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Photo by Megan Lamont

THE BEST BACON, EGG AND CHEESE AROUND:

LONG ISLAND’S SIZZLIN’ LOVE AFFAIR WITH A CLASSIC DISH

By Megan Lamont

The sound of sizzling bacon accompanies the scent of melting cheese in the kitchen of Jessen’s Delicatessen. Scrambled eggs are placed onto a roll with great care. Cheese follows, melting as it meets the roll, and the sandwich is completed with crispy bacon. The scent is mouthwatering.

The bacon, egg and cheese sandwich is a Long Island staple. It can be put on a roll or a bagel. The eggs can be cooked in any style but are classically scrambled. The traditional American cheese can be swapped out for your favorite type. Bacon finishes the sandwich before the optional salt, pepper and ketchup. It’s a versatile meal to go, crafted to be enjoyed anywhere, from a day at the beach to your daily lunch break.

The bacon, egg and cheese may be a Long Island specialty, but its history starts across the Atlantic Ocean. British factory workers in the 19th century used to eat “bap” sandwiches on their way to work, according to HuffPost. The bap consisted of a soft roll, an egg and some sort of meat, typically sausage. The sandwich made its way to the United States during the Industrial Revolution and was popularized in the 1950s and ’60s. It was around this time when fast-food companies like McDonald’s created their versions of the sandwich.

There are many delis and bagel stores lining Long Island streets. Thousands of bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches are made every day, but according to Long Islanders themselves, nobody does it quite like Jessen’s Deli.

Pulse asked 60 Long Islanders which establishment makes the best bacon, egg and cheese sandwich. While many other establishments across the Island were named, Jessen’s was the clear winner with 18% of the vote.

Located on Little East Neck Road in West Babylon, Jessen’s Deli has served customers since 1967. The company refers to itself as “your friendly neighborhood deli” on its social media platforms. The staff jokes around with its regulars and is quick to offer service when a new customer enters. The atmosphere makes you feel at home within a few steps.

Robert Spencer, a deli associate, said customers are the first thing that comes to mind when considering what makes Jessen’s stand out among the rest, noting they are “a very unique, very special breed of people.” He also said the staff and high quality of the food add to the deli’s charm.

“Their food is always fresh and delicious,” said Marie Cannetti, a Babylon resident. “The place is immaculate.”

Though the staff puts a lot of care into the food they sell, Spencer believed there was another reason behind the success of their bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches.

“I really do think the Long Island water has a lot to do with it,” Spencer said. “We have quality rolls, bagels [and] heroes.”

Spencer’s theory checks out scientifically. New York water is among the softest in the country, meaning that it has low concentrations of calcium and magnesium, according to Food & Wine. Soft water is a bit saltier in taste because of the increased presence of sodium ions, which influences the gluten inside the dough. Thus, the dough is much softer and stickier compared to areas with harder water.

Mary Capobianco, of Babylon, has gone to Jessen’s for years.

“The food tastes great and the staff is friendly and helpful,” Capobianco said. “I will continue going there for their egg sandwiches.”

“THEIR FOOD IS ALWAYS FRESH AND DELICIOUS.”

- Marie Cannetti, Babylon resident

Photos by Megan Lamont

In addition to the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich, Jessen’s offers other specialty breakfast sandwiches. The “McJessen Special” includes egg, cheese and sausage on an English muffin. The Croissant-wich offers an egg with grilled ham and swiss cheese on a croissant. They even offer a breakfast burrito in a wrap.

The deli also offers a salad bar, an extended menu for every meal of the day and catering for events, including barbecue.

“Our high standards and passion for consistently excellent food is our formula for success. Every offering is prepared daily from the best and freshest ingredients available. Our capable staff pride themselves on providing the freshest, best and most unique offerings,” according to the deli’s website.

After experiencing Jessen’s service firsthand, you will be pleased to see how well the eatery lives up to its standards.

Robert Spencer, deli associate, crafting a bacon egg and cheese.

Customers line up for their morning fare.