I sat down to type a post yesterday, on Election night, and somehow everything I had to say seemed ridiculously small and meaningless in comparison.  So I went and glued myself to the screen and watched the evening unfold like the rest of America. Rest assured, you won't find political commentary here.  So go ahead and EXHALE.  It's an emotional day no matter how you voted, which made me think that maybe some lighter subject matter is exactly what we need.....  

  
Jersey Mike's opened in Juanita Village (old Cherry Du Pon spot)recently and apparently a LOT of people knew about it because the line was 25 people deep.   When you put the word Jersey in your name you'd better not be joking around.  For a little background, conveniently enough, I happen to be from New Jersey.  You can thank the Garden State for my fast talking, unrelenting sarcasm, brutal honesty and occasional cursing at inappropriate times.  Anyway, sorry.... back to the story....sub sandwiches.  I went to college in NC and when I drove the ten hours to NJ,  my most coveted meal to return home to was a sub from Pable's Sub Shop in our little beach town of Manasquan.  Unfortunately this does not say much for my mom's cooking (ssshhh).  At Pable's, the bread was perfect and fresh and they'd pull the turkey out of the deli case,  slice it thin, and pile it high onto your sandwich.  Shredded lettuce, tomato, oil, lots of vinegar and salt/pepper/oregano were the standard toppings you couldn't live without.

Somehow across 42 states there are 1170 Jersey Mike's shops and I've managed to miss out on them until now.  Let me tell ya-it seems a lot like a 'real' Jersey sub.  Albeit a franchised version of the authentic Pable's that I have built up in my mind, still a really good sub. Same process- each sandwich freshly sliced and the smell of delicious red vinegar bites at your nostrils.  The story really hit home when I looked on their website only to discover that the original "Jersey Mike's" was started in Pt. Pleasant, NJ which is the next town over from my beloved Pable's.  What are the chances?  Here's their menu fully equipped with food photos. Their super helpful and friendly staff worked through the opening week hiccups that occurred when I was there (misplaced my sandwich, gave us a free one..).  I got a Club Sub which was delish and my kids couldn't stop stealing bites of.  They also loved the meatball sub.  Prices are roughly $6-14 depending on which of the 3 sizes you choose.  One 'giant-sized' sub fed all three of my tweens.  You can even place orders online for pickup. Jersey Mike's is open everyday from 10am-9pm. And as far as I know, their owner is NOT killing cheetahs and elephants in their spare time, so there's that.  Keep Jersey Mike's on your list for a quick lunch or dinner after practice and grab extra napkins cause it's messy.  Enjoy! ~j