Philly has its cheesesteak and New Orleans its po'boy, but what about California?
We challenged readers to nominate the quintessential Golden State sandwich, which best exemplified all that is delicious about our glorious state. Scores of sandwiches later, we have some mouthwatering winners, including an artichoke-infused crab melt, a BLT with avocado, and a Mediterranean-inspired chicken and chevre concoction.
And we have a newfound appreciation for our readers, whose humorous commentary and culinary anecdotes outshone even the delicious recipes.
There were paeans of praise to local produce, olive oil and Dungeness crab. Avocados were extolled and artichokes lauded. And many readers took pains to suggest sandwiches that not only took advantage of California's bounty, but offered a little whimsy as well.
Lafayette's Fred and Sandy King, for example, set off on a road trip — in a blue and gold convertible, natch — to investigate sandwich ideas from San Diego to Siskiyou. There's more than a hint of humor in the resulting investigative report, which describes a Humboldt County Entrepreneur ("smoked salmon on locally baked bread with fully loaded brownie on the side") and the Santa Monica Starlet Special — a club sandwich, hold the bread, the turkey, the bacon and tomato. Oh, and mayo on the side.
But, say the Kings, "We found the 'California Quintessential' close to home. It's made with some of the finest ingredients made or grown right here in Northern California, aka 'God's Country.' To date, however, it has only been served in a secluded local kitchen and is awaiting discovery through publication in a favorite local newspaper."
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Mercury News.