I used to live around the corner from Hoagies Corner, a prominent convenience store and deli chain in the Pacific Northwest during the 1970s and 1980s, famous for its signature “Cheesy British” sandwich. One of the things I loved, and was new for me, was the idea of building a sandwich that they would make for you on the spot. Recently arrived from South Africa, this was not a thing I was familair with. The sandwhich I built became an instant favorite. Let’s call it “the accidental favorite”. Why accidental you ask? Because having built the sandwhich that first day, the server asked me if I wanted it heated, and I said, “W,hy yes, please!” assuming that he had a press or some other mechanism to heat it. He did not. He wrapped it and put it in the microwave. I took the sandwich home (a couple of block away on my bike), and dived right in. It was alchemy.
So the sandwhich is
- Roast beef (thin sliced and rare)
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Pickles
- Swiss cheese
- light mayo
It has to be a hot sandwich. And, its best if its wrapped in wax paper and heated in the microwave. Every time I have one of these sandwiches, I am transported back in time to the day where I introduced this bite to my friend Will, who worked with me at the Nursery when we were pretty darn stoned. He said, “That is the best thing I have ever tasted!” and I feel that way every time I make the sandwhich and bite into it. Now that I have created that San Francisco sour taste, I cannot wait to try it!
My Life: A Memoir 