My Ultimate Sandwich Haven

Where the magic happens - M&P's miniature kitchen

Although I have lived in Boston for nearly five years, it wasn't until this past warm, rainy Saturday that I realized Boston has a neighborhood called Bay Village.  Sandwiched between Back Bay and the Theater District, in the heart of Boston, Bay Village shies away from the rest of the city, offering gas lamps, brownstone buildings and, the main draw: Mike & Patty's neighborhood sandwich shop.  Locking up my bike across the street, I glanced in the direction of Mike & Patty's, only identifiable by the long line protruding from a nondescript door.  The picture to the left is actually taken from the farthest corner of the shop.  There are only eight chairs for those dining in, thus forcing Bostonians to hang around outside, salivating over the sweet aromas lingering in the air.

As our turn came quickly, I had barely twenty seconds to decide on a sandwich.  If you know me, I need about ten minutes longer to make a decision.  The first sandwich description that met my eyes was the torta, displayed confidently at the top of the menu offering pork, chicken or a vegetarian option.  The vegetarian option sounded deliciously unique with sweet potatoes and poblano peppers, but I carnivorously went for the pork.  Next to the sandwich menu though, there is an additional menu dedicated to breakfast, served all day.  Mouth watering delights resonate from the menu, such as the grilled banana sandwich, the breakfast torta and the bacon and egg, fancy. 

Although the innovative menu items have lingering traces of the former Mike and Patty duo, Mike has played an integral role in the menu creation, relying only on employees Jen Galatis and Steph Basiliere, along with a few special friends and customers, for feedback.  As sole owner for nearly a year now, Mike confirmed that his professional break-up with Patty was an amicable one.  “If she was Farro Salad with Marcona Almonds, Arugula and Vin Santo, I was Chili Dog.  With a locavore slant,” he elegantly explains.  The two are former employees of the South End Formaggio, although with opposing geographical interests.  Describing his cuisine as North American, Mike delves into the pieces of his life that have crafted the menu.  To start, he is Canadian and represents his home base with Peameal Bacon, ketchup chips and specials like tourtiere and butter tarts.  He has lived in Boston for half of his life which explains the American influence, leaving only Mexico, a place he called home for six months in his early twenties.  “I always wanted to include Mexican and Tex-Mex and Southwestern, and to do so with respect for those much different traditions, but without feeling like I needed to be beholden to notions of authenticity,” Mike elaborates.

A resident of the South End, Keith Bachyrycz has been a patron of Mike & Patty’s for two years.  His beloved sandwich is the Bacon and Egg, Fancy, and he even orders breakfast sandwiches to bring to work for his whole team to enjoy.  Alan Inacio, one of Keith’s co-workers, favors the same sandwich, with turkey chorizo.  Alan exclaims, “The bacon egg, fancy is everything the Egg McMuffin can never be.  Fresh ingredients, made to order, high end quality in every bite.”

"Get in my belly!"

Sipping my freshly squeezed orange juice, I allowed myself to get lost in the ambiance of the petite shop.  Mike, with the help of three young women (who looked to be in their early 20s), worked diligently in the miniature open air kitchen as top 40s hits played on a hidden radio.  Watching in awe and anticipation as they carved out ripe avocados, hand mixed cole slaw and sliced open fresh rolls of bread, it was clear to see that this place was authentic.  Specials cheerfully shouted from paper plates displayed throughout the shop, while assorted hot sauces lined a nearby shelf.  My friend Jess and I planted ourselves at two bar stools by the window, within arms reach of the hot sauces.

Nearing the slurping stage of my orange juice, my name was called out and I quickly jumped up to grab my sandwich.  Captivated by bright, juicy jicama slaw, I politely waited for Jess to get her sandwich as barbequed pulled pork gushed from the edges of the fresh, plump sesame roll in front of me.  Bright green avocado slices playfully nestled among pieces of pork, creamy goat cheese, and a smooth refritos spread.  The soft bread roll was lovingly left closed on one end for easy eating.  The first bite left me feeling giddy with sheer excitement, thinking this is everything a sandwich should be.  The owner, wearing a chef's hat, eagerly looked over at us, capturing our first reactions. 

Between massive mouthfuls, Jess and I shouted over to each other proclaiming words of praise for the flavorsome masterpieces.  In a messy fit of passion, I ate every last piece on my plate.  Blissfully leaving the sandwich shop feeling completely satisfied, I reminisced about my sandwich experience the whole ride home, dreamily wondering when I'll find my way back to Bay Village.

Dear Sandwich King,

Although your made up words seem a bit tacky, you make up for it with your sandwich skills.  If I come to Chicago, can you make me that Greek gyro?

Yours Truly,

Sandwich-Hands

Lobster Roll Challenge

(Above: Lobster roll from B&G)

The weather got burning hot here in Boston, and I found myself craving the quintessential summertime sandwich – the lobster roll!  Greedily, I asked friends and family members to take part in a challenge around Boston to determine which restaurant hot spot serves up the best roll.  Let’s take a quick history lesson for our friends outside of New England (and even those inside that still don’t know the difference between a Maine and Connecticut lobster roll!).

Feelings have been hurt and friendships torn apart as a result of the Connecticut vs. Maine lobster roll debate.  Maine (or New England) lobster rolls are predominately made with a chilled lobster “salad”, lightly coated with mayonnaise, while the Connecticut lobster roll is filled with lobster tossed with hot butter.  Both are served on a hot, buttered hot dog roll and usually served with a side of fries (this is America after all).

