Here’s the first entry in what I hope becomes a regular feature here on raleighing.com, Raleighing Raves. Occasionally, I’ll pick a topic and list my own personal favorites in the area. First one up is the beloved yet oft undervalued sandwich. There are a bunch of great sandwiches available here in Raleigh but I’ve narrowed my list down to 5. I’m leaving out burgers as to me that’s a whole separate genre. So, without further ado, here are my top 5 favorite sandwiches in order:
- ABC – The Rockford
The first time I saw this sandwich on The Rockford’s menu I was certainly intrigued, but not sure I even wanted to give it a try. Apple, Bacon, and Cheddar? Really? With battered bread and powdered sugar? Just sounded like a bit too much for me. Well, luckily I did give it a try and many years and many visits later I have yet to eat another sandwich at The Rockford. I’m getting hungry now just thinking about it. Sure, it’s a heart-attack of a meal, but so worth it. - Chicken Salad (Clay’s Favorite) on Pita – Sunflowers
I love chicken salad, both traditional and non-traditional. While I love the basic chicken salad on wheat toast at Tookie’s, Sunflowers’ chicken salad with grapes and pecans is incredible, especially when paired with their pita. The chicken is sliced into chunks which gives it a good consistency. While not listed in the ingredients on the menu, I taste a hint of lemon in the mix which mixes well with the sweetness of the grapes and the savory of the pecans. Unfortunately, you can’t get the pita bread at dinner (not sure why) so you’ll have to go with the sunflower bread as dictated on the menu which is still good. - Cuban – Raleigh Times
Raleigh Times made some great changes to their menu in the past months. The best addition, in my opinion, is their Cuban sandwich: roasted pork loin, Black Oak ham, pickles, tomatoes with garlic aioli & mustard on pressed Cuban bread. Yes, it is as flavorful as it sounds. The mustard and pickles tangy, the ham sweet, the pork loin aioli savory all adding up to one tasty sandwich. I love many other items on the RT menu, like the burger or the Country French salad, but I think this one is my favorite. - Turkey Berry Panini – Cafe Carolina
Ok, so I’m seeing a trend here. I obviously like a little sweetness in my sandwiches. This one from Cafe Carolina has cranberry chutney along with smoked turkey, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and grilled sourdough. It, too, has a great balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. I also love the light crunch of the toasted bread. - Smoked Turkey Breast on Wheat – Village Deli
My wife and I used to live in Cameron Village Condominiums and loved being near the Village Deli. We’d have lunch there all the time and this sandwich quickly became a favorite. It is a simple turkey sandwich made spectacular by their homemade Vidalia Onion Dressing. If you’re getting one to go, make sure they put the dressing on the side as the sandwich will get pretty soggy if you don’t.
Ok, there’s my five. There are some others that I’ll give honorable mentions to: Tookie’s Chicken Salad on Wheat Toast, Tropical Smoothie’s Turkey Bacon Ranch, and Morning Times’ Apple Brie toasted. So what are your local favorites? Use the comments to let me know. I’m always looking for new favorites!
