Jersey Mike’s

If i were doing head to head, brackets in my quest for the best sub-shop in town. And if i were to pit the last two shops i have eaten at, it would be Jimmy John’s vs. Jersey Mike’s, and the competition would be close until i sat down and unwrapped the sandwiches. First, each visit was post a visit to my outdoor office, the Par 3 Golf Course, City Exchange. Needless to say, i won’t be joining the PGA anytime soon, or ever for that matter, but i sure do enjoy a nice putt or landing on the green in one. i am sure you that play golf would agree, any food after a round of golf, no matter what was served, is good food. Which might play a small role in each of these reviews.

Jersey Mike’s did have a few more clean tables than Jimmy John’s but not many. However, Jersey Mike’s had trash on the floor, which i didn’t notice at Jimmy John’s. In Jersey’s defense, they were busy when i walked in something Jimmy couldn’t say. Looking over the counter at the food prep area, everything just seemed fresher.

Here is where the comparison isn’t even close. Everything about the sandwich from Jersey Mike’s was hands down fresher, fuller, tastier. i ordered the California Club, turkey, bacon, avocado, lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, american cheese, regular size $8.85 i also ordered chips which they have a variety of and a bottled water for an additional $3.19. 

For a comparison take a look at the Jimmy John’s blog from last week. The sandwiches are close in type as they were both turkey with cheese. But like i said, there is no comparison. i would choose Jersey Mike’s every time over Jimmy John’s. 

i will say if you order it Mike’s way, make sure you are dining in; otherwise, you will be eating a very soggy sandwich. Now, if you like soggy bread, then, by all means, order it Mike’s way for delivery through Uber Eats, or take it to go. 

Compared to Jimmy John’s, Jersey Mike’s is definitely a sub above.

For the record, Jersey Mike’s gets 4 out of 5 bread loafs 🥖🥖🥖🥖👎🏽

Bon Appetit,

cj 

Jimmy John’s

When i was in elementary school, and it wasn’t pizza, mashed potatoes and turkey gravy, sloppy joe, or burrito day, i was packing a lunch. In that sack lunch where my dad would draw one happy face and one sad face and write, “you get to choose your day” (that’s another blog), was a twinkie, a bag of chips, grapes, and a sandwich. If my sandwich wasn’t PB&J, it was chip beef, i wanna say that was a brand, but it could just be what my parents called it. The chipped beef wasn’t beef at all; in fact, it was either turkey or chicken. It was slapped between two pieces of white Wonder Bread, pretty sure it wasn’t a racial thing, just my preference. With the meat was a single slice of cheese and Miracle Whip. i don’t care what anyone says; it is true; a sandwich just isn’t a sandwich without the tangy zip of Miracle Whip. i absolutely loved those sandwiches!

The first stop on my quest for the best sandwich in town i went to Jimmy John’s. There is a lot of hype for these gourmet sandwiches and no shortage of delivery drivers that i can tell, so my expectations were high! As i stated i in my intro blog to my sandwich quest, i am rating the entire experience. i walked into the Hilltop location, and besides the five guys behind the counter, i was the only non-employee. This indeed was my first time ever in a Jimmy John’s, and my very first sandwich from them. So i needed a minute with the menu. Noah, the kid on the register, was polite enough, but i don’t think he ever encountered a new customer before. And as i sat eating and listening to everyone come in after me, i could see why he didn’t know how to handle someone who needed the menu, as no one did! They came in and ordered by number and knew their special requests, and Noah didn’t skip a beat getting their orders. i ordered the Beach Club, which consists of turkey, cheese, avocado spread, lettuce, tomato, cucumbers, and mayo, on freshly baked bread, $7.25 for regular size. i also ordered a bag of their brand named chips and a cup of water. 

