Sandwiches are my all-time favorite. Anywhere I go, I am always on the lookout for them. W hether I’m driving around here in Manila or walking the streets of any country abroad, if I see a sign that shows sandwich, I have to stop. I guess it’s the combination of what’s inside plus the texture of the bread, whether soft or crunchy. There is mystery in trying something new. What’s inside?

Every so often, I’d get a Big Mac attack. Or after a hard game of badminton, I reward myself with a double whopper. Tacos, shawarma, baked pork buds, etc., all these call my attention.

As a student in Paris, I would feast on a French hotdog dipped in Dijon mustard and stuffed into a crusty baguette or what the French would refer to as their burger, jambon beurre, ham and butter sandwich on a crusty baguette. On a school tour to London, hungry, I first came across Gyro. I got an order, tuck my Coca-Cola in my winter jacket and just hummed happily at my new discovery. 

As a student in Cornell, I would regularly visit a German deli that served chilled roast beef in German bread just with mayo and, just before closing that sandwich, the German guy would sprinkle it with some salt. Sarap! I also remember a deli called Big Al’s. Its best seller? Ithaca Bomber! This was a six-inch high triple-stacked sandwich with a combination of roast beef, pastrami, ham, cole slaw, mustard, mayo, and many other fillings. My appetite then could tackle that whole sandwich.

For the past two months now, I decided to go on a real no carbs diet. zero rice, bread, pasta, noodles etc. In the beginning, it was tough but when you see the results, plus the comments that “you lost weight,” it is most encouraging. Occasionally, I’d get tempted to cheat but that’s seldom.

I just arrived from Iloilo last Sunday evening where as usual we were overfed by chef Tibong Jardeleza, our host. My mind was set on getting back to my strict no carbs diet. Then, I go to Instagram and see a post of a foodie friend, Alex Oh. I only follow a few on Instagram, Alex is one. He posted about a deli he just tried. Pictures were of a crispy fish filet sandwich and a Philly cheesesteak sandwich. Patay! I already knew what I The secrets of a sandwich was going to hav for lunch. Shelve the plan of no carbs muna.

I drove to Connecticut Street in Greenhills, parked, walked two flights up the stairs, and found myself in front of a simple, straightforward menu. In situations like this, I always go for the bestsellers—the fish filet and the Philly cheesesteak, in this case. I waited, so excited. There were a few items on the menu. I saw roast beef, Mortadella, grilled cheese, and more. I was telling myself, boy the chef and I have the same taste! And we do.

The filet is made of cod, coated in a light batter, no cheese, just a soft homemade bun with tartare sauce—simple, straight to the point, and delicious! I was jumping for joy, biting into one sandwich and into the other. The Philly cheese was equally delicious. The minced beef was soft. With zero litid (I hate that in sandwich fillings), it had melted cheese and the bread was also soft, blending well with the combination of fillings. At fist bite, I knew I had another topic for my article. I was already eyeing the other sandwiches for a comeback on my next cheat day. What a discovery! I not only broke my promise to diet, I broke it twice, I had two sandwiches.

My never-ending search for delicious sandwiches will never, well, end. And I love it! Check out 717 Deli on Connecticut Street in Greenhills. Or call 0905 462 5239.

Join my Hokkaido Food Tour from Sept.1 to 8. Text Melody at 0917 624 2819 or email her at [email protected]. Happy eating!