THE LAST SANDWICH
SANDWICH NEWS
Never in my wildest dreams did I think the Super Mexican Calzone from Domino's would burn the tip of my tongue, and yet to my great surprise, it did. If you like spicy, mexican flavored calzones, then this is the perfect sandwich for you.
As for the Domino's shop that I visited in Hsinchu, Taiwan, I have to give it two thumbs up. They are really friendly, and in the past, they even made me things that weren't on the menu. For example, Domino's used to have melted cheese pastries, which was taken off the menu a year ago, but they still make them for me.
Okay, here is the big question... Would I eat the Super Mexican Calzone from Domino's as my last sandwich? NO!!
But, in Domino's defense, I have never liked super spicy sandwiches, so it's not exactly my forte.
However, if you like friendly service, a clean environment, and super spicy calzones, then this is the perfect place for you!
After a year of searching for the World's best last sandwich, I have finally progressed to the next level. Eating a sandwich is more than taste, it is about a feeling, a moment in time that is captured in our memory forever.
So, the other day, I was traveling on the LRT (Light Rail Transit) on my way to the ocean, when we stopped in an isolated area in Dansui, Taiwan. As I looked out the window, there was a faint outline of a brightly blue painted cargo container surrounded by tables and chairs. In that moment, just before the doors closed, I lept off the train and peered over the platform to take a closer look. To my suprise, it was a Cargo Box Cubano Cafe', with a broadway style sign on top with the name "Maverick Cubano".
Hidden Paradise
So, after a minute of consideration, I decided to take the elevator down to the main level, crossed a busy street, and trekked up a winding gravel road. It was a surreal experience, to say the least. There was nothing else around, other than some commercial businesses, which were also built in cargo boxes. As I walked up to the Maverick Cubano Cafe', there was a gentleman in a chef's apron and hat standing behing the counter. "Are you open?", I asked. "Of course, we are always open, " he replied. So, I looked at the menu, and chose the Smoked Chicken Cuban Sandwich. In my experience, anything smoked is usually good 90% of the time.
It took him about 10 minutes to prepare the sandwich, and he really took great care, even lighting a blowtorch to smoke it even more. Then I sat down at one of the tables and enjoyed one of the most pleasurable experiences in my life. It was so spontaneous, so fascinating, so bizarre, and the Cuban Sandwich was good too!
So, if you ever find yourself in Taiwan and want to try something a little unusual in the middle of the afternoon, go visit the Maverik Cafe'. It's definitely a long journey by MRT and LRT to get there, but it's an experience you'll always remember. 
A 300-Year Old Question
Ever since the invention of the first sandwich, 300 years ago, when John Montagu requested a some meat inbetween two slices of bread, we have been facing the world's most difficult question...
If I was stranded on a deserted isle, would I choose the Chicken Cubano as my Last Sandwich?
Partially because of the warm atmosphere, my answer is Yes.
Sometimes it's about the experience as much as it is about the food, and this was an exceptionally delightful experience. I would definitely recommend Maverick Cubano's for the naturalistic atmosphere, the great customer service, and the huge variety of delicious sandwiches.
There is nothing cooler than a bunch of mini-burgers lying on a long plank of wood. Walking down the street in Neihu (Taipei City), the thing that attracted me to Marcus Cafe' was it's American style look, with the brick facade and the large corporate metal doors.
The inside was even better, with the an aesthetically-pleasing atmosphere that even had Mount Rushmore and King Kong painted on their walls. It was also very well structured and super clean. It was the kind of place you want to hang out at for a while.
What Is A Mini-Burger?
However, I have to say that menu initally confused me. What are these Mini-Burgers? Can I pick two the same, and one different? Are they only sold in a set? However, the waitress was very friendly and accommodating, and I decided to try one of each flavor. It was a wonderful dining experience.
Mini-Burger On A Deserted Isle
Now, the big question... If I was on a deserted isle, would I choose it as my Last Sandwich?
Ahhhh.... very close, but No. I would not choose it as my Last Sandwich.
However, would I bring a friend and spend a few hours there eating and working on my lap top? Yes, most definitely. It had a great atmosphere and the food was good. Also, they keep the place clean, which is always a big plus in my book!
Currently, I am in Taichung, Taiwan, about to open my 12-inch Spicy Italian Subway Sandwich, which is a combination of pepperoni and Genoa salami, topped with some cheese, vegatables, and anything else the customer's heart desires.
For years, I've enjoyed this staple of American cuisine, one of the foundations of submarine culture. It quite simply is the best Sub Sandwich ever known to humankind. So, now I'm sitting here waiting in great anticipation for the Subway worker to deliver my order.
