My New Favorite Sandwich is 700 Miles Away!

So, on my recent honeymoon to Portland, I took it upon myself to try the fruits of the land up North. Great seafood abounds in Portland, and I wanted to try a bit of everything. Let me elaborate...

Today's Sandwich
Old Port Sandwich Shop's Crab Wrap
Crab Meat
Mayo
Sprouts
Tomato
Lettuce
Spinach Wrap

This sandwich was a dream. I love crab steamed and in cake form, so it was not surprising that I liked this sandwich so much. Old Port Sandwich Shop is located near the coast of Portland, in the "Old Port" section of town. We had been out on the town all day, and I was starving when I got there. Under advisement of the sandwich artist on staff, I tried the crab with mayo, and I think it was a great move. It was a nice compliment to the sweetness of the crab meat, and this particular meat was VERY fresh. It tasted like they pulled it out of the water right before I walked in the door. Fantastic. I've tried to recreate the sandwich here at home, but it just hasn't been the same. Blue crab from the Bay may be a good substitute, I will let you know when I have the extra money to buy some. Anyway, mark this as a strong contender for "sandwich of the year". Oh man, does that exist? If not, I am totally inventing that award. I'll be back tomorrow to write about Portland's microbrew scene!

Update I found a link to the shop I was talking about. You know, in case someone in Portland reads this. Probably not going to get a lot of traffic from me...

I'm Back... and I'm Doing PRIME

Hello blagoblag! I'm back from a three week hiatus. It turns out gettin' hitched will take a lot out of a guy. There are plenty of beers, and even more sandwiches to be talked about, so here we go!

Today's beer was a gift from a friend. While I generally do not trust Jonathan when he tells me to drink things (especially after I won a dollar drinking the beer we brewed ourselves... WORST DOLLAR EVER) I decided to give it a chance. Also, it helped that someone other than he and I made it.

Today's Beer
Legacy Brewing Co.'s Hoptimus Prime

If any of you know me, you know that Optimus Prime is probably the most important person of my childhood (he's real if I think he's real!!). So when Jonny saw the cartoon version of a giant hop monster serving up Legacy Brewing Co's Double IPA, he thought of me. How kind!

It's a good beer. IPA beers are all about the hops, and fans of them can't get enough hops. Dogfish Head has a fantastic 120 minute double IPA; and while Hoptimus is not as good as that, it is quite good. Plus, marketing it alongside Optimus made it so I had to like it. I am compelled to like it, like a long hidden hypnotic suggestion, I have to love all things Transformers. It worked, it's good!

Dark Starr For Dark Skies

With tonight's inclement weather, tonight's beer is fitting. A tempest rages outside! Beware! Another tree branch fell in our yard, luckily it missed our sweet new firebowl! Amid this ominous setting I poured out a nice cold beverage to hunker down and cry weather the storm.

Today's Beer
Starr Hill Dark Starr Stout

Today's beer comes to us from the distant land of upturned collars and quality education (whatevz!). You might know it as Charlottesville, but I delete it from all maps I buy so I cannot talk about it. Starr Hill brewery in Charlottesville, VA is the maker of Dark Starr Stout. Their Jomo Lager is the best I have had from Starr Hill so far, so I decided to give their stout a try. Honestly, I'm not impressed. It lacks the coffee flavor of Guiness that comes from roasting the barley just right. I consider Guiness to be the type species of stouts. It has a long history that has allowed the makers of Guiness to perfect their recipe; whereas Starr Hill has some work ahead. It definitely is not terrible, but it just isn't great. Alright, I just heard a scary wussy lightning bolt outside, I have to go.

The Tale of The Great Chain Sandwich!

C'mon kiddies! Gather 'round! Let me tell you a wonderful tale about sandwiches! And if you're very good, perhaps a beer too!

Yesterday was a grand day! The lady and I had tickets to see Regina Spektor at Toad's Place, so I had to get my sandwich on in a hurry. Since we had just finished bowling (yeah, I got a 48, beat that, internet!) at Short Pump we decided to stop at Arby's. Usually, I have very little faith in fast food restaurant sandwiches, but I thought I would give it a shot. As for today's beer, I had it earlier last week after work from the Strawberry Street Market.

Today's Beer
Otter Head

Otter Head is a traditional English bitter brewed by the Otter Brewery in the UK. I don't know where in the UK, and I won't bother looking because it isn't AMURICA. And if it ain't AMURICAN then I'm not interested! Oh, sorry about that.
Anyway, Otter Head ale has a fruity taste, with a subtle hoppiness. I thought it was a good bitter, which is a bit like an IPA on less intense. I drank it a while ago, so I don't have too much to say about it. The sandwich, on the other hand, I could out write Joyce.

Today's Sandwich
Arby's Toasted Club
Ciabbata bread
Old Tyme Ham (what is that!?)
Rotisserie Turkey
Cheddar
Swiss
Applewood Smoked Bacon
Tomato soaked in redwine vinegar
lettuce
onions
herb mayo

Holy crap, what an amazing sandwich. If you can see the photo, the halo that surrounded the sandwich didn't come out so well. This was probably the most delicious sandwich I've ever had at a chain restaurant. And that means something, because I eat a LOT of sandwiches. The turkey was rotisserie cooked so it was juicy and thick (that one's for you, Dave). I thought at first the combination of cheddar and swiss would be too much cheese, but because of the ham and applewood smoked bacon it was a nice counterpoint to the salted meats.
The attention to detail was immaculate. The tomatoes had been soaked in red wine vinegar. The ciabatta bread was lightly covered in garlic butter on one side, and herb mayo on the other. Oh, it was wonderful, let me tell you! Why are you still reading this? GO GET THIS SANDWICH!