The Gut Bomber
If you’re going to eat a sandwich that will stay with you for, oh, a week or two, let me make a recommendation: The Adam Richman at Ike’s Place in Santa Rosa (1780 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa).
To celebrate National Sandwich Day 2015, here’s a pick that will make you feel a little dirty. As in Dirty Sauce, Ike’s garlicy-mayo spread is just part of the secret mojo that goes into a list of 200-plus sandwich combinations that have made the Bay Area sub shop legendary.
The Adam Richman is a gut-bomber of fried (halal) chicken, honey, avocado, ham, dirty sauce and a Dutch crunch roll that’s an ode to former Man vs. Food calorie martyr. Add a couple fried mozzarella sticks just to make sure you’ve celebrated properly.
Though I’ve only ever eaten one, I’ll go out on a limb and say: Best. Sandwich. Ever.
Not up for that kind of culinary investment? Ike’s also includes a number of meaty and meat-free choices (including several nods to locals including the Charles Schulz, Luther Burbank and SRJC Bear Cub).
My Personal Favorite (besides a straight up turkey and Swiss): Banh mi.
This Vietnamese-French hybrid is typically a baguette filled with pate, pickled vegetables, barbecued pork, jalapenos and cilantro. Pair with a tasty Vietnamese coffee and you’re good to go.
– Lee’s Noodle House: 1010 Hopper Ave. Santa Rosa, (707) 523-2358
– Simply Vietnam Express: 3381 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa, (707) 544-4585
The Latin Sandwich Crew
The Cubano
A grilled Cuban sandwich with roasted pork, ham, Swiss, pickles and mustard on real Cuban bread. Ai papi. Rumba Cuban Kitchen, 8750 Old Redwood Hwy, Windsor, (707) 687-5632.
The Torta
This taco-truck staple is worth seeking out. Filled with meat, cheese, and other goodies the two best I’ve found..
– Homemade Tortilla: The Pambazo is a four-napkin feast with chile-sauced soaked and fried bread filled with chorizo and potatoes (papas con chorizo, $6.95). Don’t miss a side of curtido, a fermented Salvadoran slaw similar to sauerkraut (2770 Stony Point Ave., Santa Rosa, (707) 521-9977)
– Nuevo Sazon: Torta Ahogada, a roll dipped in tomato sauce, stacked up with carnitas, onions and refried beans. Insane. At the West End Farmer’s Market on Sundays (check the Facebook page to make sure they’re at the market).
So what’s your favorite local sandwich?