Friday, May 20, 2011

Sammy's on 2nd

The Place: Sammy's on 2nd
84 Second Street Between Market and Mission (near Jessie alley)

The Order: House Special


The Review:
I checked an internet review site to find my next spot close to work. It gave me Sammy's on 2nd, so I took the short walk down there. I walked in and was surprised to find no line! (by the time I was leaving there was more of a crowd gathering.)
I ordered the House Special because after all it is their...house special. I also chose this particular sandwich because it was hot pastrami! The menus described it as hot pastrami  and swiss cheese on Pita with avocado and the works. Wait....Whaaat? Pita? This should at least be interesting. I ordered one for myself  (no pickles) and a co-worker and went to get a drink. I came back to watch the sandwich get made and noticed the young lady putting the pastrami in the microwave. When I think of a hot pastrami I think of pastrami right out of the steamer, giving a much more moist, delicious version of the meat. I would consider this more of a heated pastrami. However "heated"  pastrami is still pretty good!
As I paid the nice man at the register he asked if I had a sandwich card with them. I answered no, and he gave me a frequent buyer card with two stamps for the two sandwiched I had ordered. If I go back and buy 7 more, I get a free one! Gotta like that! The whole staff here was very friendly.

I gave my co-worker his sandwich and we both agreed "this looks promising!" The sandwich had a very "healthy" serving of pastrami that would prove to be the star of the sandwich. As I took my first bite I was pleasantly surprised. The pastrami came through nicely with a good pepper flavor, and was embellished by a perfect amount of mustard. The pita allowed the pastrami to really shine and not be over shadowed. The swiss and avocado came in as a nice aftertaste and almost a palate cleanser for my next bite of pastrami.

I was really unsure of the pita as a bread choice and this was defiantly the first time I have had a sandwich on pita...but it worked! This ended up being a very good sandwich and I can see myself racking up that free one pretty quickly. I have to say this is a very good option for the Financial District. This was a great example of a good to a very good sandwich. I wouldn't say it is the best sandwich in town but if someone asked where to get a good sandwich close, I would, and will recommend Sammy's. Give 'em a try and let me know!

Monday, May 16, 2011

First Review

The Place: Cafe Algiers
                   50 Beale Street




The Order:
Spicy Turkey on Dutch Crunch with Pepper Jack and Jalapenos


The Review:
As I said, I am starting my reviews in the Financial District, near where I work. And what better place than where there is a line out the door by 11:30 everyday...this has got to be good right? Well, Cafe Algiers offers what I like to call a "fine" sandwich, there is nothing wrong with it...it's fine. That doesn't mean it's bad, just doesn't knock my socks off. I waited in line for 20 minutes at 11:30 after trying to beat the crowd. I stood in line anticipating the great sandwich that all these people must be waiting for. There is a very small chalkboard menu and they heavily advertise their use of Boars Head Meat, which is a plus for me, they make a good product. People in front of me and behind me were talking about the Spicy Turkey, so I made up my mind. I ordered The Spicy Turkey on Dutch Crunch with pepper jack and added jalapenos.

When I got back to work I opened up the Boar's Head bag and and unrolled my wrapper. The first thing I noticed was that the roll was not sliced all the way through length wise. They made a "pocket" to put everything in. I want my sandwich sliced all the way through, both length wise and through the middle. However the roll was fresh, and a good dutch crunch. The produce was also very fresh, the lettuce had good crunch, and tomatoes were crisp.
When it came to condiments, they were a little overdone. I noticed as the young lady made my sandwich they mayo bottle was a three headed squeeze bottle. This lead to it being a little heavy on mayo. Even with the "extra" mayo the sandwich seemed a little dry.

I must say the price was very reasonable, especially downtown. I am trying to keep price out of my reviews and not give extra points for low price, but will try and note good value or if I think it is priced a little high.

So  again, this sandwich was "fine." Which is good, but not worth standing in line for 20 minutes for. I ate it, was enjoyable, and I was full (with a bag of chips and a Snapple.) This was a perfect example of a "fine" sandwich.

So there it is! My first review! PLEASE comment, let me know pros and cons...if your are near Beale and Market, go try Cafe Algiers and let me know your thoughts. Thanks, and good eating!

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

A Few Things You Should Know

As with any art...the sandwich is subjective. For instance, I personaly do not like pickles, or want them on any sandwich. I like rolls, especially Dutch Crunch. You may like a pickle filled sandwich on multi-grain bread. This is what makes the sandwich great, and what will hopefully lead to good discussion.
 I know there are some sandwich shops that are high on peoples lists, that I do not care for. I cannot wait to discuss the pros and cons of these places with you. I want this to be an open forum.
Also, this Blog will not discuss chains such as Subway and/or Quiznos. While these chains have their place, this is not what I am looking for.
I work in the Financial District and feel a great sandwich is lacking here...Alot of my early searches will begin here.
Please follow me on this site and Like me on Facebook to make sure you don't miss a bite!
Thanks for the early support and please let me know any compliments and/or critisism.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Welcome/About Me

Hello, and welcome to San Fransandwich! I am just a regular guy who loves sandwiches. I am not a "foodie." I am out to review and find the best sandwiches in San Fransisco and the Peninsula. I am not looking to end the discussion on the best sandwich I am here to start it! I want you to read my posts, comment, recommend, agree, disagree, and eat a ton of sandwiches!
I will be trying new sandwiches, reliving old standbys, and blogging my way through it. Join me for some fun in the sun and sand...wich!