This is my first post of the “Sandwich Odyssey” in which Dave and I have decided to undertake. I am filled with the anxiousness a child would have on Christmas Eve. It really is an extended Christmas for an adult...well, an adult who really enjoys eating. Anyways, let’s begin.
The first sandwich Dave and I decided to tackle was Lee’s Sandwiches‘ BBQ Pork Sandwich. Lee’s is located just off the 101 in Chandler. Lee’s is not exactly in my neck of the woods but this is unimportant. I will travel great lengths to get some good grub. The restaurant itself was quite a bit larger than I had envisioned. This particular version of Lee’s (Lee’s Sandwiches is a chain) was located in a fairly nondescript strip mall. This, of course, is no surprise to Phoenix residents. The valley is practically one big strip mall! After lunch Dave and I noticed that this is an area with a prevalent asian influence. For one, there was an Asian art academy across the street. Second, I noticed a significant asian clientele at the gas station and CVS across the street. I’m sure the Lee’s Sandwich Corporate folks did their demographic homework.
The experience reminded me of what would be seen if one were to actually travel to, say, Vietnam or China. The colors, layout, and style all seemed to be a good representation of a fast food restaurant in some of the Asian cities. Ok, I just realized I’ve been discussing everything but what I was there for, the BBQ Pork Sandwich.
I ordered the featured BBQ Pork Sandwich and because the prices were so reasonable ($2.35 for a 10” baguette sandwich) I decided to order something a little unique. I went out on a limb and ordered the Special Combination or Head Cheese Sandwich. The two sandwiches and a 16 ounce iced tea came to a whopping $7 and change. Not bad, not bad at all!
I’m not going to go into detail about the Head Cheese Sandwich. All I will say is that it was not a very good take on head cheese. It was too chewy and lacked the rich flavor I enjoy from head cheese. The BBQ Pork, on the other hand, was enjoyable. Not great but enjoyable. This is the third or fourth sandwich I’ve tried that is in this style (i.e. The Tea Light Cafe). I’m sure it’s a personal preference or maybe I’m just a product of my American society but this sandwich was dry and lacks any kind of “punch.” All of these Vietnamese/Chinese sandwiches are like that. They keep getting positive reviews from the professionals but I’m not that impressed. Personally, I need the wet component. The sandwich doesn’t have to have a sauce per se but, with all that bread, I need something to balance dry versus wet.
Now don’t get me wrong, the pork was good. It was moist, it had a nice deep red color, and it had very good flavor. The bread (which is baked in house every day) met my expectations but doesn’t exactly warrant a baking award. All in all, it was ok; however, when you consider the price it is an above average value. If you were asking me, I’d tell you not to go out of your way to try Lee’s Sandwiches but if you’re in the area and on a fast-food budget, check ‘em out.
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For the first time ever, I present my “M-m-m-m-m” rating system. The lowest rating being one “M” and the best of the best being five “M’s” for a rating of “M-m-m-m-m!”
I give the BBQ Pork Sandwich:
Two “M’s” for a M-m
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Much Love - Munch Love,
Alex
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