Shrimp Salad - Koco's Pub

Sandwich Contents: Shrimp salad served on a sesame-seed bun with tomato and lettuce.

Kate’s Review: Our first attempt to taste the Shrimp Salad at Koco’s was a complete and utter failure. After dragging two co-workers with us, we discovered Koco’s was sold out of the sandwich which left us in less than a good mood. We were starving and needed food ASAP so we settled for the Greek salad. We learned our lesson and decided to call the next week to ensure they had it before making the hike. When I made the call I was informed that they don’t usually allow for take-out on this sandwich….why will remain a mystery but thankfully I was able to convince them otherwise . The sand looked delectable with large shrimp piled on a fresh bun with a red juicy tomato and lettuce. After the picture was taken, we were ready to dive in after a week of anticipation. Perhaps the buildup was too much because although the sandwich was tasty, I didn’t think it was anything to write home about. Honestly, I was more excited about the tomato. It was swimming in mayo which I think is unnecessary when the ingredients are fresh; no need to mask it with mayo. Don’t get me wrong, I finished every bite but wasn’t overly impressed. I would rate the sandwich with 3 baguettes.


Nicole’s Review: It took two tries to get this sandwich, which was a bit frustrating, but worth it. The first time we went they were sold out. The second time we smartened up and placed our order over the phone for take-out (which apparently they don’t normally do). The sandwich was delicious, albeit a bit messy. The shrimp salad was a little heavy on the mayo, but perfectly flavored with Old Bay which complimented the flavor of the shrimp, not over powering it. The roll was fresh and surprisingly tasty, almost kind of sweet. I think the one thing that I remember the most (I’m writing this a week late) about this sandwich though, is the tomato. It was a vibrant red and so delicious. The sandwich was great, however, I’m not sure it is really worth the $15 we shelled out for it. We’re not grading it on value though, so I’m going to rank this one up at the top of my favorites list.

The Real Italian - DiPasquale's Italian Marketplace & Deli

Sandwich Contents: Mortadella, capicola, salami and prosciuttini. provolone cheese, olive oil and vinegar, lettuce, tomato, onions, and a smattering of hots—served on a Italian roll.

Kate’s Review: Man, Italians sure know how to make an AMAZING sandwich. My favorite one so far is still the Porchetta from Isabella’s, but this is a close second. The meats were incredibly fresh and they added just the right amount of olive oil and parm mix. It didn’t drip out of the sandwich and the crust remained crispy, just the way I like it! The entire experience made me want to hop on a plane and eat my way through Italy. It enticed me enough to want to come back and try their other creations. 5 baguettes!


Nicole’s Review: Yummy. Honestly, what is there at a traditional Italian Market & Deli that isn’t yummy? Sure, it might not be great for the heart or the hips, but on the lips, its amazing! I’ve got to be honest, its been quite a few weeks since we had this sandwich so I don’t exactly remember all the details, but I do remember that it was quite good. The bread was crunchy and soft and although I was worried that the giant pile of meat might give me a migraine, (it didn’t) it would have been worth it. I liked this sandwich and this place so much I’m headed back there this coming week! Definitely a good choice to add to the list and has found a place on my list of favorites.

Greek Veggie - Atwater's

Sandwich Contents: Two slices of kalamata olive bread, layers of marinated cucumbers, Vidalia onions, tomatoes, green-leaf lettuce, and an olive- and-artichoke-heart tapenade.

Kate’s Review: The Greek veggie is not made the same way at Atwater’s now as it is described in the magazine, so we did our best to have them recreate the original. It was a hybrid of the current and former which probably wasn’t the best idea. Too many strong flavors made the sandwich overwhelming. I think the current version without the tapenade would have been just right, but of course we wanted what was in the magazine. I’ve learned my lesson with modifying, so I’ll go straight off of their menu next time. I give it 3 baguettes with our mistake


Nicole’s Review: Not a fan. It wasn’t terrible, but it certainly wasn’t a favorite. I think the strong flavor of the tapenade (which I don’t love) overwhelmed everything else the sandwich had to offer. In all fairness, I don’t think we had the exact same sandwich that was written up in Baltimore Magazine. The version of the Greek Veggie they now offer is a bit different and although we tried to alter it, I don’t think we actually got the same thing. It was also a few weeks ago and I don’t remember it that clearly! I do remember that it wasn’t a favorite though…I’m glad I got a cup of soup in addition to the sandwich.