When the weather is as hot and humid as it’s been recently, eating is the furthest thing from my mind, let alone cooking. The thought of standing over a hot stove or turning on the oven just isn’t appealing. So, when I saw the coupon in this publication for Jersey Mike’s located right in my hometown, I decided to give it a try.
Jersey Mike’s began as Mike’s Subs in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 1956, and began franchising in 1987, currently boasting 2,000 locations open and under development, according to its website. Available nationwide, subs are served “Mike’s Way® with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and spices.”
High quality ingredients are a staple at Jersey Mike locations.
Calling it A Sub Above®, here is how they do it: a red wine vinegar and olive oil blend gives the subs their “zing.” Where available, the produce is grown, packed and shipped locally. They use the leanest cuts of meat and fine aged cheeses, sliced while you watch and grilled in-house. And what’s a good sub without the bread? White and whole wheat are baked daily, right on the premises. Rosemary Parm and Udi’s Gluten Free are also on the Bay Shore menu.
The hardest decision you may have to make is what sub to choose. Hot or cold? A combo meal? Then there are sides, drinks and desserts. There is even a kid’s menu, recommended for ages 8 and under, that includes a sub, drink and a fresh baked cookie. A selection of catering packages come ready to serve with plates, napkins and utensils.
It was quite busy when we arrived on a Friday at lunch hour, but the store is well staffed and the line moved quickly. My husband chose The Original Italian: provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami and pepperoni on whole wheat. In addition to the standard extras, he added jalapeno peppers and sweet peppers. The Giant size is certainly that. Half was eaten and the other half went into the fridge for another meal.
Although tempted to go with the Italian as well, I opted for the Chicken Ba- con Ranch, which included Applewood smoked bacon (crispy, just as I like it!), lettuce and tomato on Rosemary Parm bread. In lieu of the ranch dressing the sub comes with, I chose chipolte mayo instead. As it turns out, no dressing was needed as the red wine vinegar and olive oil blend was enough. Half of mine was wrapped up as well.
Other selections include Ham, Roast Beef or Turkey & Provolone; Tuna Fish; The Veggie; and Club Subs, all in Mini, Regular or Giant sizes. Mike’s Chicken Philly; Chipolte or Buffalo Chicken; and Mike’s Famous Philly, along with other choices, come in Regular or Giant. Any sub can also be prepared as a wrap or bowl. Upgrade to a meal by adding a drink and a bag of chips.
While getting my drink, I noticed people coming in and picking up food ready to go. You can order online, or download the App and earn free subs with points, get birthday rewards, and exclusive offers and promotions.
Not only does the food taste good, you can feel good eating it too. The website explains Jersey’s Mike’s has donated $67 million to local charities since its Month of Giving (each March) began in 2011. This year alone, $20 million was raised for Special Olympics USA Games and state programs. Christmas in July is another fundraising campaign that collects money for wreaths that are laid on the graves of veterans during the Christmas season.
There are several tables available for dining in, but we took our sandwiches to go and headed for the beach. What can be better than that?
