Ellington

There is an episode of "Friends" in which Ross wants Ugly Naked Guy's apartment, but doesn't know how to go about getting it. Rachel suggests he get to know him a little better, find out about his interests and use that knowledge to bond with UNG. Then comes her classic line: "Like if I wanted something from Joey, I would strike up a conversation about, say, um, sandwiches … or my underwear." Joey is instantly all ears.

Now, Lunch Lady is not one to talk about her skivvies, but she does love her sandwiches. In fact, in a recent conversation, Lunch Lady and Lunch Buddy were discussing, as usual, their brilliant ideas—among them, "business-prom" work attire, TV stations that would only run "Seinfeld" and "Jeopardy" 24 hours a day and, most importantly for this article, "Sandwiches Gone Global." Don't ask for context—even if I could remember, it probably wouldn't make any sense to you.

As legend has it, John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich, was too busy gambling one night in the 18th century to stop for a meal, and instead insisted someone bring him some meat between two slices of bread. The rest, as they say, is history. The point is, Earl of Sandwich origins notwithstanding, sandwiches are not merely a British or even a Western phenomenon. Sticking ingredients between or into pieces of starch has swept the world, and some of the best results can be found in Jackson.

We start out basic—bread and meat. And perhaps some cheese, vegetables and condiments, or maybe you scrap the meat entirely. It depends on your mood and dietary habits. Say the word "sandwich" to almost any Jacksonian, and Broad Street (I-55 N and Northside Dr., 601-362-2900) pops into their heads. Broad Street does a good job of matching up sandwich ingredients in hearty all-American combinations—the smoked chicken BLT sandwich with its garlic mayonnaise and the turkey breast with avocado sandwich accented with roasted red bell peppers are Lunch Lady's favorites. But if you don't see what you want on the menu, just ask. They always seem willing to handle special requests, even during the busiest of lunch hours.

Lunch Lady's family used to get into detailed conversations about the different names for sandwiches on fat, long rolls—we had heard "grinders," "subs," "heroes" and "po' boys"; it was always something different everywhere we went. Lenny's Sub Shop (6392B Ridgewood Court Dr., 601-957-3399, or 2820 N. State St., 601-362-4999) keeps it simple with subs—and good ones at that. On white or wheat rolls, your favorite combinations of meat, provolone or Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, green pepper and any number of other fixings will hit the spot. If you prefer red hot pepper relish, stop by the County Line Road location; for banana pepper relish, go to Fondren.

But maybe you're looking for more than your typical—albeit delicious—sandwich. If you want to mix it up a little, do some country hopping. Moo shu pork—or chicken or vegetables—is probably about as close to a Chinese sandwich as you're going to get. Moo shu consists of a hot dish made up of mushrooms, scallions and other vegetables, seasoned and cooked up with pork (or chicken or no meat). It's served with hoisin sauce and thin flat pancakes. You lay out a pancake, spread some sauce on it, add the hot mixture and wrap it up. Voila! It's a Chinese sandwich. Try Best Wok (225 Meadowbrook Rd., 601-368-9555) or China Belle (1855 Lakeland Drive, 601-368-9588).

To add Mediterranean flair to your sandwiches, try a gyro, or get your falafel, kebab or shawarma wrapped up in a pita. Aladdin's (730 Lakeland Drive, 601-366-6033) sandwich options are cheap and quick, not to mention great on the go. Lunch Lady recommends the falafel with a side of hummus, or the chicken kebab. Just around the corner from Aladdin is Jerusalem Cafe (2741 Old Canton Rd, 601-321-8797). Ridgeland's Mediterranean Grocery and Café (6712 Old Canton Rd., 601-956-0082) is also really good. At Aladdin and Mediterranean Café (or, rather, at their adjoining grocery stores), you can buy pita bread to experiment with your own global sandwiches at home.

Fondren is also your best bet for panini—Italian sandwiches. Sal & Mookie's (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919) does up some interesting combinations, from the West Bank Muffaletta (cured ham, Genoa salami, provolone and olive salad) to the Hebrew National (smoked salmon, red onion, tomatoes and dill-caper cream cheese), and serves them with a salad or french fries. Basil's (2906 N. State St., 601-982-2100, 940B E. Fortification St., 601-352-2002, or 120 N. Congress St., 601-944-9888) does pretty much only panini (at the Fondren location anyway)—and they do them well. Lunch Lady's favorite is the veggie No. 7 with no olives, leaving roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and pesto mayonnaise on the panino-pressed foccaccia bread. To re-Americanize your panino, try the No. 6 Elvis, featuring crunchy peanut butter and bananas.

If you come up with other sandwich choices or international varieties or anything food-related at all, really, give Lunch Lady a shout at [e-mail missing] Make the Earl of Sandwich proud.

Previous Comments

ID

84997

Comment

With all due respect to the places you listed, I think any true Jacksonian knows that 'Room Service" makes, and has been making for almost 20 years, the absolute best sandwiches in the metro area. Not only that, you don't have to fight for parking because they deliver! For the money, the quantity, and the quality - Room Service rules over these other places when it comes to sandwiches - and salads!

Author

pikersam

Date

2008-01-03T09:26:21-06:00

ID

84998

Comment

I like Room Service, too. Ordered from them a lot when I was working and had no car.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2008-01-03T10:14:35-06:00

ID

84999

Comment

Here's my vote for Room Service, too. I looove this one sandwich they have, it's either the Greek or Mediterranean, something like that. Shredded seasoned chicken and a bunch of other stuff that is to die for. I haven't had Room Service in ages... maybe I need to place an order!

Author

andi

Date

2008-01-03T11:12:55-06:00

ID

85000

Comment

The soda fountain/grill at Brent's Drugs in Fondren also serves some good sandwiches...

Author

lls32001

Date

2008-01-04T15:32:48-06:00

ID

85001

Comment

Old Tyme Deli in Highland Village had the best sandwich menu for many years. 20 years ago Room Service did the same thing. They know what works. andi, I think you are talking about The Chicken Aspen- seasoned shredded chicken, avocado, alfalfa sprouts, other tasty additions, wheatberry bread and is one of those perfect sandwich ingredient combinations. They also have a great selection of "big" salads! Room Service has been around for 20 years in the same area and not even a mention in a sandwich story? Ole Pike is right - 'Room Service" rules.

Author

Bourree'

Date

2008-01-07T00:01:00-06:00

ID

85002

Comment

XENA... and who can forget anyones mom who has has fixed them a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a tall glass of milk. With or with crust - white or wheat - one things for sure - momma's PB&J can't be beat!

Author

pikersam

Date

2008-01-07T09:34:14-06:00

ID

85003

Comment

speaking of gyros, most everybody knows kiefer's rocks. several other greek sandwiches rolled out at this restaurant are also worth mentioning...

Author

eargasism

Date

2008-01-10T12:48:18-06:00

ID

85004

Comment

you are so right - Kiefer's rocks. And as soon as the stormy weather passes, I'm headed up the street for a great gyro and delicious hummus. Extra pita, please. Yummo!

Author

Bourree'

Date

2008-01-10T13:39:42-06:00