Take, for example, the sandwich. I am totally serious. A good sandwich is a work of art. Also like art, the sandwich comes in many versions from the mundane and uninspired to the transcendent masterpiece of bread, meat and condiments. Here on the East Coast, the sandwich is especially revered. The hoagie, sub, grinder or hero is an economical lunch or dinnertime staple. I have had the opportunity to sample many varieties of this classic arrangement over my 30-something years and while most were perfectly fine, several stand out in memory as particularly masterful representations of the genre, such as the red wine braised pork shoulder sandwich at the Bagette Box or the piadina at La Spiga, both in Seattle.
Near mom's house in Reading, PA, is an unassuming little sandwich shop on New Holland Road. I must have passed this place a zillion times before finally asking my mom about it. The first time I went was a little like a first date. I knew I liked it, but I felt really awkward. I didn't know what to say to get what I wanted, but it was so exciting. After my first bite of sandwich, I knew we would have a lasting relationship.
Screpesi's begins their sandwich with a choice of hard or soft roll. The hard roll has a bit of a chewiness but is by no means "hard." The soft rolls are fluffy little clouds that don't gum up, but tear when you bite into them. Unlike, say, a Subway sandwich roll. Next are the peppers. Choose between chopped hot peppers, banana peppers or sauteed sweet bell peppers in olive oil. If you want cheese you have to request it. Then meat, lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo & mustard, oil & vinegar if you want them. Here's the delicious result that I couldn't help but start on before I remembered to snap a pic.
Don't try to take this guy's sandwich away.
