not a sandwich," and I completely agree. However, it was advertised on the menu as a "Sandwich Special" so being a pork-loving American, I had to blur the line between sammie and wrap just this one time. According to the menu, the wrap was described as a "fresh tortilla wrapped around slow-roasted pork shoulder & shredded cabbage, with house-made Maui Gold pineapple salsa; served with choice of french fries or salad." I will admit, all of those ingredients were included in the wrap...but to be honest, this gal wasn't lovin' it. Maybe it is just my sauce-loving genes but the pork needed some, well, sauce! It definitely had its own juices and was in no way dry, but I guess I just needed a little more zest. On top of that couldn't really find the shredded cabbage amidst the pork shoulder. The tortilla was good and by the looks of it it was tomato, but I couldn't be sure. At $12.00 I expected more. Thankfully the view and the birds made my time at The Planation House enjoyable and the waitress was great, too.

Check out The Planation House if you are ever in Maui, but stick to the lines and try a true sandwich; not the Pork Wrap.

www.theplanationhouse.com

Happy Sammie-ween!

2009-10-31T09:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Sammie-ween from Sandwich Beauty! Here's to getting a yummy BLT in your plastic trick-or-treat pumpkin tonight!

In the unlikely case that doesn't happen, consider whipping up a batch of these delicious looking Pumpkin Sandwich Cookies from HowStuffWorks.com!

(photos: animalmascots.com, recipes.howstuffworks.com)

Hali'imaile General Store Grilled Vegetable and Pulled Pork Sammies

2009-10-22T16:51:00.000-07:00

Grilled Vegetable Sandwich

Pulled Pork Sandwich on a Hoagie

Another day, another Maui sammie; this time two Maui sammies. On our island journey, we stopped in at the Hali'imaile General Store in the town of Hali'imaile. This place has such a great atmosphere. To get inside we walked up a set of wooden steps onto a massive porch that faced out towards a local park and several sugar cane fields. This is where we eventually sat on two wooden benches to wait for a table because the place was packed and for good reason! Inside, the tall walls were covered in local art for purchase and created a warm and inviting setting for lunch.

A vegetarian friend we traveled with ordered the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich and on completion noted its deliciosity. Her sandwich included grilled eggplant and zucchini, heirloom tomatoes, smoked gouda cheese, caramelized onions and fennel, macadamia nut pesto mayonnaise all on Focaccia bread and was served with a salad of tossed greens.

Richard made the more carnivorous move when he opted for the Pulled Pork Sandwich on a Hoagie roll. I have to agree with Richard in that this sammie was filling and tasty! The Kalua style pork shredded and tossed with Hali'imaile General Store BBQ sauce on a hoagie bun did not disappoint. The pork was juicy with just the right amount of tang from the sauce. The cooling sensation of the fresh and crispy cole slaw complimented the richness of the sammie perfectly with the jumbo fries being the icing on the meat-o-licious cake.

bevgannonrestaurants.com/haliimaile

Hotel Hana Maui Paniolo Lounge Grilled Chicken Sandwich

2009-10-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

If you have ever taken the road to Hana on the island of Maui then you already know how it can build up an appetite. The historic road has over 600 curves and 54 bridges with death-defying cliffs around every bend. By the time we arrived in Hana last thursday I was craving a sammie! We stopped in at Hotel Hana's Paniolo Lounge to wax on some nourishment after a long day of roller coaster roads. This place was so beautiful, it was like eating lunch in a painting. I decided on, of course, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich complete with tender chicken breast, creamy avocado chunks, sweet Maui onion slices, tomato, mayo, lettus and jack cheese all on a delicious sweet roll. This sammie was heaven on many levels. It really took the edge off of my hunger and gave me all the energy I needed to continue on down the road and onto the next sandwich!

http://hotelhanamaui.com/dining/paniolo-lounge/

CJ's Deli & Diner, Ka'anapali, Maui

2009-10-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

This just in from across the Pacific, Richard got busy on this Classic Reuben from CJ's Deli & Diner in Ka'anapali, Maui. According to the consumer, this sammie was, "very delicious and filling." This hefty looking sandwich includes corned beef on rye, sauerkraut, swiss cheese and "island dressing" as well as pickle (always complimentary) and choice of potato salad, cole slaw or green salad. Looks like Richard brought it home with the potato salad...a man after my own heart. Check this one out if you are island-hopping....

