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You ought to know by now that comfort is my culinary mother tongue. I wrote about it at length in December and yet, the story didn’t cover all of that soul-satisfying eating terrain. If I’d had infinite space, I would have led you all down the road of sandwiches, because they’re so compactly, completely delicious. Protein, dairy, vegetable, condiment, all inside a carb-wrapped package. A stellar sandwich doesn’t really need anything with it – nada chips, zilcho fries. These truly don’t. Grab some napkins and get cozy with one of these five hunky handhelds.
1. Boo Boo’s “K Jon Chicken”
405 S. SECOND ST. | 414-885-1532
This plus-size beauty goes the extra mile with its bread – tender-crusty fresh French, which cups copious chunks of Cajun-seasoned, flat-top grilled chicken breast topped with melted provolone, sweet yellow pepper, fried onion and the cool contrast of sliced cucumber and yogurt tzatziki sauce. Mild or hot, $9.
2. Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette’s “The Classic”
135 E. NATIONAL AVE. | 414-988-0388
One of this little Walker’s Point breaky-lunch joint’s posh noshes, the sandwich soa rs on account of two things especially – the chewy, addictive, fresh-baked bagel and the house-cured lox (pristine pepper-crusted salmon). Further enhancement comes from the sliced tomato, onion, capers, fresh dill, yogurt labneh and spring herb schmear. You need this. $13.
3. Bavette La Boucherie’s “The Cuban”
330 E. MENOMONEE ST. | 414-273-3375
Have I mentioned that I’ve been on a Cuban quest? A salivating search, to be sure. Something keeps bringing me back to this Third Ward go-to’s toasty meat-cheese creation. While not traditional, it is so darn tasty with its pressed ham, smoky bacon, pickled jalapenos and mustard. $14.
4. Classic Slice’s Meatball
CLASSIC SLICE, 2797 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE. | 414-238-2406
Meatball subs are a thing, and this Bay View pizzeria’s saucy handmade beef balls with melted mozz, roasted red peppers and giardiniera on ciabatta bread is The Thing. You will want to make eating this spicy, rich belly-filler habitual. $9.
5. Ruta’s Vibrant Indian Café Curly Kale
AT CROSSROADS COLLECTIVE, 2238 N. FARWELL AVE.
The roasted red peppers, peppery kale, melted provolone and sweet chile sauce on buttery, grilled French bread makes eating your greens fun. Remember when I said these sandwiches don’t need a side? They don’t, but this one loves to dunk. Ask for extra (mellow) chile sauce for dipping! $13.
