16 Comments

We call them subs and Freddy's in Cicero,IL makes a mean Italian Sub. (And now to go off topic... I am LOVING your Family Dinner show. I watched the Evan's family last night and just absolutely loved it. Thank you for a wonderful show.)

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In Milwaukee there's a wonderful 70+ years family operated Italian Deli & Market named Glorioso’s, you've been to Brewtown perhaps you seen it or even went in to look around?? It's 'Old World' no doubt... and the aromas wafting make one salivate and sometimes perspire... I had my 1st Hero there 60 years ago, along with my 1st taste of pizza,!!!

Andrew, with your obsession of "High-end Italian cold cuts" you should checkout Glorioso’s, you won't be disappointed... call the Bartolotta's brothers next time in town and pick-up and share a Hero or Hoagie with them, I know you 3 could chat for hour about "All things culinary....

As for Bologna... I'm not of bologna fan, yet I'm a huge mortadela guy... thick-cut, grilled or pan-fried, between 2 slices of rosemary focaccia & olive bread, lightly toasted... one of my numerous true guilty pleasures... as such with the economy, a pretty inexpensive one too...

Always best regards Andrew, take care & stay well....

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Andrew, I am a longtime fan of Mike’s Deli in Little Italy, Bronx, NY. I even have been served by the original Uncle Mike, many years ago.

So I was so pleased to see you placed them on your list.

However - in your Fork You article both links to Mike’s Deli are incorrect. They link to a different Mike’s Deli in LA.

Please correct this error, so Mike’s can enjoy your kudos. Mille Grazie!

Maria

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That one was my bad! Updated.

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WRT the distinction if any between sub, grinder and hoagie... I agree that this is highly variable based on geography. I live in SE Michigan and was raised in northern OH. Around here there is a loose definition of "grinder" which limits these to sandwiches made on foccacia, and almost always served hot. Subs can be hot or cold, and wide variety of bread and ingredients. People here rarely call them hoagies....

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OMG I used to work at Caesars Atlantic City in the Entertainment Dept many moons ago and part of my job was to make sure a certain celebrity had White House Subs in the limo when the hotel sent the car for him. They were good....Now I settle for Primo Subs in Naples, FL

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I’m California , we call them Subs. We specifically have Italian delis which make the best. I’m Fresno, Ca, the best is Piemonte’s Delicatessen.

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The regional differences are a true learning experience. Here, near Boston, we call them subs. There is one additional distinction that may be unique to Boston's North End, the Spuckie. It refers to the roll the contents are served in. If you see "spuckie" as a choice, you have hopefully happened upon a true Italian "sub". If you are in Boston, I recommend a back alley couple of shops with fresh breads and a salumeria with incredible authentic Italian sandwiches, fresh pasta and imported Italian goods. My grandchildren still shudder remembering when I bought the marinated octopus tentacles! I do recommend getting to the bread shop early for the best selection of varieties, whether bread loaves or individual pastries.

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I'll call it whatever it takes to order a good one! I've been to a few from both lists and doubt there is a bad choice among them. I'll add a few; Parkway - New Orleans po-boy heaven. Paresi NYC - the Dennis here is definitely not a menace and Rossi & Sons Poughkeepsie, NY it takes a village to eat one of their large focaccia round sandwiches.

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To me they are all the same lingo!

Love all of them

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Time has probably enhanced the memory, but back in the '80s, a chicken parm sub from Mariella Pizza in Manhattan was nirvana.

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I had never heard the word “grinder” until I went to graduate school at Yale many years ago. When I first heard the term I thought it was a type of dirty dancing! (My age is showing!) I was never much of a sub fan but those New Haven hot grinders were heavenly. I no longer remember the name of my favorite spot but it was a small place within walking distance of my apartment on Prospect Street. Their grinders left me singing, “Boola, Boola.”

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I guess I’m the weirdo big sandwiches or “subs” as we call em, don’t do it for me, I’d choose that baguette with some killer ham any day. If I am in a sammi mood… I’m going for the cold cuts, skip the accessorizing with lettuce & stuff. Grazianos in Chicago is a good one…i I like the “Spicy”! My mom used to make us big deli meat stacked killer sandwiches as kids.. we called those “Dagwoods” 🥪

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I'm kinda with you, Denise. I eat one of these maybe 5 x a year.

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A grinder to me has hot meat with cold veggies. A sub is hot meat hot veggies and a hoagie is cold meat cold veggies...

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July 12, 2022
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He's been sprung! And i have changed outfits!

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