www.cjsmaui.com

****I will be traveling to meet up with Richard in Maui tomorrow, hopefully more beautiful island sandwiches will be gracing SB with their deliciosity soon!****

Rosewood Cafe Ciabatta Club and Rick's Dip

2009-10-08T07:06:00.000-07:00

Richard and I went to the Rosewood Cafe three days ago for a light dinner. Located in the heart of North Tacoma it was the perfect local place to stop after a long day of moving and shaking. The setting is quaint and the staff is sweet. Richard ordered the delicious and zesty Rick's Dip which is described by the Rosewood Cafe as "our version of the classic French Dip. Thinly sliced roast beef complemented by sautéed onion, horseradish mayo, & melted havarti on a warm rustic roll. Served with rosemary au jus." If you are looking for a great french dip, check this one out!

I decided to mix it up with the Ciabatta Club and I was pleasantly surprised! Complete with "black forest ham, roasted turkey, sharp cheddar, and havarti on a rustic ciabatta roll with lettuce, tomato, and red onion" (rosewoodcafe.com) this sandwich was perfect. It may possibly be in the running for my favorite Tacoman sammie. The ciabatta roll was perfectly crispy and warm while the filling blended nicely on the inside. This sammie reminded me of my favorite Bellingham-wich the Avenue Grilled Club. If you are ever in North Tacoma and are jonesing for a great 'wich, check out the Rosewood Cafe...it does not disappoint.

rosewoodcafe.com

Barnes and Noble Starbucks Sammie

2009-09-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

I had a delicious turkey sandwich at the Barnes and Noble Starbucks Cafe the other day with my dad. It had turkey, ham, bacon, and some type of yellow melted cheese. It was a basic sandwich and wasn't too big, but with the right conversation with a loved one it was great :)

Sandwich ala Will

2009-09-05T10:07:00.000-07:00

My bro bro Will made a nice sammie the other day, complete with strawberries on the side. It was your basic sandwich with a get-the-job-done flavor including sliced turkey breast, romaine greenery, pepper-jack cheese, mayo and mustard. Fresh strawberries on the side completed the meal :) thanks Will!

Venetian Sammies

2009-08-28T13:28:00.001-07:00

This just in, Richard sent me these pictures of two amazing looking Italian sammies he picked up in Venice. Says Richard, "We got these sammies at an auto diner outside of Venice. They was the bomb. One was a caprece, one was spinach and cheese, and the other two were presuitto and ham."

how i wish i were in Italy now!

The Lake Chelan Winery Sandwich and Wrap

2009-08-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

This summer I had the chance to experience a delicious grilled chicken caesar wrap at a winery named The Lake Chelan Winery in Chelan, Washington. The slope of the winery's hill butted right up against the BBQ area where several picnic tables were positioned under a huge covered eating area. The view can't be beat. I don't typically go for the chicken caesar in most instances but maybe I was persuaded by the beautiful scenery to live on the edge a little. It was seriously delicious. The warm chicken blended flavorfully with the caesar dressing, no doubt homemade.

Richard had the famous BBQ pull pork sammie with a delicious some peppery cabbage slaw. Both sammies were fantastic and when paired with the view, really made for a delicious dining experience. Do check out the Lake Chelan Winery if you ever venture to Central Washington state.

www.lakechelanwinery.com

Salmon Sammie

2009-08-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Richard recently had this lovely 'wich. It is a homemade salmon sandwich on dill rye with romaine, tomato and creamy avocado. Was said to be scrumptious! Thanks Richard!

Recent Sammies :)

2009-07-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone! It has been far too long since my last sandwich post. Here are a couple of sandwiches I have had in the past month. I have been in a sandwich rut. I am pretty much eating the same sandwich each day, although it is delicious, gets a little dull. Most, if not all of them have been home made in my home town of Tacoma. I will try to be posting more now that I am completely moved back to the Tac and OFFICIALLY done with college!

