One day, many years ago, I happened into the Publix deli department and decided to order a sandwich. From what I could see, there was little different between the Publix sandwich station and a Subway or Quizno's sandwich shop. The real differences didn't become apperent until I got home and took my first bite of the sandwich. For whatever similarities exist between the physical appearance of these stores, the differences between the products could not be more evident. I was at that point a convert. I am nothing short of a fanatic when it comes to the MIGHTY PUB SUB!!!
Let me begin with the bread. Like many other sub shops, Publix bakes their own bread. However, the similarities really end there. Publix's sub rolls originally came in white and wheat varieties, but have recently added a third multi-grain option. All of the rolls are excellent, but I consider myself a purist and tend to order the white sub roll. The roll itself has an excellent crust, crisp and hard. The interior of the roll is quite soft and does a nice job of soaking up any condiments that one might decide to add. The only complaint that I might have with the rolls is that the bottoms are heavily coated with corn meal. I understand that this is to aid in reducing sticking in the oven, but sometimes it becomes overwhelming. I will occasionally have to brush off the excess corn meal lest I end up with my mouth being torn apart like I just finished off a whole box of Capn' Crunch. All things considered, I would take a Publix sub roll over the soft and flimsy rolls you get at the other stores any day.
Although bread selection is important, the real meat of the issue when dealing with a sub is, of course, the meat. In terms of selection, some may consider Publix to be limited. They offer several standard meats and bound salads for their sandwiches. Ham, turkey, roast beef, and tuna salad are all present. They offer some variety with there Italian sub with it's traditional Italian deli meats, Genoa Salami and Capicolla. Over the years, they have made efforts to add new meat options, such as a hot Philly Cheesesteak or chicken tenders. I doubt they will ever venture out into the realm of true deli meats. I don't foresee purchasing a pastrami and tongue on rye at Pubix any time in the future.
Even with such limited meat selections, there is no shortage on quality. Offering both their house brand deli meats as well as Boar's Head meat (for a small surcharge), the quality of their deli meats far exceeds that found in many franchise sub shops. Being able to taste each individual meat in a sandwich is a right that Subway had convinced me was a privilege. It took my first trip to Publix to make me understand just how wrong they were.
The quality doesn't simply stop at the meat, the toppings that Publix offers are also top notch. You won't find anything fancy, just the old stand-bys, but they are all of good quality. Tomatoes have flavor, pickles are crisp, hot peppers are scorching hot, and sweet peppers are sweet and earthy. I tend to order a small salad on my sandwich, getting it with "the works." To say that you don't get your money's worth, is simply out of the question. Between the bread, meat, and toppings, a footlong sub could easily top 3 lbs. The things are huge.
In addition to putting out a quality product, they also focus on the intangibles. Service is key at Publix, and it shows in the deli department. Sandwiches are made quickly and with a smile. They even go so far as to individually wrap each half of a footlong, knowing that you'll probably end up saving half for later. All in all, they are really great sandwiches, and I imagine that I will come back with a few critiques in the future. I really can't go too long without having a Pub Sub.
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