As i went to fill up my cup of water from the soda fountain, i noticed that nearly every table was dirty. Not full of trash, but you know how you can see that something hasn’t been wiped down just brushed off? Yeah, that was nearly every table. This place, clearly run by guys, and by the looks of them, none over 25, maybe even 20. i found the cleanest of the tables after filling my water cup, and my sandwich was already ready. They pride themselves on how quickly they can make a sandwich, and they have every right to. i took my sandwich and went to the clean table to dig into my Beach Club.

i love avocados. In fact, that was pretty much the selling point for me on the Beach Club. i also love cucumbers. my mom would make a cucumber salad every time she made lasagna; speaking of lasagna, i made one yesterday to bake today, and it was terrific. Anyway, i love cucumbers and love eating them, even just sliced like a veggie platter. i also love a good tzatziki sauce, which i also know how to make, if i might add. So, i know what they can add to a sandwich that slightly crisp but refreshing flavor enhancer. Sadly, as you already know, i am a Miracle Whip guy; why? Because i like flavor and one thing mayo lacks is flavor, and while we are at it, it doesn’t enhance flavor either. What is the point of mayo anyway? Either way, let me tell you what the mayo did to the Beach Club; it beached it. It absolutely silenced the avocado.

Now i need to say this i have a friend who says he is Mexican, but i don’t believe him because he adds mayo to his guacamole. No one should add mayo to guacamole, and Jimmy John’s should add it to the Beach Club either. Their avocado spread was bland, to begin with, which didn’t help the whole mayo situation. They needed to add even a little salt and a bit more lime to help it stand out. Let me ask you a question Jimmy John’s, why not use a spicy mayo, or garlic mayo, or Miracle Whip? Because you know what else the mayo did? It deadens the taste of the cucumbers. So i couldn’t help that. Although turkey is naturally dry, it seemed dryer and i couldn’t stop thinking about how a little pepper and salt would have gone a long way. 

When i order a gourmet sandwich, i don’t expect to have to also order add ons. i kinda expect that it’s a gourmet sandwich that has been perfected and i shouldn’t have to make any changes, with the exception of  perhaps alergins. i don’t say this lightly, but i don’t get the hype. i went fishing today and my nieghbor friend brought a sandwich from Subway, and although this isn’t the Subway review, it was hands down better than my Beach Club. Now the portion was good, i was full when i was done, i ate the whole sandwich but didn’t finish my chips. i was just under-whelmed. The saving grace was the quick, friendly service, sorry Jimmy John’s you only get 3 out of 5 hoggie rolls  🥖🥖🥖 👎🏽👎🏽

Bon Appetit

cj

cjwilldine on sandwiches

When i was eight years old and living in Burbank, CA, there was a community pool that my friends and i would frequent in the summertime. Those were some of the best days. However, for some reason, as we would walk home from the pool, i would crave a PB&J sandwich. In fact, to this day, after swimming, i have a major urge to eat one. Now that isn’t the only sandwich that i like, mind you. i enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches, a good ruban, or BLT, tuna, turkey, even ham and swiss. Actually, i like any good sandwich; who am i kidding, i like food in general. Not only do i like food, but i also enjoy taking pictures of it and telling others. 

Sooo . . .

It’s finally happening! i have switched this blog around and created the space to dine. Have you ever driven around your town and noticed twenty different places to get a sub, taco, sushi, and of course, coffee? Of course, you have! And like me, you probably wonder, “what’s the difference?” That question is the foundation of this blog space, cjwilldine. my first quest, who makes the best sandwich in town? There is Jimmy John’s, Jersey Mike’s, Subway, Firehouse Subs, TopZ Sandwich Company, Pickle Barrel, Lisa’s Sandwich Den, Off Main Deli, Great Harvest Bread Co, Panera Bread, Chalet Market, Staggering Ox, and Pita Pit. That’s thirteen, and i am sure i missed some!

 

So here is the idea, beginning tomorrow (technically today), i will be comparing sandwiches, ambiance, and customer service. Who has the best quality, top to bottom? i will rate them and blog about each experience. When i have eaten my last sandwich . . . literally, (as i don’t think i will be able to eat another sandwich for a very long time), i will write a final post giving my top 3. This will take some time to complete, and who knows, i may not be able to finish before the apocalypse happens, but it will be fun while it lasts.