Avenue Bread - Deli Club

2009-06-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Oh Avenue, how I will miss you. I have graduated from Western Washington University and have left the city of Bellingham behind. One thing I will miss is Avenue Bread and its majestic sammies. This one here was a pre-commencement ceremony sammich lovingly provided to me by Richard. You are looking at my Deli Club. "Turkey, bacon and ham happily join Tillamook cheddar cheese and all the classics: mustard, mayo, red onion, tomato, lettuce on rustica bread," according to the Avenue Bread website. Alls I can say is I will miss this yummy sammie.

www.avenuebread.com

MSM Deli Club

2009-06-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

MSM (Magical Sandwich Makers) Deli is quite possibly my favorite sandwich shop EVER. Located in the heart of the greatest place on earth, Tacoma, this place does not displease. My favorite sammie is their Deli club. Earlier this week my fam and I ordered four nine-inch Deli Clubs complete with dill pickle spears on the side. The bread these fat beauties are nestled in is the BEST ever; so soft and buttery. Inside is white onion, sprouts, tomato slices, turkey, bacon, mayo, guacamole and cheddar cheese.

Some say Tacoma smells and is the scum of the Pacific Northwest. I say, keep on thinking that and don't visit us...more MSM Deli Clubs for me :)

Bottega Italiana

2009-06-17T13:11:00.000-07:00

Parma

Fransece

Two weeks ago Richard took me to Bottega Italiana, a lovely gelato/cafe and sandwich shop in Greenlake. This is the same spot he recently had "The Best Ever" sammie, so he decided to introduce me to B.I., and I am quite happy he did.

I ordered the Parma which included parma ham, arugula greens and mozzarella cheese all lightly toasted on a crispy focaccia bread. At $8.49 the sammie couldn't be beat. It also included a few salty Greek kalamata olives which offset the mild creaminess of the panini.

Richard again ordered the Fransece (see "The Best Ever") however this time it was toasted on herb focaccia bread with melted brie, tangy olive paste and ham all for $7.99.

These two sammies were rich with tangy accents and were absolutely delicious! If you are ever in Seattle, make sure to check them out any one of their multiple locations around the city.

www.bottegaitaliana.com

Send YOUR Sammie!

2009-06-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hey, everyone loves a sammie, and if you don't you are just missing out on 99% of life's beauty. Sandwich Beauty wants to know about your sammeeechees! Send a picture and a short blurb about your sammie and see it on SB!

goodgillian@gmail.com

:)

The Fall-Apart

2009-06-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

So much effort for so much disappointment. I thought being at my home in Tacoma with the new Calphalon panini press was going to the best thing since sandwichbeauty.blospot.com. WRONG!

It all started off brilliantly: turkey pastrami, grilled sweet onion, pepper jack cheese, sliced banana peppers, garlic and mayo on sliced French bread. Sadly, this well thought out sandwich took an upsetting turn. The display of the ingredients are what caused this sammies demise. The placement of the bread on the same plate as the banana peppers was were it all went wrong. The delicious juice from the pepper, unbeknownst to me, created a pool in which the French bread had a pool party. Not realizing this, I compiled the sammich artfully and placed the 'ol gal on the calphalon. Several minutes later I returned to my masterpiece in order to plate it. As I spatula'd it off the grill she fell apart in a blaze of glory. The mayo + pepper juice made mince meat out of my French bread. Once the dust cleared, all that was left standing was a practically open-faced glob of sammich particulate.

Luckily, with the help of my mom, the sandwich was transferred somewhat successfully to my plate. It may not have been pretty, but it sure did taste beautiful.

