�ining
�e Perfect P�table Meal
Our �ood editor names the best sandwiches in the Montclair area WRITTEN BY EST�ER �A�I�O�ITZ
THIS �AGE� COURTESY OF MARCEL BA�ERY� O��OSITE �AGE� COURTESY OF S�ARO�S
�he sandwich , that staple of the American diet , is said to have been invented by �ohn Montagu , the �th �arl of Sandwich and anotorious gambler . The �nglish nobleman apparently came up with the utensil-free meal because it allowed him tosimultaneously stay at his gaming table and eat dinner .
��e �all �treet �o�rnal called the sandwich Britain ’ s �biggest contribution togastronomy . �
And , yet , too often we take this seismic contribution for granted . It ’ s so familiar , soubiquitous ; you can have asandwich for breakfast , lunch and dinner . Anytime . �lus it doesn ’ trequire an advanced degree in the culinary arts to slap asandwich together . �ust about anyone can put meat between two slices of bread .
Still , some sandwiches are so ingenious , so special , so delicious that they are impossible to overlook , asin to take for granted . They are culinary tours de force that deserve our complete attention and our �oyful ( but still civilized ) annihilation — especially during the holiday season , when we ’ re often too busy tofuss with plated meals .
With its cornucopia of dining options , the competition for best sandwiches in the area is tough , but we ’ ve narrowed the �eld to this excellent half-dozen .
MALAWACH SA�ICH AT MAR�E� �A�ER�AND ��T�HEN� UPPER MONT��A�R
Meny �aknin came tothe United States from Israel wanting to become a chef . Mission accomplished . And while his much acclaimed Middle �astern restaurant MishMish has closed , many of the dishes �aknin cooked there can be had at his popular Marcel Bakery , which recently got anifty facelift . �ou can get �aknin ’ sfamous falafel sandwich — and do ; it ’ s awesome . But if you ’ re not familiar with another export of the region — the vegetarian Israeli sandwich sabich — strongly consider getting Marcel ’ s version . Stuffed inside a flaky , somewhat sweet , somewhat savory bread known as malawach , aflatbread of�ewish �emenite descent , is house-smoked eggplant along with slow-roasted tomatoes , tahini and feta . �our vegetarian friends will love it , too . • ���� �alle� �oa�� ����� ��������� �arcel�a�er�an��itc�en�co�
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