An Epic Sandwich

While visiting my parents over the holidays I made sure to take advantage of the DC food scene and hit up some highly touted places.  Nothing fancy, I wanted to hit up some of DC’s best cheap eats.  When Taylor Gourmet’s Roasted Pork Sandwich went head to head with New York City’s Roasted Turkey Roll in a Cheap Eats Challenge and came out on top, I knew I had to try it for myself.

Taylor Gourmet is a local favorite in the district, founded by Philadelphia natives Casey Patten and David Mazzo serving up authentic Italian-style hoagies.  They started out in 2008 with a single store on H street and have expanded to four stores, and are planning to open one up just outside the district in my home state, VA!  My fam took a trip into the city to get a taste of the infamous Pattison Avenue Hoagie and were blown away.

My mom and I split the 12 inch but could have easily polished it off by myself– not because I need that much food, but it was that good.

The Pattison Avenue comes with house roasted pork, broccoli rabe, and sharp provolone; a classic Philadelphia combination.  The pork is juicy and tender, sliced every so thinly.  Sautéed broccoli rabe with red pepper flakes is an addicting combination of salty and spicy with an intense, flavorful bite.  The provolone isn’t your average deli cheese.  This is the real stuff, imported from Italy.  Thick, shaved, and sharp.

A perfect hoagie roll, from a local baker* topped with sesame completed one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever eaten.  There’s absolutely nothing that could have made this sandwich better.  It’s the kind of thing you dream about.I keep trying to think of excuses to go back to DC just so I can eat this again.

Juicy, tender, salty, crunchy, cheesy goodness.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

I’m sure people order other things at Taylor Gourmet, but I honestly wouldn’t even bother.  I’m not sure how you could pass up this epic sandwich…I wonder if they’ll let me open one in Charlotte…

Not only is the food at Taylor Gourmet fabulous, but the decor is impressive.  Modern/industrial and it works.  Signature oil cans hang from the ceiling…

Beautiful brick walls, lined with their press clippings.  I’m telling you, DC loves this place and now I know why.

That table was only empty for a second.

Philadelphia-thanks for the sandwich, I can’t wait to check out that food scene. Bottom line, DC friends need to figure out whichever location is closest and immediately order a Pattison Avenue.   While you’re at it, put one in a cooler and ship it down to me.

Thanks.

*Taylor Gourmet used to get their rolls from a Philadelphia bakery (Sarcone’s) but have switched to a local bakery not only to support local businesses but in an eco-conscience effort to reduce their carbon footprint!  Double-awesome.  I’ve got to find that bakery and have them ship me some of those rolls…