Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
Philadelphia, et. al. - South Jersey Style - 6/10
(Audio)
Jimmy John's is a nationwide chain serving club sandwiches, subs and hoagies and originates in the Denver, CO area. Due to these western origins, the Jimmy John's italian hoagie does not conform to the any of the standard styles of haogie, but most closely matches the South Jersey discipline.
Jimmy John's "Italian Nightclub" sandwich (Image), as it is called, uses ham and genoa salami, provalone cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and an "Italian Vinaigrette" oil. This oil is the highlight of the sandwich; it fulfills the traditional role of an oil, but also imparts a atypically sweet flavor to the sandwich. The dominance of the oil in the flavor leads to its classification into the South Jersey genre.
The dominance of the oil is exaggerated by the minimal flavor contribution from the meats and cheese, which are both very thinly sliced and are not particularly flavorful. The hoagie roll, which clearly aspires to be deemed "artisanal", has its own flavor that clashes with the dominant. The roll is also thin and somewhat brittle, having been baked, I venture, at some point in the distant past.
Conclusion - The Jimmy John's Italian is a tasty, but unremarkable and mediocre hoagie, aside from unusual oil/sauce, which is original and delicious. The score of 6/10 is assaigned on this basis.
Practicalities - Jimmy John's is located at 3925 Walnut Street in University City, Philadelphia, and at many other locatinos nationwide. Order the #9 "Italian Nighclub". You must explicitly ask for mayonnaise to be held. The hoagie is about 8 inches long and costs $5.55. Seating, delivery and catering are available.
Reviewed April 19, 2009 by David Jacobson