Gerald S.
Yelp
I once worked up the street from Sandwich Club in Langhorne, PA, and was a regular customer. Our office sent them large lunch orders at least once a week. Back then, I loved their hot and cold sandwiches and homemade soup, and ultimately settled in on the Chicken Florentine Sandwich as the best of the menu.
Eventually, I moved on to other employment, and left the Club behind. Still, I never forgot those garlicky spinach, chicken and provolone creations hot off their grill and melted in their oven.
I was nearby recently and had the urge to return and eat another of those wonderful sandwiches. I parked right in front around 3 in the afternoon. The tiny storefront looked the same and emitted a glorious aroma of an Italian kitchen. I spoke with an owner, who was friendly and desiring to help. I ordered, and waited the ten minutes until the completed stuffed long roll was out of the oven after melting all the cheese.
The shop only does takeout, so I drove to my office with that terrific drooling smell filling the cabin of my car. Expectations grew as I sat at my desk and opened the styro container (wish they were more environmentally aware). The sammy looked great and I took a snapshot for Yelp and posterity.
First bite I realized that the chicken was dry and clearly had been sitting around for a while in cut up pieces. The reheating in the stovetop and baking in the oven had left it lifeless and begging for mercy. Disappointing, to say the least. They should have started from scratch with a whole breast and grilled it as they sliced it and mixed in the other ingredients. That was what I remembered from years before. Using left over already cooked chicken in my sandwich was a recipe for failure.
I ate everything feeling somewhat dejected, but at least the sautéed spinach and garlic infused roll were good and reminded of better days.
I imagine that if you are there for earlier lunch when everything is fresh, a much better product can be delivered. I am just sad that I didn't get to enjoy that delicious memory in the present.