Ashima enjoying her favorite lobster roll!

That being said, my friend Cat from London took part in the ultimate lobster roll competition between B&G Oysters and Neptune Oysters.  Having never had a lobster roll before in her life, it was determined that she would be the unbiased human specimen we needed.  Completely biased, I wanted to like Neptune Oyster, it being in my neighborhood and always having a line out the door.  The restaurant has received numerous awards for the best lobster rolls in the city.  Ashima, on the other hand, has given Barbara Lynch’s B&G soaring reviews and stubbornly believes they deserve recognition for the best lobster roll.  Happily accepting the challenge, we checked out both restaurants.  Neptune actually has both the Maine and Connecticut rolls, so Cat and I were able to order both and share.  I may be partial to the Maine lobster roll (again not sure if there’s a biased there being from New England), but Cat decided that they are both truly satisfying in their own way.  She noted that Maine lobster rolls were paired best with a picnic or at an outdoor sporting game, while the Connecticut roll would be perfect on a midsummer night’s eve.

(Above: Beautiful lobster chunks in B&G's roll!)

Without further ado, Cat and I both agreed that B&G’s lobster roll is superior.  In their lobster roll, colossal pieces of succulent lobster are lightly coated in a tart mayonnaise - the best part is that you can’t even see the mayonnaise!  Intense lobster flavors aren’t masked my globs of mayonnaise as they usually are, and each bite is a bite of lobster roll heaven.   Shout-out to Ash for introducing me to the perfect lobster roll!

The Burger KING?

Often proclaimed for having the best burgers in the Boston area, Mr. Bartley's even received the title of "best burgers in America" from the Boston Globe (I'm sure there is no bias).  No doubt that this is one historical landmark (open since 1960), lounging smack in the middle of Harvard Square with massive lines jutting from the door just about every day.  I was a little skeptical at first because the place is entirely too touristy.  As you wait in line, a hostess gives you menus and comes back to take your order so that when you do eventually get seated, your burgers arrive not too long after.

Although the line was long, it moved quickly and within 20 minutes, Cat, Jess and I were seated.  Beverages were immediately set down in front of us, along with the s'mores frappe we ordered to share.  The frappe was incredibly comforting; fresh chocolate ice cream, graham crackers and whipped cream cycloned together to create a classic milkshake.  As waiters shouted over to chefs and school kids laughed in a corner, I observed the condiment selection at our table.  Ketchup and mustard, the standards, were available in plastic tubes, along with little buckets of toppings: sliced sandwich pickles, thick white onions, and a hot pepper jelly.

Our three burgers arrived swiftly, and I excitedly bit into my juicy burger topped with sauerkraut and Russian dressing.  Sizzling with moistness, the burger was anything but neat, and I indulged in the flavors and juices composed in each bite.  Admittedly, I may like the standard burger at Mr. Bartley’s more (than the beloved R.F.), but the bun, which was a bit soggy, is far superior at R.F.  As a complete package, R.F.’s BlackJack, slathered with Cajun spices, is still #1 in my eyes, but wow.  Mr. Bartley’s did not fail to impress me.

Additional photos taken inside and outside (note line out the door!!)

DuckFAT!

After a whitewater-rafting-drinking extravaganza weekend in central Maine, our crew of eight decided to find a sandwich shop in Portland, Maine’s largest city.  Extensive Google research led us to Duckfat, a quaint restaurant downtown boasting “the best fries on this side of the pond”. 

Proving its popularity, the sandwich shop had about an hour wait.  Thanks to our friend John’s tenacity, we actually waited, lingering down by Portland’s harbor to kill time.  Passing many restaurants, bars and shops, we crossed tiny, cobblestone streets back to Duckfat.  Luckily, and some might even say fated, eight seats patiently waited for us outside.  Excitedly, we skimmed the menu and quickly ordered two large cones of the hand cut Belgian fries with various dipping sauces – truffle ketchup, garlic aioli, Thai chili mayo and Raye’s sweet and spicy mustard.  The waiter recommended a house made Sunburst soda, a citrus blend with anise and tarragon spices, which was crisp and refreshing.  I couldn’t have been happier with the soda and I might even attempt to make it at home.

Our long awaited Paninis finally arrived in front of us.  Tim and I split the Spicy Italian and the Special (house made chicken and pork sausage, onions and peppers with a sweet and spicy mustard house made mustard spread).  Even after trying some of the other mouth-watering choices (Cal ordered the house made meatloaf and Kate had the B.G.T., bacon, goat cheese and tomatoes), the Spicy Italian was the clear winner in my mind.  Fresh slices of salami, capicola and provolone were nestled between two condiments: on top, a dark green, pesto aioli, and on the bottom, a bright red, hot pepper relish.  Vinegar, basil and hot pepper flavors screamed out of the hot, crispy Panini bread.  Every ingredient was made in-house, which made it extra special.  Looking around at our friends, it was clear that everyone had thoroughly enjoyed their meals.  We were so satisfied, we didn’t have room left to order the milkshakes, churros or beignets, but I hear they are just as delicious.  If Duckfat doesn’t come to Boston anytime soon (I’m not holding my breath), I will definitely be making a trip to Portland again.