The type of submarine a claustrophobic can enjoy (Subway)

Member Name: waterlilly

Product:	Subway
Date:	21/07/09 (134 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Yummy filling sandwiches made the way you want with lots of options

Disadvantages: Mega chain that isn't to everyone's taste

For the most part I am not a big fast food person but I have one weakness that is rooted in nostalgia going back to high school, Subway. In high school we would go all of the time for the cookies because the Subway was right next to the cinema. In the tiny university town where I spent four years the Subway was one of two 24 hour options for food and was about 20 feet from the building where I did most of my work. Obviously I was there a lot. I can remember when the bread used to be cut "the old way" (until about 2000) and when they switched the cookies over and just weren't quite as good (Autumn 2001). At times Subway is a little bit of home in the UK. Also, as shops empty and become derelict all over Norwich, Subway just keeps opening franchises. It's nice to see somebody in there at least!

SO WHAT IS IT?

Subway is a franchise of sandwich shops that sell what a type of sandwich that we North Americans call "Subs", short for Submarine Sandwich due to the long narrow bread that is rounded at each end. It looks a little bit like a submarine if you have some imagination. A submarine with no telescope and filled with yummy sandwich goodness!

HOW TO ORDER AT SUBWAY

Subway can be a bit intimidating for someone going in for the first time. There are a number of choices to make. The first is whether you want a sandwich, wrap or salad bowl. Wraps and salad bowls are relatively new Subway innovations (dating myself here as they've been around for nearly a decade!) which I tend to ignore because if I'm craving subway then I'm craving a sub. I also feel there are probably cheaper options for getting salad or a wrap! Very recently Subway has introduced a snack menu that ranges from a cheese toastie (on one half of a 6 inch sub) to a bowl of meatballs ranging in price from 99p to about £2.

So assuming that you want a sub I will take you through the decision making process. The first is whether you want a 6 inch sub or a foot long 12inch sub. For a foot long sub you add £1.89 to the price as opposed to doubling it. Then comes the type of bread that you wish to have your sandwich made from. Every once in awhile they introduce a new type of bread (I remember when your options were wheat or white). You have Italian, Wheat, Honey Oat and Italian Herb and Cheese. The bread dough I am certain is mass produced but it is baked on site and the smell can be enough to drag me in off of the pavement on a day when I ought to be making my own lunch!

Then there is a buffet layout of possible fillings to choose from. In order to help with your selection there will be a board listing some possible combinations such as BMT, Spicy Italian or Subway Melt. It's perfectly acceptable to ignore that board and simply choose to start with turkey, ham, tuna, meatballs etc and then add as you go along. It can be useful to consult the board as not all subs are the same price. Some, such as Steak and Cheese or the ones with chicken patties are more expensive. For vegetarians you have it easy as you skip this part!

You will be asked if you want cheese on your sub (But of course! What do you mean that makes it less healthy? I don't hear you! La La La!) and whether you want it toasted. I have to admit that the toasting of subs doesn't gel with my sense of nostalgia as subs were never toasted when I was in school or uni! I find that toasting is great for the sub if you're going to eat it right away. However, if you're going to walk back to your office, wind up speaking to colleagues and checking your email before you eat it then it tends to just lead to soggy veg in a semi-warm sub. It seems fresher untoasted but that is my humble opinion.

Speaking of freshness, the fresh vegetables are one of the benefits of the Subway style of fast food. Some subs lend themselves more to veggie additions than others. My husband refuses to believe that vegetables have any place on a meatball sub whereas I find that adding some peppers and onions and even pickles can make it more interesting! Options include lettuce, cucumber, pickles, peppers, jalapeños, onions, olives and tomato. I think I'm forgetting one or two that I never have! All of these can also be added to a salad bowl.

Then you have your sauce options. Some sub orders come with a suggested sauce, such as the current special Reggae Reggae. Past specials that have now because standard subs include Southwest Chicken and Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki. However, suggested sauce or not you can really choose whatever you want. Options include mayo (and light mayo), honey mustard, bbq, horseradish, Chipotle Southwest, chilli and ranch. Don't be afraid to ask for more than one sauce or to request a little more.

Speaking of additions, you can add extras to your sub for a fee (I think it's between £1-2 but can't remember as I never do this). You can add extra cheese or bacon to any type of sub (though I'm really not sure that bacon and tuna mayo go, but to each their own).

OTHER THAN SUBS WHAT CAN I HAVE?

Subway sells a variety of crisps and bottled drinks as well as three sizes of cups for drinks from the fountain. There are also several types of baked goods such as the cookies which for 50p each or 3 for a £1 are a great deal. Types that are available (though perhaps not at all locations on all days depending on baking schedule and popularity) are Double Chocolate Chip, Rainbow Candy Chip, Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut. There are also donuts and muffins at some locations though I've never been inspired to try them!

MISCELLANIA

Subway is primarily a take away sandwich shop however many stores do have small seating areas. Service at Subway varies from store to store obviously. Traditionally there is a high turn over rate as it's a relatively low paid job. For the most part their "Sandwich Artists" have always been friendly. I have noticed that in the current economic climate the subway folks in Norwich seem to be sticking around longer meaning they tend to be more efficient.

CONCLUSION

As far as fast food options go Subway is one of the healthier options that includes fresh ingredients and can be tailored to your own cravings. Some will always prefer other types of sandwiches such as baguettes or paninis. Some will prefer to support local sandwich shops, which I entirely understand. However, if you're looking for a place with consistent options, reasonable prices and very filling sandwiches, Subway is a great option. It's certainly a happy place for me.

Summary: Subway, Eat Fresh