The Famous Italian Sub

Everyone has a favorite type of sandwich to eat and mine is the Italian sub. I am not talking about subs from Subway, Jimmie Johns, or Quiznos; I am talking about authentic fresh deli subs, where the bread is always fresh and you know they are using the best possible cold cuts. There is one place that I always keep going back to on a regular basis for the past six years and that is Alcamo’s Market in Dearborn, MI.

Alcamo’s is a family owned Italian market that has been selling specialty imported items, mainly Italian produce, to the community for nearly 50 years. Your senses are immediately taken over once you walk into this small Italian market. On your right is the deli and specialty food counter; the smell from the imported meats and cheeses will put you in a spell. Your eyes are drawn to all of the specialty imported Italian produce that includes peppers, jarred/canned tomatoes, olive oil, vinegars, espresso, wines, cookies, etc.

Alcamo’s is really known for serving up some of the best subs in the Metro Detroit area; they were mentioned in the Detroit Free Press for having one of the Top 5 Subs in Metro Detroit.  Their popularity has definitely grown since I started being a regular six years ago; their sub menu has even grown. Even with an expanded sub menu, I always still order one of my favorites, the sub that had me hooked from first bite, and that is the Alcamo’s Famous Italian Sub.

The Alcamo’s Famous Italian sub is made with Italian capicola, mortadella, cooked prosciutto, provolone, shredded lettuce, tomato, and onion served on a crusty, flavorful, Sicilian roll with their famous house sub dressing; I always opt to have the dressing served on the side in a separate container. The Famous Italian sub is nothing to laugh at, it’s big and it is the definition of an Italian sub. The funny thing is, it is also one of their smaller ones. You might think you cannot tackle the whole thing in one sitting, but eventually you notice you are at your last few bites and you start to wonder “who stole half of my sub?”

I have to repeat, this sub is love at first bite and you want to savor every bite out of this big sub. The Italian capicola, mortadella, and cooked prosciutto all come from the same animal, but each provides their own unique flavoring. The provolone cheese provides a sharp taste at each bite, while the lettuce and tomato gives a fresh taste. Speaking of the lettuce, I do prefer lettuce shredded because it is easier to eat and you have an even amount through out the sub. The fresh Sicilian bread provides a great crust on the outside while being soft inside. However, what really brings this sub together are the tangy flavors from the onions and Alcamo’s homemade house sub dressing. I don’t know what’s in the house dressing besides red wine vinegar and fresh herbs, but it’s liquid gold. I always get upset with myself when I forget to ask for extra dressing.  I washed everything down with a nice cold San Pellegrino Aranciata.

I can only put into so many words how amazing this Italian sub is, but I urge you to experience it yourself; you won’t be let down. A couple of notes, Alcamo’s is closed on Mondays and be sure to try and get there before the lunch crowd shows up, because you will be waiting impatiently with a number. 

No Substitute For the Real Thing

Today I was in the mood for something substantial, something greasy, something fatty, and something cheesy. I knew that Noah’s Deli in Dearborn would have a wide variety of what I needed. I’ve been to Noah’s a few times before while working in Dearborn for the past 6 years and was always satisfied.

Noah’s Deli has been serving up great sandwiches and diner food in East Dearborn since 1977. The corner spot deli is a fairly small building where patrons sit at a u-shaped table while your order is prepared right in the middle. If you come early during the lunch hour, you can watch the ingredients being switched out with fresher items. It's a great sight because you know you are getting quality.

Noah’s is really known for their Hot Corn Beef and Reuben sandwiches, I’ve had both and thoroughly enjoyed them. Today, I was craving for something a little different; I wanted something fatty, greasy, and cheesy; so why not Noah’s take on a classic Philly Cheesesteak? It seemed like it had all of the right ingredients; grilled steak, onions, peppers, and cheese all on a grilled sub bun.  Was it as good as it sounded in writing? Did it live up to a true Philly Cheesesteak?

The short answer is no. First, I felt that they skimped out on the meat and cheese, the whole essence of a Cheesesteak. Second, I knew I was taking a gamble with Noah’s using Swiss Cheese instead of Provolone or Cheez Whiz. Lastly the sub bun was hard at the ends and was pretty bland.

I took my first bite, and while the flavors were pretty decent, I could not help but feel disappointed. Where was all of the fat and grease? The steak was pretty dry and the flavors felt really underpowered because of the filling to bun ratio; the bun was really bland as well. Then the cheese, there was simply not enough of hot melted cheese and the Swiss just had a less of a sharp punch than the Provolone or Cheez Wiz would have had. While I ate the whole sandwich, I felt more disappointed after each bite.

After I finished, I started thinking that in some cases there is no substitute for the real thing; and in this case no version of a Philly Cheesesteak, besides the real deal from Philly, can really do the original any justice. I should have gone with a sandwich I knew Noah’s could execute perfectly. So the next time I see a famous regional sandwich or dish served as an establishment’s “version”, I might think twice about ordering it.

What are your thoughts? Is there no substitute for the real thing?