Pepperoni Heartbreak
On the scale of human existance, eating the traditional Spicy Italian has been one of the greater thrills in life. However, on this particular day, when I opened the wrapper, I found that my Subway Sandwich was crushed and rolled up like a newspaper. The worker must have applied 2,000 tons of atmospheric pressure to the sandwich wrapping.
My heart is deflated, all energy inside me has become null and void, every dream I ever had about eating my favorite sandwich has literally been twisted and maimed. Why would anyone treat a young and innocent sandwich this way?
You have to see it to believe it, so here is a picture of my crushed Subway Sandwich. 
Disappointment Reigns
So, here is the ultimate question... as much as I love Subway, would I eat this crushed monstrosity as my Last Sandwich?
Sadly, I have to say... NO!
The most disappointing thing of all, I expected to be writing a raving review about Subway today, and share my wonderous experiences with the Spicy Italian over the years.
It only goes to show that a restaurant is only as good as their workers. Maybe it's time to give their sandwich makers more training. Anyways, here are some pictures of the Subway in Taichung (Dali District). It actually has a good atmosphere and is right next to the local library. Maybe you will have better luck!
After seeing the Sandwich Poster outside of Lucky Eat's shop, I got very excited. A Cuban Sandwich? In Taiwan? That sounded like a dream come true!
I've eaten Cuban Sandwiches in Chicago, with its heavenly cheese and magic spices, they were delicious. However, Chicago is only a 3 hour trip from Cuba by plane, while Taiwan is a 30 hour trip to Cuba by plane. So, odds are, you're more likely to have authentic Cuban food in Chicago than Taiwan. It's just common sense.
The Customer Should Always Be First
Having said that, I still wanted give the Lucky Eat Shop a chance. Honestly, the service wasn't very friendly, and seeing how empty the shop was, it was a little strange. To top it off, the Chef was eating a sandwich while making my sandwich! Yes, you heard that right... HE WAS EATING A SANDWICH WHILE MAKING MY SANDWICH!!
Believe it or not, I still wanted to give their Cuban Sandwich a try. So, finally the sandwich was delivered to my table and it was the moment of truth. I took the first bite and... it... was... really... bad. I have never said that about a restaurant meal before. Yet, it might have been the unsanitary way the Chef was treating my food. He might have been more focused on eating his own sandwich than making mine.
If I Was On A Desert Isle
So, here is the big question: Would I eat it as my Last Sandwich?
The answer is a resounding NO!! If I was on a desert isle and starving, and someone handed me a sandwich with a Lucky Eat label on it, I would turn it down. That's how bad the sandwich is.
I always recommend people to try it once for themselves, and to form their own opinions, so here are some pictures of the restaurant below. The atmosphere is fairly nice and the tables were clean. However, I would keep an eye on the Chef to make sure he isn't eating his lunch or dinner while making your food.
Pizza Rock (搖滾披薩) in Taiwan is a staple in the what many would call the "luxury pizza shop" industry. Whether it's their delicious soup, baked pasta, or variety of pizzas, Pizza Rock always delivers on the promise of a good meal. Another staple of their menu are their assortment of a half-dozen panini sandwiches, which is what we will be focusing on today.
Why Pizza Rock Stands Out
Before we discuss sandwiches, we want to talk about what makes Pizza Rock special in Taiwan. While other popular pizza franchises, such as Dominos and Pizza Hut, have seating areas for their customers to rest and enjoy the food, they always seem to have a fast-food atmosphere, without the charm and pizazz of a typical upscale restaurant.
That's where Pizza Rock takes it to the next level. All of their restaurants have a warm, sophisticated rock n' roll feeling that gives the atmosphere a little extra charm. It's not quite the legendary Rock and Roll McDonald's or even the Hard Rock Cafe', but they definitely have a small rock and roll vibe going on. Even though it's only a few Rock posters adorning the walls, it's that extra attention to detail that makes them stand out.
How Was The Food?
Since this is a site about sandwiches, we have to make a disclaimer. We love Pizza Rock's baked pasta and soup, it is beyond delicious. In terms of an Italian restuarant in Taiwan, we highly recommend it for any international traveller. The prices are reasonable, the service is friendly, and the tables are pristine.
However, our discussion today revolves around one of Pizza Rock's sandwiches, the Caprese Grilled Cheese Panini. One of the more popular sandwiches, it is covered in mozzarella, garlic, basil, diced tomatos, and parmesan cheese. It was definitely a decent sandwich, yet the bread was a little too thick and it dulled the overall taste.
So, onto the big question: Would I eat it as my Last Sandwich?
The answer is No. However, it was still a decent sandwich.
We want to emphasize, if this was a site about baked pasta, then Pizza Rock would be the in our Top 10 of Last-Baked-Pasta lists. However, it's about sandwiches, and their sandwiches leave something to be desired.