Now obviously, some of these places are local to Billings, MT, where the majority of posts will come from. However, several are regional or national restaurants, so hopefully, everyone will find something useful. And of course, if you ever visit Billings, you will have the answer to the most frequent question i am asked by strangers from my back seat; you will know where to eat!

It’s late, i am getting hungry, it must be time to begin my quest, it is time for cjwilldine.

bon appétit

cj

Tuning Fork Cafe; 25 W Mill St, Bayfield, CO 81122

Located in the heart of Bayfield, Colorado, this extremely friendly coffee shop with a great atmosphere is perfect for the casual meeting, quiet time or other activities along those lines.  The coffee is great, prices are comparable, and the selection of food (breakfast and lunch) are off the hook good! This place is open Monday thru Friday 7a to 2p, Saturday 8a to 2pm and CLOSED on Sunday. i find that pretty attractive in and of its self.

i have visited this place about 5 times, from just running in for a cup of joe to meeting a friend for a meeting, even some quiet time and to write. It has met my need each time. The other day Kaylee and i came in for some coffee before i took her to school. Across the street was parked an old pickup truck with (now i am no dog expert) a hound dog perched on the oversized tool chest in the back. Kaylee and i both remarked how cool that was...having two dogs of our own knowing neither one would be so cool, no they would be half way down the street in and out of traffic and it would about ruin our morning.

Upon entering the Tuning Fork i saw a gentleman sitting at a table. Cowboy hat, denim shirt, vest, jeans and cowboy boots, his hair was long and his face sort of droopy. He wasn't sad mind you, you know how owners and dogs start to look alike...ya these two nailed that one. i asked, "is that your dog out there?" "Sure is" he responded, "he needs a girlfriend." What? Kaylee and i said nothing, we LAL'd (laughed a little) not to be confused with LOL. Once we got our drinks we headed out to school and we both said, "that was weird." It was one of those moments that sort of kills any sort of conversation...maybe that was his point either way it did.

Anyway, here are my takeaways from that day; Cowboys still exist. Cool dogs still exist. Coffee shops in crazy little downs do exist.

lostcoffee 3980 Limelight Ave, Castle Rock, CO 80109

LC, lostcoffee, not sure of the name. By that i simply mean i don't know why they chose that name, if there is some significance to it or not, some story behind it, etc. It seems an odd name to me. Regardless of the name the coffee is great. The atmosphere is nice, as they flood the room with Christian music. Hungry? That's ok, they have an assortment of food to tie you over. With reasonable pricing, this will be a frequent work space for me.

It is locally owned and operated, with two locations, this one located just down the hill from the house makes it extremely convenient. It has a homey feeling, this morning when i left i said, "i am off to the office." i came here yesterday for the first time. Today i have sent emails, made phone calls and enjoyed coffee. i will be preaching this week at the Connection Church of the Nazarene in Castle Rock, CO, therefore i will be also doing some sermon prep here as well. i will also be returning as i work on the funeral service for my grandma. i am extremely honored and humbled that i was asked by the family to officiate her funeral as well as the inurnment the following week in Washington.

It's going to be a good day, in-spite of the fact that the neighbor backed into my jeep this morning. It's a good thing that i had the doors off or the damage really would have been bad. As it is the one who hit my parked jeep got the worst of it. He was apologetic and will be making restitution. All is good.

the Electric Bean

i didn't get electrocuted when i drank the coffee and so i took it as a good sign. The Electric Bean is a very youth oriented coffee shop. Equipped with free wifi, electrical outlets and USB ports for your cell phone and other chargers it really makes their slogan, "A Place to Recharge," come to life. The uniqueness of this coffee shop doesn't end there, in the corner sits a large stage for Friday night concerts and an open mic night. But wait there's more! On Saturday this place has either two church services...5pm and 7pm or one church service 5 to 7...the font makes it hard to understand but either way...this coffee shop by day is a Church by night and i think that is pretty sweet!

