PUT THE FORK DOWN: SANDWICHES

THE FOOD OF THE WORLD PUT THE FORK DOWN: SANDWICHES

BY LACONIA BUTLER

Sandwiches are the food of the world. Across countries and cultures, generations and status, sandwiches have always been the unifier and equalizer. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you grew up, chances are you have a favorite sandwich. A perfect go-to meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can take them on a hike, on the beach, or even on a first date. You can find them in delis, bodegas, chains, and fancy restaurants around the world. Every single one creates a magnificent piece of culinary art, between two pieces of bread. Lucky for us, Oklahoma City and the Metro have some great options, and here to help you out with all your carb cravings is a list of some of our favorites:

Neptune Submarine Sandwiches, 3301 Classen Blvd, OKC

When you think of old-school subs the images you are conjuring up are exactly what you will find at Neptune Subs. In an old-school, the bright and funky building where you will find over 20 options of sandwiches. Everything from the traditional Super Sub with genoa salami, deli ham, Italian cheese, and all the fixings to Tuna or Chicken Salad, Roast Beef, or a BLT. Hankering for something warm? They got you covered with BBQ, meatball, or even a hot link sandwich. All come on a warm fluffy roll in half or whole sizes. Add anything special you want along with a drink or some chips and you’re good to go. With its location conveniently on Classen, you can even take your meal and enjoy it in one of OKC's many fantastic parks.

Riviere Modern Bahn Mi, 905 N Hudson Ave, OKC

Riviere isn’t your typical Vietnamese spot; they definitely focus more on the ‘Modern’ side. While they have classic Vietnamese choices like pho, vermicelli bowls, and egg rolls, they have made a way to elevate even the most basic of recipes. However, what you really want is their take on the international loved Bahn mi. A mixture of French and Vietnamese flavors, a banh mi is typically made on a soft, yet crispy French roll stuffed with meats, fresh herbs, and pickled veggies. Which Riviere has, but also much more. Here they serve Banh mi’s with some pizzaz like their K*Pop with bulgogi beef or Banh Fire with fried chicken in a buffalo siracha sauce. Perhaps you want to dip your sandwich in a bowl of pho? They got ya’ . Vegan? Look no further than Captain Jack with marinated shredded jackfruit. However, if you are a traditionalist, don’t worry their James Bahn is full of traditional Vietnamese charcuterie, pate, and finished with Maggi sauce.

Pickleman’s Gourmet Café, 759 Asp Ave, Norman, 410 S Bryant Ave, Ste 120, Edmond

For those of you not in OKC don’t worry our next selection is just for you. You’ll have to head North or South to grab a tasty meal at Pickleman’s, with two locations one in Norman and the other in Edmond. Pickleman’s is a straightforward deli lover's paradise. They have toasted gourmet sandwiches from classics like turkey and ham to

their Hodge Podge, a mash-up of salami, capicola, turkey, ham, and cheese. They have a warm Asiago Chicken Sandwich with chicken, bacon, and provolone or even an Italian Beef with shaved Italian beef dipped in au jus and served with or without peppers. To top it off sandwiches come with the freshest of veggies. Not really vibing a sandwich? That’s ok, Pickerman’s has hand-crafted soups, fresh chopped salads, thin-crust pizza, and delicious made-from-scratch cookies. You and your tummy will leave happy and satisfied.

Café 7 Delicatessen and Pastaria, 14101 N May, Ste 117, OKC

Café 7 is here for all your hunger needs. Their main focus is a set price for most options and allowing you to create whatever you want. Here you can get a variety of sandwiches from traditional hoagies like Hot Ham and Cheddar to Classic Turkey and Swiss. You can mix it up a bit by ordering an international sandwich like a Cuban with smoked pulled pork, ham, Cuban relish, shaved red onion, Swiss with dijonnaise sauce, or an Italian with salami, ham, banana peppers, veggies with Italian dressing and melted provolone or even a Pastrami Reuban with shaved pastrami, Swiss, 1000 island on toasted marble rye. Or you can create your own dream sandwich with a plethora of great options. They also have salads, pizza, pasta, soup, a kid's menu, and a seasonal menu offering something different and unique. Along with the sandwiches, you can also create your own salad, pasta, and pizza! Can’t decide, they try any half and half with a sandwich, salad, or soup. No matter what you choose you can’t lose.