Darrell P.
Yelp
What in the okole?! A Spaghetti sandwich?!
It's REAL?! LOL
RSM Lake Plaza - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=4IV0zvY9IBVtyy2tDPEzzg&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
I was in the RSM area for a meeting & thought I'd pull up my trusty yelp * app for a bit of guidance... The Trough Sandwich Kitchen was one of the first to appear on my screen. Good overall reviews, looked solid. I investigated a bit more & highlighted on the main page, "Spaghetti Sandwich." I had to read that twice because in my mind, the only place such a thing existed was in Arlen, Texas; home of Hank Hill, Boomhauer, and Bill Dauterive. ("King of the Hill")
The Trough Sandwich Kitchen - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=S8La8hW2dNh4sZqdXrjurw&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
(Guest appearance: Bill Dauterive)
So, here I was at The Trough Sandwich Kitchen (TSK), and had found a "unicorn," when I wasn't even looking? LOL - A spaghetti sandwich, so it is a real thing?! I would've never thunk it but there it was in big black letters. I wasn't particularly craving spaghetti on a hoagie but no on ever expects to find a magical, one horned horse either. HA! I am not one to pass up on new opportunities especially when it comes to trying different kinds of eats.
I walked in a little after 10am, the plaza was getting ready for the day. The front patio was recently rinsed down, the tables & chairs were getting set out. TSK is open seven days/week from 7am - 4pm. Opening at 7am is a rare, especially for a sandwich shop but awesome for people that are up & running while most others are still asleep. (Thumbs up)
As I walked in, three guys looked @ me; two behind the food prep area and one near the register... The gentlemen by the register said good morning in which I replied, "Hi, I'm here to try your famous spaghetti sandwich!" (I say famous because as far as I know, it's the only one in town.) I paired the pasta on hoagy with a Barq's root beer soda.
As I waited, I took my usual round of yelp* photos. After getting my order, I walked around the corner & found a spot over looking Lake RSM.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Vbmv4VzvvdQDCuBdP2rJig&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
I was watched as the spaghettini sandwich was prepared. The line cook pulled out a ziplock sandwich bag of precooked noodles, tossed in a pan and covered to heat. Shortly after, he added the sauce to the pan.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=4D1pWPvzJoAm5e3AcY9zGQ&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
Sandwich in Progress - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=G_DokXVyK9HL3uM5pn3IoQ&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
It was a good morning. I opened the bag, pulled out the goods and snapped a couple more photos. Now that I was I looking at this mystical sandwich, a thought occurred, "How the hell am I going to approach this?" One word to best describe the process & aftermath, messy. The sandwich is loaded with an ample amount of spaghetti and meat sauce; good portions.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=X-RXi5QV6xUjC_JasqgAtw&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
It was not my finest moment as the lake's morning, regulars, walked by as I attempted to eat this sandwich. At the very least, I tried not making eye contact as I took a bite and spaghetti squirted out the side of the sandwich, down my hands, and the front of my white, button down shirt.
Photo - https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=ndq-eK3sN-zPy3kq3JxYww&userid=O6EBodP3Fgu_n67efSKnBQ
Overall, the sandwich was okay. It had nice flavor but a bit on the tame side. I somewhat expected a real zesty sauce with a strong savory & tangy punch and lots of meat. For a $9 sandwich of mostly pasta & bread, I'd think the sauce and amount of meat would be quite substantial in flavor & quantity. It was just alright.
So in conclusion:
Fair sandwich; mild sauce.
Messy; you can try eating like a sub but be warned. HA!
Suggest eating this at a table with utensils after the first few bites.
Shop recommendations:
Give extra, extra napkins; maybe even a wet wipe.
Include a plastic knife & fork.
(If you order the spaghetti sandwich, request utensils.)
The service was okay. IMO, basic. It wasn't very engaging; had the same level of interaction as if I had ordered at a fast food, drive-thru speaker. I had read good things about TSK but maybe I should just expect more from the food?...
The shop is nicely laid out, spacious and well lit.
So, maybe the spaghetti sandwich is just a novelty menu item; something fun & different! It worked, it got me in here! However, I do not think that the spaghetti sandwich would warrant a return visit. Well that and the flat service. However, I might return to try their other menu items like the breakfast burritos, charsiu sandwich, and other eats and order form the inside, drive-thru. LOL
- Big Aloha!
Overall rating: 3 Stars
Food: 3+
Ambiance: 3
Service: 3
Value: 3