They are also advertising a community revival which will take place at 814 15th Ave in the parking lot of the Longview Church of the Nazarene...now that is pretty spectacular! August 23-25, 2013. From what i understand the coffee shop is a non-profit and therefor all the proceeds get turned back into the community.

Here is the only catch i have seen so far, i have been here nearly all day. Arriving just after 9am, i did leave for lunch before coming back, at present it is 4:30pm, and i am one of only a dozen customers. Located on the corner of 10th Ave and Washington Way in Longview Washington, but you wouldn't know it if you weren't looking for it. It sits at the end of a building that houses, "Vacuums and More" and that is the sign you see.

 A hidden treasure in Longview. i had a coffee in the morning and a smoothie in the afternoon and both were very good. If you find yourself in Longview, know someone in Longview or plan to move here, put the Electric Bean on your list of places to visit and come enjoy the coffee and a concert on Friday night, or bring your talent and perform during one of the open mic's. My recommendation for a Church in Longview is the Church of the Nazarene, located at 814 15th Ave...the Pastor there is awesome!

Would you like fries with that?

There are few times in my life that i have felt like this, you may know the feeling. Its that feeling you get when you are standing at a crossroads, regardless of the amount of directions that are ahead of you to choose from the decision of which way to go can make you feel like this. The feeling, overwhelmed. Its one reason i like routine, i am comfortable with as little decision making as possible. i like In'n'Out Burger, not very many decisions necessary necessary, "Would you like fries with that?" is about as hard as it gets there or Taco Bell, although there are many things on the menu i know what i want and i am comfortable getting the same thing every time. Jen and i have made some really big decisions. These decisions have made way to greater decisions and those have opened more and more decisions to make, couple that with moving, kids, pets and family and voila, you have OVERWHELMED the "chris" system.

So here i sit, a new place, with that said, it is a Starbucks so there is familiarity at least in the coffee. Although, Starbucks has sort of lost its appeal to me, i would much rather find a small hole in the wall shop with a cozy atmosphere, (i will search for one here in Castle Rock, CO). My mind wanders with all of the options and decisions that need to be made. i know what needs to happen but at the same time i don't know where to start. There are some big things that are happening that at this point i don't have much say in or control of and so i wait. i know that these are blocking up the system some and i know that when these decisions are made it will free me some to focus, regardless of the outcome as it will put into motion the reality of the situation that i will have to function in.

This however, can not be an excuse for non-action, when it comes to everything else. i have to find a temporary normal at the very least. Once again i am faced with the necessity to live the ministry i am called to, Staying the Journey. Enacting the principles i have found to be good, i must focus on recognizing Jesus. What is He doing in me and through me, moment to moment, day to day, etc. Jesus is my Strong Tower, the righteous run into it and they are safe. Proverbs 18:10. What is He doing in me? Strengthening my resolve and faith in Him as the one who answers prayer.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

    And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree

    Planted by the rivers of water,

    That brings forth its fruit in its season,

    Whose leaf also shall not wither;

And whatever he does shall prosper.

Psalms 1:2,3

What is Jesus doing through me?

"Pastor Chris has a unique and very effective method of connecting with teens. He is able to quickly build trust and credibility with teens and then present the Gospel in a way that provides built-in practical application. I have had the privilege of observing Jesus working in and through Pastor Chris in youth ministry for most of the last five years. He will preach Jesus and Jesus alone to your teens."

Pastor Jim Beach 

Wasilla Christian Church

In His Word what is He saying to me?

[chris] know that the Lord [I Myself] has set apart [you] for [Myself] who [are] godly;
[I] The Lord will hear when [you] call to [Me].

[chris] Be angry, and do not sin.
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. 

[son] Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And put your trust in the [Me].

[you know] There are many who say,
“Who will show us any good?”
[I the] Lord, [will] lift up the light of [My] countenance upon [them].

[I will] put gladness in [your] heart,
More than in the season that their grain and wine increased.

[Because of Me] [You] will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For [I] alone, [Am the] Lord, [and I] make [you] dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:3-8

Thank You Lord, for Your Love and Faithfulness!