Thanksgiving in a sandwich

First, let me say…..”Wow, that was good.” Now that I got that out of the way, let me tell you that it’s hard to find a 40 ounce beer in Victor. “What,” you ask? (Thinking I’ve lost it.)

The original purpose of me doing a post today was to wish my friend Joe a happy 40th birthday. He had this great idea:

I am not one for parties.I didn’t have a birthday party at 8, 16, 21 or 30 and I’d rather not have one for my 40th—which is quickly approaching. However I would like to celebrate it in my own way via social media, so here’s the deal, I want to experience my 40th through your eyes.

On November 29th, take a picture of what you see. Maybe it’s the sunrise, November rain on your window, or the snow laden trees, a selfie of you drinking a frosty beverage after scoring great Black Friday Deals or your neighbors’ cropped mailbox that just shows the 40 of their address. Whatever sparks your fancy. Then, after my birthday, I will collect these photos and create one poster that I will frame and hang in my home to commemorate this day.

These pictures will become a social media snapshot of my birthday shown through the perspective of my friends and family all around the country. It will also let me know that you, on my 40th birthday, thought of me, and—sorry Black Friday— that’s better than any store-bought present out there.

So, on my birthday, Friday, November 29th (Yes, the day after Thanksgiving), take a picture and upload it to Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or send me an email.

Help me celebrate. Take a picture. Send me the picture.
And make my Black Friday 40th a very special day

Joe

So, instead of 40 ounces of beer, I made him one heck of an awesome sandwich. Admittedly, I ate it (I’m sorry, Joe, but you weren’t here). You should all make one in his honor with your Thanksgiving leftovers. On fresh ciabatta bread, spread a layer of mashed butternut squash. Next is a layer of green beans, which have been stewed in a blend of tomatoes and spices. On top of that, place some stuffing (my sister’s sausage, sage, and roasted-chestnut stuffing). Now comes the turkey (which I seasoned with thyme and citrus). To go for the full carb experience, spread mashed potatoes over the turkey. For a pop of color, top the potatoes with mache rosettes. Drizzle with gravy and whole cranberry relish for a sandwich that can’t be beat!

Cheers to Joe. Happy 40th!

2eat2drink-thanksgiving sandwich-p

Bánh Mi. The perfect sandwich?

Where would we be without our friends? I know where I most likely wouldn’t have been… Whatta-Bánh Mi Vietnamese Sandwich Café (673 Monroe Ave. in Rochester, NY). That’s not to say I wouldn’t have wanted to go there… but I just didn’t know about it until Chef Mark suggested we go there for lunch. So….in honor of Mark’s 40th birthday (today!), I thought it was appropriate to post about our last trip there.

In Vietnamese, bánh mi refers to bread, or more specifically the French baguette. However, in the U.S., the term generally refers to a Vietnamese sandwich. And oh what a marvelous sandwich it is! It may be the PERFECT sandwich. We each had a Bánh Mi Dac Biet…the signature combination.

Bánh Mi Dac Biet.

Versus me trying to describe this sandwich perfection, click on the picture below to enlarge and see the details. This sign is on the wall of the café. The super fresh baguette is exactly as described, and the sandwich fillings blend together perfectly.

Bánh Mi, unstacked. Now stack it back up and eat it! (I didn't notice the pig's ear crunch, but if it was there...it's all good. )

The bánh mi probably would have been enough of a meal, but the pho (noodle soup) looked so good, I had to order that as well. It was awesome!

Pho Dac Biet. The special with all cuts of beef.

The view from our table.

I can’t wait to take Heather there and share the sandwich (and soup) love. When you go, look for us…..and let us know what you think.

Whatta-Bánh Mi Café sign.....leading you to sandwich (and soup) perfection.

A quick bite (and Heather says they’re cute).

I wanted to make sandwiches for lunch. There was no bread in the house, except for a baguette. Normally, this would make for a fantastic sub-like sandwich, but this loaf was pre-sliced! So, I decided to run with it.  A few thin chunks of gruyere, some turkey, a couple of apple slices, baby spinach and dijon mustard to top it off……voila! Grill them in a sauté pan with some cooking spray, and lunch is soon ready. Mmmm..sandwiches.  Mini, grilled, tasty, (cute), sandwiches….yum!

Sliced baguette sandwiches. YUM! (don't forget the apple!)