Anglers love when fish bite but what about anglers? Fishermen and women need a big bite once in awhile too! What is your favorite Bite when you hit the water?
One of my favorite Bites is a decent Italian Cold Cut Sub. These are hard to find in Montana. Oh sure, you can hit the Subway and some local spots, but I have yet to find a “Great Sub Sandwich” as good as some I have had in other places. Chain Sub shops like Jersey Mikes and others are consistent but not exceptional.
Pennsylvania may have the best cold cuts in the country. The Amish and eastern meat markets create the best cold cuts. They are fresh and flavorful. When I was a college student, I went to a local sub shop just off campus and would buy a half of an Italian and a Quart of beer. You couldn’t eat a full sub. The meat was literally inches thick and made taking a bite hard to manage in a good way. The spices were perfect and the cheeses amazing. That shop is gone now but several local shops in Maryland still serve a great monster sub.
In Montana, I am always on the hunt for a great sub. The Subway subs have an airy, light bread which falls apart when you are eating it. A minimal amount of meat is added. Usually, the meat has been precut and is not fresh. The add- ons are usually fresh though. I do enjoy adding extra veggies and getting just what I feel like. When I ice fish Hyalite Lake, I usually stop and pick one up. They are affordable and hit the spot when on the ice.
The Pickle Barrel in Bozeman makes a great sub. They do not go light on the meat, and the bread is fresh and local. Their Italian is fat and full as is their Cheese steak sub. There is just one small location, near MSU campus, with limited parking. You need to go out of your way to pick one up. They used to have a shop in Belgrade that was more accessible. I wish there was a more convenient shop.
I stopped at The Full Belli Deli, in Townsend the other day, while heading to Canyon Ferry to fish. I ordered their Italian. They do not have a huge selection of meat, but they loaded the bread well. The folks working there are friendly and polite. The store was also very clean. Something was missing on the sandwich. There was not the spice that I am used to on a tasty Italian. Maybe not enough salt or an oil dressing. I enjoyed the sub and would try it again with a few suggestions to the sandwich maker. At $16.50 I expected more. They also added a tasty pickle spear as a side.
Home made sandwiches can be the best if you get fresh deli meats and are generous with layers and condiments. My son-in-law makes awesome subs using sprouts, Dijon olives and other goodies. It takes a Big Mouth to engage one of his tasty subs.
Full anglers help catch full limits.
Montana Grant
