Dad’s Sandwiches and Things
Henry asked me the other day if I could have any job, what would my dream job be. I was tired, too tired to want to be president or a rock star, and I was hungry so I thought that it would be cool to be a restaurant reviewer. I’d like to be paid to go around the world for culinary adventures. I’d get to try all the fun, fancy food, and then I would write witty, entertaining essays about my experience. After telling Henry this, I paused, thinking. I could totally do this. I’m a writer. I go out to eat. Why not try my hand at punchy, spicy reviews of my experiences? A delicious writing exercise.
Dad’s Sandwiches and Things — December 5, 2024 — 27533 Puerta Real, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Doug and I had an hour for lunch while we waited for our knives to get sharpened. Ike sharpens my knives every six months, and it’s seriously elevated my home cooking.
Doug picked a Japanese place in a strip mall. I didn’t pay much attention. Not until I showed up and noticed the sandwich a woman was eating on the table outside. Then I knew I wanted a sandwich instead of sushi.
I stepped next door and had a delightful little visit with the man behind the counter. When I told him I wanted a hot sandwich instead of cold, we discussed the merits between their housemade pastrami or the roast beef with gardinera peppers and au jus. All the bread was house made. He laughed when I closed my eyes to ask my belly what I wanted. I went with the pastrami, probably because it had an entire chalkboard dedicated to it. Marketing success.
When I said I wanted the full size, he showed me twice how big that was. Finally I admitted that I was sharing it, and he let me order it. I added their house seasoned potato chips and a chocolate chip walnut cookie.
When he brought the sandwich to our table, split on 2 plates, Doug was eating his spicy tuna roll from next door. It’s always a bit awkward (for me, not Doug) bringing food from another restaurant.
“Oh, I thought you were sharing,” the man said.
I didn’t need the sandwich shaming. I’d eat a full myself if I wanted to. “We are. That’s just his appetizer.”
I think the sandwich man gave us extra chips. Nice of him. I was glad I added a tip.
The pastrami was so juicy it dripped down my chin, making me super aware I’d just taken a shower before leaving for lunch. Not that there’s ever a time I want grease on my face.
But the pastrami was sliced thin enough that the fat kind of melted beautifully into the bread. And the excess soaked onto my dill chips, improving them too.
Doug thought it was a bit too greasy, but he’s a lightweight. I’ll admit I’ve been craving fat lately. I’m prepping for my winter hibernation.
I would like to return to Dad’s Sandwiches. At least enough times for me to try the meatball sub and the hot Italian beef, possibly the chicken parmesan.
And I won’t forget the cookie. It was a surprisingly delicious bargain at $2.
