November 4, 2011

As you may or may not know, today is National Sandwich Day. A holiday I hold high in regard, because just like Dagwood Bumstead, I love sandwiches. They come in so many delicious varieties and styles you could eat a different sandwich every day of the year and never repeat yourself...hmm...I have to put that in my blog list of ideas! Anyway sandwiches run the gamut from a simple, yet satisfying ham and cheese on white bread to more inventive sandwiches like The Rubix Cubewich. Sandwiches rightfully deserve their own holiday.

You know one thing that’s always pissed me off? The Manwich advertising campaign that ran with the slogan, “A sandwich is a sandwich, but a Manwich is a meal.” Really Manwich? You’re a meal? I’m so glad you informed me of this nugget of information, because I’ve always thought you were a third-rate version of a Sloppy Joe. You look like diarrhea on a bun and that’s fitting since you taste like shit! You think you’re better than a sandwich? In actuality all you really are is a sauce for Sloppy Joe’s, it says so right there on your fucking label! But yet, you’re better than a sandwich? You’re nothing more than a fucking condiment masquerading as a meal. You’re a complete and utter fraud. It’s like Hunt’s Ketchup saying that they’re better than a cheeseburger. Quite frankly this whole charade makes me sick. Fuck you and the bun you rode in on, Manwich!

So anyway, I thought we’d celebrate National Sandwich Day by going somewhere and having a sandwich. I have to be honest here, I had to work late and it’s after one in the morning, so National Sandwich Day is officially over, but fuck it, I’m still awake, so I’m extending the goddamned holiday here on MAD. I thought about going to the Hollywood Diner, but then decided since we’ve already gone there, it would be better try a new spot. I Googled around and found a 24 hour diner/restaurant that’s on my way home called, The Chelsea Square Restaurant. And so, it’s off we go for a little sandwich celebration!

It's not that far away, but I thought I'd take a cab because it's late and my feet are killing me.

And here we are, The Chelsea Square Restaurant.

Open 24 hours, always the mark of excellence.

Inside there's rows of vanilla colored vinyl booths to sit at.

And on the outer perimeter there's tables with floor to ceiling windows giving you a view of the outside action on the street.

I chose to sit at the counter, as I usually do.

Jesse was working the counter area and happily served me up a beer. He told me the diner has been on the block for over 30 years.

I'm always fascinated with the photos in these places. Let's take a look at a few of them.

Here's a photo of Al Pacino with the caption reading: "Guess who's mincing onions in the Chelsea Square kitchen?" I guess he couldn't pay his bill that night. Should've taken the back end deal on The Godfather III, Al!

Here's a signed photo from Erik Estrada. I'm guessing he got the fish and CHiPs. Sorry about that.

And no true New York diner is complete without a cheesecake shot of Marilyn Monroe hanging over the counter.

And here's another one of Al Pacino. This one is signed, I wonder if he lives in the neighborhood?

Okay, time to look at the menu and figure out what sandwich to have to celebrate National Sandwich Day. I came to the right place as they have tons of sanwiches here. It was a rough decision...

But I decided on my favorite sandwich, a grilled cheese. But to jazz it up for the holiday, I got two kinds of cheese on the sandwich, cheddar and swiss and a slice of ham on rye bread. It looks delicious!

And it is. Happy National Sandwich Day, everyone!

Burp. And fuck you Manwich! Goodnight everybody and see you tomorrow after dark.

Chelsea Square Restaurant
368 W. 23rd St. (Near 9th St.)
212-691-5400

Further reading: Eat Some Sweets, The Guardian and Mealtime.

Twenty year old turkey in a thirty year old tin,
I can't wait until tomorrow, and thaw one out again.

(Surprise link...click on it...I dare you!)

---------------------------------------

Cardboard Box Man Mutant Sighting By Ragin' RR!

MAD commenter, quote supplier and "rotgut 45" guzzler, ragin' rr, sent in this sighting of what looks like to be a mutant strain of a cheese cassette Cardboard Box Man. Aaaaahhh!