Potbelly Pizza Sandwich

“You never see a man walking down the street with a woman who has a little potbelly and a bald spot.”  Elayne Boosler.

Potbelly Sandwich Works (photo by MJ Byers)

Eatery:   Potbelly Sandwich Works, 101 Maiden Lane, New York

If you are a fan of the TV show Friends (as I am, in an embarrassing kind of way), you may remember Joey’s adoration of sandwiches in general and, in particular, one episode where he talked about a shop that made “the best sandwich in the world” including meatballs, melted cheese and marinara sauce.  No?  Just me, then?  Well, anyway, the Pizza Sandwich at Potbelly could easily be that sandwich.

True to its name, the Pizza Sandwich has pepperoni, meatballs, capicola, marinara sauce, provolone cheese, mushrooms and Italian seasoning.  Potbelly offers a choice of 9 additional free toppings (mayonnaise, mustard, hot peppers, onion, tomato, lettuce, pickles, oil and Italian seasoning); I usually select hot peppers and onion, reasoning that these are the most pizza-y options.  I have my sandwich on multi-grain wheat bread, which Potbelly toasts a la Quiznos.

Pizza Sandwich at Potbelly Sandwich Works (photo by MJ Byers)

What is so great about this sandwich?  It really is pizza on a bun.  The combination of the toasty bread, the savory meats, the spiciness of the peppers and the tartness of the tomato are just heavenly when you put them together.  Which, of course, is why so many people love pizza.  As an added bonus, the Pizza Sandwich a great hangover cure (yes, I have put this to the test – this sandwich is right up there with the Hangover Pie from Harry’s Italian for taking the edge of your morning after pain; make sure you get the peppers added).

My only slight gripe is that it seems small, even though it measures around 8”.  I guess that’s just down to not wanting a good thing to end…….or maybe I’m just a glutton.

Price:  Pizza Sandwich, $5.80.

Destination Sandwich:  Yes.  And it’s not all the hard to find one – there are stores in 16 states, including 8 in Manhattan.

Fat/Calorie Worthy:  Yes.

Today’s Weigh In:  Up one pound – no idea how.

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