You Had Me at Pastrami

The clock had almost struck midnight on Friday night as I perused Eastern Standard’s extravagant dinner menu.  In serendipitous fashion, my eyes locked in on the House Made Pastrami sandwich.  Last call for food trembled through the sophisticated restauarant at the Hotel Commonwealth, and I eagerly ordered the sandwich. 

A slow smile appeared on my face as I gazed at the toasted pumpernickel bread and the thickness of the sandwich.  My first bite left my tongue tingling, the cole slaw was slightly pickled and the Dijon made the perfect spicy balance.  The pastrami gives SLG’s a good run for its money – the sandwich is served hot and toasty, and aside from SLGs chipotle mustard, I couldn’t find too much else that gave me preference to SLG.  The sandwich was accompanied by fresh potato chips and a side of pickled purple cabbage.  As we sat around the table munching on late night bites, we sipped our fancy cocktails and laughed about life.  Who said sandwiches don’t bring friends together?

Baggy Sweatpants and Subs

The likes of Anthony Bourdain, my co-worker's dad, and multiple Yelpers have given this dive sandwich shop two thumbs up.  When I heard about their steak and cheese with hots, I figured it was about time I hike out to Southie to see what the fuss is about. Cautiously entering Rondo’s, I examined the clientele and instantly felt over dressed.  My jeans and a t-shirt suddenly felt like I was wearing a ball gown to a Red Sox game.  To call the dress code casual would be an extreme overstatement.  Man boys hovered around tables rocking grey baggy sweatpants and backwards flat-brimmed caps.  A thick Boston drawl was prominently heard, and I realized I had never seen these guys in their natural habitat before.

Not making eye contact, Jess and I grabbed a table near the back of the shop.  Angelo, Jimmy or Harry behind the counter asked me if I wanted my hots cooked into my steak and cheese – sure, why not?  

Slowly unwrapping the paper from my sub, I wondered whether I’d be able to eat all of it.  I did.  And I savored every last bite.  The sandwich was steaming hot, and the American cheese was melted perfectly into the steak.  The cherry peppers were nice and spicy, giving this traditional American sub the extra kick it needed.  The steak was cooked to juicy faultlessness, and it was enveloped by a freshly baked, soft bread roll.  Though mainly silent through this sandwich eating experience, Jess and I looked up at each other and exchanged “mmm”s.  For the rest of the day, I couldn’t stop talking about this sub.  I guess there’s a reason why Anthony Bourdain has his own show.