Confessions of a Common Eater

I admit it, I’m not that picky or fussy of an eater. Sure, I have certain things I don’t care for. Liver, hard boiled eggs are among those things you just won’t see me eating. Sorry. But when it comes to trying a sandwich, I’m game for just about any combination

But what is the perfect sandwich? Is it the combination of things I love to eat or more simply the right mixture of good food? I know

Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor makes AWESOME sandwiches, having both incredible quality products and a team that exudes a sincere desire to share their culinary and food knowledge with every customer. But when you leave, happy and full, was it the specific food, the combination of items or the atmosphere that made me happy?

Reading the Freep’s review of Detroit’s 21 Best Sandwiches made me think - how do you judge a sandwich, or any meal for that matter. I enjoy reading food critics assessment of restaurants, meals and specialties but perhaps I have a different palate. Maybe I have an Ordinary Palate; Maybe I’m just a Common Eater.

It was clearly obvious that some regular guy had to try these sandwiches. A Common Eater had to experience the 21sandwiches proclaimed as the best in Detroit. Knowing I have a kindred spirit who is game for such an adventure, I asked my friend to play along. Actually, he read the same article and had the same idea so we knew we had to do it.

He loves to research, explore, read and study restaurants and food but when it comes to actually enjoying the meal, well let’s say… he’s a Fussy Eater. Not that he’ll turn down the meal but he’s much more critical than me about the preparation, the delivery, the taste. Maybe he’s right. Perhaps it doesn’t live up to the hype of a food critic. I will admit that in all our meals together, there’s was one meal I agreed with him, it was terrible. On the flip side, we’ve eaten together at some of the nation’s best restaurants which he chose and I’ve actually seen him enjoy the meal tremendously, or was it the 7 courses of wine with the meal that made him vulnerable to being satisfied?

I’m not really certain why he enjoys the hunt so much and then the meal is often a let down but he’s the prefect companion to explore Detroit’s 21 Best Sandwiches. Knowing him, we won’t stop at sandwiches. We so enjoy finding a new spot to dine, in Detroit or anywhere, why would we?

First stop... Mudgies in Detroit

~ The Common Eater
(In fond memory to The Real Eater, my Dad)