Sam LaGrassa's

THE WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-3:30
Price: $9.50-$10.50 per sandwich
www.samlagrassas.com

So I pretty much cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. Boston's Sam LaGrassa's boast being the World's Number 1 Sandwich, and I have to admit, they're not far off.

I was lucky to have the opportunity to visit this real winner with my husband and a couple of good friends on a recent weekend excursion to Bean Town, thanks to the likes of the great Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives. It's become a new obsession of mine to try and track down places he's been to whenever we go to the States.

The FOOD!

Ok, so here's the low-down.  While they do have a couple of  veggie options (Vegetarians, any guesses? Yup, portabello mushrooms, roasted eggplant, etc... pretty standard and unoriginal) they are definitely known for MEAT, MEAT and, oh yeah, more MEAT. This is also not a place you go while you're counting points or looking for a nice light snack.

We tried four sandwiches:

* Pastrami Corned Beef Combo:

This was my choice, and in my opinion, the best one out of the four.  The Pastrami and Corned Beef play together very nicely, as both were soft and sweet. Vinegary coleslaw and Russian dressing melted into one sweet pile of goodness with the meat and homemade rye bread that just drips right off the sandwich (and if you're more careful than I am, NOT all over your arms, shirt and jeans) . Nice balance of soft and crunchy.

* Roast Beef Blues

I must confess, I don't actually recall blue cheese as being a noticeable element in this sandwich. Very close contender to my sandwich. What I DID notice pretty predominantly other than it being the ultimate in beefiness, was the lovely horseradish sauce that went along with it. It was just strong enough to "clear your sinuses" as my mother always loves to say, but not at all overpowering. Great choice.

* Triple Club

An excellent sandwich, a combo of turkey, ham, and that excellent roast beef. Topped with Swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato, and more drool worthy Russian dressing... Just an overall fantastic sandwich, not quite as messy as the Pastrami Corned Beef Combo.

*Aged Black Angus Roast Beef

I would say this is one of the simpler choices that they had. Pretty much great quality meat on a nice fresh kaiser roll. A good way to go if your looking for something easier on the stomach and taste buds.

Pros

• Pretty much every sandwich is bound to be good.


• Fresh, homemade bread with good selection


• Something for everyone


• Great value for the money (10 bucks a sandwich isn't cheap, but it's as big as your head!!)

Cons

• Strange homemade pickles... I love pickles but these were weird.


• Limited seating with certain seats being very drafty.


• Limited hours. But good for them for sticking to it! Business doesn't seem to suffer.

Watch Guy Fieri's visit to Sam LaGrassa's below!