Sandwich Emporium I & II

I think every neighborhood should have a "go to" sandwich shop. For us it's Sandwich Emporium, which I posted on way back in May 2005. Over the years, we've been in the shop often enough to get to know the owners, twins John and Peter Le, and Peter's lovely, warm, and friendly wife, Angela.

And without a doubt time does fly, I remember chatting with Peter and Angela one day, and suddenly realizing they've owned Sandwich Emporium for six years! On one visit, while waiting for the Missus's sandwich, the "Triple Decker" on sourdough, no mustard, no mayo, no cheese, with sprouts and pickled jalapenos(that's the nice thing about these neighborhood places, you get to know the folks, and they'll make every effort to make what you want), I noticed that I hadn't seen John in a while (thank God Peter wears glasses and the wedding band, or I'd have problems telling them apart). I was told that John had moved up North, and had opened a second branch of Sandwich Emporium.....

So one recent day, I headed up the "15" to Escondido, and the new Sandwich Emporium.

 
The shop, is pretty tiny, but the menu is basically the same, and it was nice to catch-up on things with John.

 

And the sandwiches are the same as well, like the Jersey Reuben, which is turkey, corn beef, with coleslaw (in place of sauerkraut - though I'll on occasion I'll ask for sauerkraut).

 

On nice and toasty rye, this is a good honest sandwich. Both messy and satisfying. You can get even more meat on your sandwich..... but I think those over-stuffed sandwiches have really taken things a bit far, and I've learned a nice lesson from Banh Mi and good Tortas, it's all about things in proportion. Sure beats what comes out of most chains.....

There are usually weekly/monthly specials that are sometimes kinda interesting. One of my favorites is the "Gobbler" which I posted about here, though now they've included some gravy, which completes the sandwich for me.

On this day, I decided to try the CaliMelt:

 The melted provolone and turkey went amazingly well with the avocado. As usual, I left satisfied.

As with most places, there are items that I enjoy more than others, but it's the same with every place I've been to. After this post in December 2006, I received an email from someone who had checked out Sandwich Emporium, and was rather unhappy with my post...... to quote "What's the big deal, it was priced right, and the service was good, the sandwich was tasty, but what's the big deal?" To which I responded simply, "Dude, sounds like you enjoyed the sandwich, had good service, and thought the prices were reasonable. What was it that you expected?"

Some places make a big splash and grow quickly..... see Sab E Lee. Some like Sandwich Emporium take a bit more time. It doesn't minimize how impressed I am with two guys buying the sandwich shop of their youth, and making a successful go of it.

Sandwich Emporium
3054 1/2 Clairemont Dr
San Diego, CA 92117

   and

2750 Auto Parkway, Suite 18
Escondido, CA 92029

So tell me, what is your "go to" neighborhood sandwich shop?

You know, sometimes I think that John and Peter are everywhere(I guess they can cover twice the space). I once had the radio on in the morning, and to my surprise Peter and John were on! One night I'm watching the news, and whoa, Peter and John were on......

Scary.......

Comments

[kat]

I guess my "go to" sandwich shop would be Abientot, they are the only one with a roasted chicken sandwich that I've seen where I live.

[Lynnea]

Those sandwiches look great!

We always go to Royal Mart at Upas and First. It's close by, has super friendly service and the sandwiches are always delicious.

[Tammy]

My "to-go" sandwich shop is in my kitchen. I'm pretty snobby when it comes to a good sandwich. Surprise, I can't cook anything but I can make really good sandwhiches.

I will check out the new location in escondido since Chia lives near by.

[Dennis]

Come to think I don't think I ever had a go to sandwich shop.. These guys seem super cool. Can't wait to check the place out. The Jersey Reuben sounds really good!

[bill]

I definitely agree with you some sandwich in right proportion is good but you can never have too much avocado ;-). At the moment Subway, yes subway is my fail safe multigrain with blackforest hame cheese and all the vege, dry. The perfect bit.

[Kirk]

Hi Kat - Oh, real roasted chicken....

Hi Lynnea - Royal Food Mart! You know, I've been there, but have never had the sandwiches. That's a great choice!

Hi Tammy - You're good at using things up. It seems that I always end up wasting stuff when I make my own sandwiches (except Banh Mi) at home.

Hi Dennis - Sometimes, a good sandwich shop saves that day.

Hi Bill - LOL! Never thought you'd be an avocado lover.....

[Janfrederick]

I used to go to a place in San Jose called "Corner Deli" which "wasn't right on the corner, but right on the price". The owner was always very amiable and VERY drunk. He'd tell the best stories while making your sandwich while also telling you just how good the sandwich was going to be. Between the time it took for the stories and all the bragging they inevitably were the best sandwich "you'll ever have".

[Kirk]

Hi Jan - That's a great story! I bet that helped make the sandwich taste even better!

[Jane]

Hiya Kirk!
I live in Escondido so I might have to try your favorite sandwich shop up here. However, you have also got to try my favorite sandwich shop, Hungry Bear Shop Shop! That place is amazing!

[Kirk]

Hi Jane - THanks for the recommendation, I'll check it out when I have a chance!

[Louise]

Hi! I am Angela's(of Sandwich Emporium) sister Louise. I am based in New Haven, CT.

Angela has been raving about you and your blog.

Hope to meet you one day!

Cheers,
Louise

[Kirk]

Hi Louise - Greeting and welcome to our humble blog! Angela has also said very nice things about you....you should come and visit us! Thanks again for dropping by and taking the time out to comment.