From wraps to paninis to submarines, when it comes to sandwiches the sky’s the limit. Equally fabulous as the sandwich’s ability to allow for culinary creative expression is its ease of eating on the go. That’s why when we thought springtime and warm weather, we thought sandwich picnic party. Moonshine staff visited three local delis to try out their sandwiches, and then found close-by scenic spots to enjoy that goodness between two slices of bread along with a beautiful view. Now that’s a combo meal.
Sometimes I just need a pile of vegetables. If I’m in the mood for a picnic with my family at Long Lake, my childhood picnic spot, I will need those veggies in between two pieces of bread. My absolute favorite veggie sandwich, Maggie’s Farm, comes from the Crescent Cafe in New Moon Natural Foods in Truckee. I’m not vegan, but the sandwich is, and it comes piled with roasted red bell peppers, grilled zucchinis, marinated eggplant, and pesto on a ciabatta roll. The caramelized onions with balsamic sauce make it sweet, while the lettuce and tomatoes add the extra juiciness and texture that bring it all together. This sandwich and a generous list of others are around the $8.99 mark. Gluten-free bread is available. Info: 11357 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee, newmoonnaturalfoods.com ~ Emily Dettling/Moonshine Ink
On days that I crave a traditional deli sub, I’m headed to DiMaggio’s at the Lake in Incline Village, a deli/pizza shop, convenience store, and sports bar with surprisingly great prices. We’re talking a 9-inch sandwich loaded with meats, veggies, and cheeses for $6.29. I ordered Amelia’s Signature Veggie Sandwich, with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, onions, olives, pepperoncini, sprouts, mayo, and mustard…plus I added turkey. Armed with my lunch, I set out to find the perfect spot to eat and landed at Memorial Point, five miles southeast of DiMaggio’s along Tahoe Boulevard. I climbed down the hill and rock-hopped until I found the perfect boulder to set up camp. The sandwich’s classic composition took me back to childhood memories of deli sub lunches while summering on Cape Cod. Plus it reminded me to appreciate the simple things in life: a straight-up great sandwich, a spectacular view of the lake, and that sweet afternoon sun. Info: 800 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village, (775) 298-2424 ~ Ashley Owen/Moonshine Ink
Whenever I’m headed to Emerald Bay or any other beautiful vista on the West Shore, I make a point to stop at PDQ Market in Tahoma to grab one of its huge made-to-order sandwiches. What makes the deli’s sandwiches so special is its bread, which is baked fresh daily. Choose from white, wheat, pesto, garlic, cheese, or jalapeño cheese, my favorite. Then select a plethora of menu items to fill the middle: ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, pastrami, tuna salad, chicken salad, or veggie. I personally like salami with all the fixings, with the addition of the market’s habañero mustard for some spice. The sandwiches are easily shareable, and at $4.99 for half and $8.99 for a whole, it’s a bargain. Avoid the long lines and phone ahead to place your order. The sandwich is especially tasty after hiking the Rubicon Trail in D.L. Bliss State Park while perched on one of the boulders overlooking Lake Tahoe. Info: 6937 W. Lake Blvd., Tahoma, (530) 525-7411 ~ Kara Fox/Moonshine Ink
