Grinders...the Holy Grail of Cheap Eats

November 21, 9:03 PMSeattle Food ExaminerTraca Savadogo

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GrindersHotSands...Italian sub mecca.

Within seconds of meeting private chef Robert Joice (aka Chico), the conversation quickly fell into a smack down challenge of favorites in the Seattle Cheap Eats sandwich trade: pastrami sandwiches at Tat's, midnight Cuban pork subs at Paseo's, bahn mi at Seattle Deli, and the list goes on.

According to Chico, bar none...the ultimate sandwich stop was GrindersHotSands.

Where???

Clearly a loss of credibility was at stake when I admitted not only had I never been to this place, I hadn't even heard of it.  Without words, the look he gave me was disbelief, mixed with "You call yourself a food writer?!" 

Yes, it was a sad state of affairs...and today....I was seeking redemption.

Off Aurora in Shoreline, GrindersHotSands is mecca for Italian-style subs. Classics like the hearty meatball and sausage subs are worthy of their heritage, but I had my eye on something a little different.  The GoombaGrinder fit the bill: grilled chicken, kalamata olives, garlic roasted tomatoes, grilled onions with melted mozzarella and feta had me singing a chorus of mama mia!

 
 

A thick cup of split pea soup, simmered long and slow with bits of smoky ham hock and fresh ground pepper chased the November chill away.



The CiabattaGrinder is a meaty beast.  Piled high with Italian salumi: Toscano, Finnocchina, Sopressata, and Fire Roasted pork loin.  Dressed with a garlic-infused olive oil, oregano, sun-dried tomato pesto, grilled onions, and mozzarella.  Hauntingly delicious, this is the one that had me seriously considering going back for dinner! 

Long before we even left the building, I was plotting a quick return!  I've got my eye on the Stromboli with pepperoni, salami, grilled onions, and a healthy dose of Mama Lil's peppers.  And the Dipper is calling me: sliced roast beef, portabella mushrooms, grilled onions marinated in port wine on ciabatta with horseradish sauce and melted Swiss. 

You see what I mean?  

Bliss in a sandwich.

Weekend evenings, this place turns into a venue for bands.  Reservations are recommended as this place is a north end hot spot for the blues. Check the schedule for upcoming shows.