The Best Veggie Sandwich Ever

I know that’s a bold statement…I KNOW.  But you have to believe me.  I went to college at Miami University in Ohio (it was a college before Florida was a state, just saying) and one of my favorite places to eat uptown was La Bodega.  It was a teeny tiny deli on our main brick road that sold delicious deli sandwiches, along with salads, soups, and sides like pasta salad.  Mmmm, I am salivating just thinking about it. 

It’s not just the food but all the memories associated with it. 

I used to walk up there with my girlfriends for a sandwich with a side of gossip.  My dad used to pop into Oxford sometimes to visit me  if he was on a sales call nearby (he owned an industrial supply company before he passed), we’d always pop into La Bodega as we shared a love for delis.  So, yes, the memories make me think very fondly of this place, but I decided to recreate their vegetarian club sandwich (and confirmed it on their website) and it’s just as tasty as I remember…maybe even better because I added some secret ingredients.

Also, I sometimes receive questions asking if I’m a vegetarian and I’m not, but I was for a brief time in my 20s.  I don’t consider myself a huge meat eater and I try to make a lot of veggie alternatives, if possible.  The truth is that I’ve never been a huge meat lover but sometimes I crave some grilled chicken in my pasta or a delicious burger or bacon with my brunch.  I just go with how my body feels; I’ve always thought of myself more of an omnivore more than anything.  Enough about me–onto the sandwich!

The Best Veggie Sandwich Ever

1. Start with a good bread.  I love a good white or nutty wheat with this sandwich.  I used Dave’s Killer Good Seed bread.
2. Add a layer of basil mayo (I made my own by mixing a teaspoon of pesto I had in the fridge with a dollop of mayo).  This is a game changer, trust me.
3. On the other side of bread, add a layer of hummus.  Again, trust me–it’s not too much condiment mixing.
4. Add your favorite cheese!  Thee original calls for cheddar and monterey jack but I feel that too much cheese can overpower the veggies, so I stuck with a slice of cheddar, which is what we had on hand.  Any cheese works–pick your poison!
5. Pile on the veggies: crisp romaine, red onion, sliced cucumber, fresh tomato, and avocado.  If you have sprouts, the original calls for it, and they’re always a wonderful addition.
6. My last extra ingredient: sprinkle some everything bagel seasoning on the avocado.  Again, it’s only complements the sandwich.

Enjoy!  This is a great way to eat your veggies while feeling like you’re eating at a deli when you’re actually quarantining. Stay safe, folks!