There is something about a great sandwich in the summertime. When it is hot outside, a light, fresh sandwich with a mix of savory components can be incredibly satisfying. The combination of textures – soft bread, crunchy ingredients and creamy spreads – can make each bite delightful. You may wonder why this is especially true in the summer. That’s because when it’s warm outside and people are out and about, a cool treat becomes the perfect reward. As we all know, but may not think about very often, sandwiches are convenient, customizable and come in all shapes and sizes. They can be the foot-long variety for a large meal or the perfect small bite alongside tea as a finger sandwich.
I have spent part of my summer trying to identify the ultimate summer sandwich. After many tastings, I’ve narrowed down my top picks that embody all of the traits a perfect summer sandwich should have:
Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese, Call Your Mother
On an early road trip to Washington D.C., I started off strong with a pesto mozzarella grilled cheese on challah bread from a deli called Call Your Mother, a Jewish Deli. You may wonder why the name is so specific – that is because the owners believed their community needed more carbs! The sandwich’s unique mix of home-made challah bread, sharp, garlicky pesto and soft, melty mozzarella cheese gave it a comforting feel that made me want to savor every bite. The challah’s sweetness balanced the richness of the cheese, creating both a familiar and new flavor combination. By the time I finished, I was stuffed and, paradoxically, already wanted another!
Buttermilk Biscuit Egg Sandwich, Sagaponack General Store
Breakfast sandwiches are also a warm-weather favorite, and this buttermilk biscuit egg sandwich from the Sagaponack General Store was the ideal way to start the day. The biscuit was served warm, and its crunchy, golden crust and fluffy scrambled eggs complemented the buttery center. Each bite was the perfect balance of comforting and filling for the day, without being too heavy. This sandwich was a winner, and the line out the door was worth the wait.
Lobster Roll
Another summer staple up and down the northeast is the lobster roll, an icon of coastal dining. I am a big fan of the lobster and butter (chunks of lobster tucked into a toasted buttery bun), but you cannot go wrong with the lobster salad version with a touch of mayonnaise to mix it all. The salty and crunchy sweet potato chips created the perfect contrast in textures and felt like summer on a plate.
Cheese and Turkey Sandwich, Kudelka Household
Home-made sandwiches are always high up on my family’s list. There is something about picking your ingredients and packing them your way. A nice and simple fresh turkey sandwich with smooth cheese slices, crisp lettuce and a large tomato on a warm baked sourdough loaf has always been a childhood favorite. Washing it down with freezing cold lemonade leaves you even more satisfied.
Bacon Egg and Cheese, Riverdeli-Inspired
Reminiscing about the original Riverdeli bacon, egg and cheese with added avocado, I had to get this quintessential breakfast sandwich once this summer. The gooey cheese, crispy bacon and thick bagel almost make you forget the egg is included. This sandwich is a reminder that there is at least one benefit to the end of the summer and going back to school!
Summer Wraps
I enjoyed two standout wraps this summer. Both were delicious, but distinct. The first was a classic – turkey, lettuce, tomato and avocado. The second was a chicken Caesar wrap with a superb ratio of dressing to ingredients. I often dislike it when thick Caesar dressing overpowers the rest of the sandwich; however, this was the ideal balance. I will also admit I’m biased towards these options, since I often prefer wraps over bread as a way to hold ingredients together – they feel lighter and fresher to me.
From a grilled cheese in DC to a buttery lobster roll on Long Island, this summer’s sandwich lineup was unmatched and a tasty adventure to say the least. Each sandwich reminds me of a different place I visited and the people I shared it with. Remembering summer through food was not how I expected to look back on my experiences, but it was definitely a sweet way to revisit those moments. Although summer is ending, my sandwich-eating habits aren’t going anywhere. In September, you will find me at Riverdeli and Rollens, waiting in the Fieldston-filled, crowded line to enjoy a bagel on the colorful, autumn quad.
