Cossetta's Italian Beef Sandwich

I had to run into St. Paul to grab a few goodies for Christmas and managed to avoid the temptation of the newly created St. Paul versions of the Bulldog and Pop!! to head to an old favorite, Cossetta's. Cossetta's is a St. Paul institution, and is always jammed with folks digging into hearty Italian pasta classics, sandwiches and pizza. Cossetta's also has an extensive Italian grocery and deli as well as a frozen take-away section. The Italian grocery has a ton of great stuff including olives, breads, imported canned tomatoes and a whole array of Italian meats and cheeses.

Although I did breeze by the grocery to inspect the goodies, I was at Cossetta's in search of immediate relief for a sandwich jones, and couldn't be distracted for long. I passed the pizza line and decided against the mostaccioli (both of which are favorites) for the allure and promise of an authentic Italian beef sandwich. Besides, the lines in the cafeteria-style Italian eatery are always wicked long for the perfect pizza and decadent pasta.

The sandwich starts with a nice fresh roll and they pile it high with thinly sliced Italian beef that has been soaking in a pool of it's own rich jus for what must have been some time given the delicate consistency of the beef. I ordered mine with hot giardiniera, and they really piled it on! I tore into the sandwich and immediately ran into a salty jolt of the beef jus and was then quickly bombarded with the spice of the giadiniera. Both flavors were bold and were greeted warmly by my now desperate taste buds. The only issue was that the salt and the heat really masked the beef, which should be the heart and soul of the sandwich. I found the roll a bit dry as I like my beef sandwiches "wet," or fully immersed in the jus. However, that isn't for everybody and most people would have found the roll just fine, but that's just my own personal taste. I feel a good slice of provolone would have helped mellow out the hot peppers, and added quite a bit to the sandwich, but it didn't stop me from wolfing the sandwich down.

Sandwich Rating: Tasty. It was super satisfying and really filling, but I felt like the Italian Beef and it's delicious blend of spices was buried underneath the mound of hot peppers and salty jus. I would consider ordering the sandwich again if I went back, but would likely give the Italian Sausage or Meatball hoagie a shot if I can resist the delicious pizza and heavenly, ricotta spiked mostaccioli.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

Byerly's Caprese Chicken Sandwich

I attended a good friends wedding last night so I woke up a bit groggy and really hungry. I decided to do the right thing and headed to church to atone, but soon after I was on my way to the grocery store to pick up some necessities for the week and grab something for lunch. I had a serious case of the lazies, so I decided I would just grab a sandwich from Byerly's little panini stand. I rolled through the options and saw the country club which I know is good, but is a total gut bomb, and I needed to be gentle with my tummy after a solid night of beer.

I noticed they had a muffuletta. Jackpot! I asked the guy behind the counter about it, and he described it as more of a salami sandwich with "Bysal" (OK,I think he meant basil) oil and olive tapenade. No mortadella and no olive salad = no muffuletta. I scanned one last time and settled on the chicken caprese sandwich. I figured that was pretty simple. I got it heated up and hit the road to enjoy the sandwich from the confines of my favorite couch. I opened up the sandwich and quickly realized it wasn't exactly what I thought it was. The chicken was generous and tasty, but the caprese triumvirate was reduced to a few mushy tomatoes, a very thin slice of what likely was mozzarella and some of their self lauded "Bysal" oil. The sandwich would have been much improved if they stuck to the traditions of caprese and used fresh basil, but I continued regardless. The bread was a bit much, and diluted the flavors in the sandwich with it's abundance, but a nice layer of caramelized onions helped balance out the dryness of the roll.

Sandwich Rating: Good, not great. I know they have better sandwiches in the case, but I thought this was a lay-up. I usually never go to Byerly's unless they have something I can't get at Linden Hill's Co-op or Clancey's. Regardless, I might grab a sandwich there again if in a pinch and already there, but certainly wouldn't go out of the way and would not get this particular one, either.

As always, let me know if you have any suggestions. I'm always looking for a good new sandwich to try.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy

Broder's - Caprese Sandwich

I love Broder's Cucina Italiana like I love my Italian Grandmother. It's the perfect place to swing by and grab delicious pizza, pasta, hoagies and a whole mix of Italian favorites ranging from pasta to cold salads to authentic Italian foodstuffs.

I go there quite frequently and enjoy a number of things, and falling into that category are their delicious paninnis. Last night I had the caprese sandwich. Take a fresh, chewy baguette and brush some olive oil on the inside of the loaf. Then sprinkle with some coarse ground pepper and salt. Layer in incredibly fresh basil and some nicely sliced tomatoes, and then, the star of this sandwich: fresh, pillowy mozzarella. It's essentially a caprese salad on a nice baguette.

I enjoy this sandwich and it's a go-to in Lent for me on my flesh free Fridays. Although the caprese sandwich was tasty and light, it's better suited for spring/summer or when you need a nice reminder of the pending warmth in the late winter months. I recommend the sandwich, but as temperatures drop I'll start to favor their South Jersey hoagie or the meatball sub.

Sandwich Rating: Tasty. I'll eat this several times a year and it's a good meal to cycle into my regular trips at this neighborhood favorite.

Happy Eating,

-Teddy