"The Best Ever"

2009-06-02T20:11:00.000-07:00

This delicious looking sammie photo was sent to Sandwich Beauty by Richard. According to Richard, this sandwich was assembled on Focaccia bread with brie, ham and those fancy olives at a little gelato/cafe called Bottega Italiana in Greenlake, (Seattle) Washington. Them gelato people look like they know how to make a fine sammie! Richard explained that it was, "the best ever." Thanks Richard!

www.bottegaitaliana.com

Avenue Bread: Tuna Melt and Grilled Club

2009-06-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Richard's Tuna Melt

Gillian's Grilled Club

This weekend Richard and I hit up my favorite sammie shop in Bellingham, well, Fairhaven: Avenue Bread. Richard ordered the Tuna Melt which was sweet, fresh and delicious, and of course I had my very favorite which I get every time, the Grilled Club on toasted focaccia bread with turkey, ham, havarti cheese, red onion and tomato. I reccommend both of these delectable sandwiches if you ever travel to or live in the 'Ham. OH, and they give you a bunch of (I'm assuming) Tim's Cascade chips and a sliced dill pickle spear, which is awesome and completely tops off the meal. At around $5-8 a sandwich, it cannot be beat.

www.avenuebread.com

Memorial Day Sammie

2009-05-28T18:20:00.000-07:00

Had an awesome memorial day weekend! Whipped up this hoagy sammie for Richard after a day at the ocean. It included peppered turkey and colby jack from Fred Meyer, diced white onion, and of course mayo and mustard all on a hoagy roll. I popped that puppy in the microwave for less than a minute, thus melting the cheese and mayo into a gooey cheese-mayo embrace.

BellingHAMwich

2009-05-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

Made a quick ham sandwich the other day. Frenches original yellow mustard, Haggen brand mayo, some sort of ham and onion toasted in the 'ol toaster oven. Simple and delicious!

Seattle Sammies!

2009-05-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

The past couple of week(end)s hanging out in Seattle have presented some awesome sammies! The first was a fabulous ham and cheddar on wheat that Bryce made out of the blue one day. I HAD to get a picture of it, I mean, just look at all of those pretty colors...it's like a piece of art. It also included some cucumbers and red bell peppers.

The second sammie was made especially for me by Richard with love. It included grilled onions and red bell peppers. Provolone, peppered turkey AND pepperoni slices made up the bulk of the sandwich. All of that yummy goodness fell between two slices of delicious wheat bread and was finally grilled on the george. Of course the potato salad on the side wrapped the whole meal up into something that I could eat every day of my life and be happy. I love Seattle sammeeechees.

Mesquite Smoked Turkey and Provolone on Mitchette Roll

2009-05-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

Went out to the 'ol Trader Joes last week and had a very pleasant pre-packaged sammie in a box; the Mesquite Smoked Turkey and Provolone on Mitchette Roll by "Glass Onion". The sammie was very mild, but the side sauce was DELICIOUS! It was some sort of tangy mayo relish sauce which totally made the sammich pop!

Bison French Dip

2009-04-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

So this weekend Richard and I went to the downtown Bellingham Farmers Market. It was awesome. Richard bought me lunch which just so happened to be a Bison French Dip from the Brandywine Kitchen booth. It was simply and delicately made with bison, yes bison, meat, a crusty roll and the most delicious caramelized onions I have ever had. The side cup of au ju which was pretty good. The bison actually tasted alot like the classic roast beef that usually goes on a classic french dip.

The only thing I wasn't too impressed with was the size-price ratio. Let's be honest, we have all been maimed by Subway's $5 foot long. If my sammies are over $5 plus tax and aren't at least a foot long I get a little pissy. The bison french dip was $7.50 and was maybe 5 inches long. I guess I shouldn't complain though, Richard did pay :)

Tsunami Burger

2009-04-21T20:33:00.000-07:00

Although this is technically a gigantic cheeseburger, it is still a close relative to the gigantic sammich. This is the Tsunami burger a group of friends and I purchased two spring breaks ago in Longbeach, WA at The Corral Drive In. We had to order it 24 hours in advance because the bun took that long to bake down at the local bakery. It literally came with a grocery bag full of lettus, mountains of condiments and a five pound beef patty. It was delicious and is definitely worth recognizing as a thing of beauty even though it is technically not a sammich.

first follower!

2009-04-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

Shout out to sandwich beauty's first follower, Will. This guy knows what sammies are all about.

Fragrance Lake Sammie

2009-04-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

Today I went on a hike from Chuckanut road to a lookout point near Fragrance Lake. I packed a simple chunky PB and raspberry J on Franz 100% wheat bread. It was the perfect sammie for a hike because it didn't need to be refrigerated and it was delicious!