wrapping the sandwich is the most overlooked step people NEVER do at home because why would you wrap a sandwich in your kitchen that your going to eat right there, but it gets everything in the sandwich to compress down and tightens up the whole package, critical finishing touch.
I wrap mine and chill them thoroughly in the fridge. Not sure why, I just love cold subs. Sometimes I put heavy jars on top of them for even more compression.
It also gives it an authentic and aesthetically pleasing look to it, and something a lot of people don't realize is that you eat with your eyes as well. When something looks really good, it's going to make it taste that little extra bit better.
The fact that you are not afraid to use and show regular ingredients like Kirkland brand products, and your content is solid, concise and down to earth for regular people who love making good food earned you a like and a sub.
Those sandwiches are actually based on cold cuts that’s easy to find. Back in the old days like in the 1970s, exotic meats were not that common in America so those sandwiches are based on the classic designs. The hardest part is actually finding the right bread if you live far away from the northern east coast.
I’m a huge sandwich lover. I could quite literally eat one for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of my life and never get tired of them. The endless variety of ingredients makes it one of the most versatile foods on the planet. While people have tried to do the same with pizza, it is nowhere near as simple as the good old sandwich. Italian Hero is one of the best ever. Thanks for sharing!
Mouth is literally watering during this whole video. Soaking the onions and marinating the lettuce makes total sense. Keeps the lettuce fresh and softens the onion.
I know this is an older video, but man, your videos are really growing on me...I have shared them with a number of people. You are just down to earth, simple ingredients, right in your home...I love it.
I retired to NC.,when I miss long Island, a lot of the time I'm thinking about the deli's (Woodrows was a treat), then I remember the winters and snow shoveling and blowing. So I source my ingredients and make my own. Luckily the people that own the Pizza parlor I use lived in Suffolk County and ran shops in Brooklyn and Queens A pie cost 3 times as much then Papa Johns, Dominoes, and Marcos. But it's worth it. I also learned how to turn a corned beef brisket, into a pastrami., It takes 6 hrs but it's worth it.
I was 21 years old and a southern hillbilly when I went to Reading, Pa. to pick up my 18 year old soon to be wife. She lived just down the street from a sandwich shop called Sammy's and she invited me to go down for an Italian sandwich. Being naive and from a good old southern family I blurted out that I wanted one of those WOP jobs she was always talking about. After shushing me about not saying that out loud, especially in an Italian sandwich shop, I had what turned out to be a 60 year love of Italian sandwiches. I'm now 80, still love Italian sandwiches and my wife of 58 years. Honestly, I had no idea what WOP stood for or that it was considered a derogatory term for early Italian immigrants without papers. I am going to try and make one of these things myself this weekend.
Hot capicola, Genoa salami, provolone, hot peppers, topped with leftover pasta sauce and baked in the oven. Two Italian brothers who owned a sandwich shop in my hometown introduced me to that one. I make that sandwich whenever I have leftover sauce.
Living in the Philly area, I've had MANY Italian subs/hoagies. It's one of my favorite sandwiches. In my opinion, the bread makes the sandwich, so a seeded roll is a must. I roast Italian long hot peppers in olive oil, with basil, and garlic and spread that on the sandwich.
All of us philly folks say the same thing....it's all about the bread, and after having subs all over the world that flaunt the "philly" label, it is the truth. My personal preference is Amoroso (go figure), but my favorite hoagie is from "Lee's", in Glenside and I've no idea what bread they use but it's perfect). I haven't been back home since 1982 and I sure hope I can get just one more before I die.
Don't forget you must reflect the tilt. A sub and hoagie are very similar but we used good old fashion Amish rolls, mayo and oil (without the vinegar) and how you stack it makes a difference. We center the food in the middle of the roll along the cut line so when you close it it's sitting upright. We hold it in that upright position and tilt the head to bite. That's how I tell New Yorkers from Philly born. We respect the tilt lol
@Gumbo19141 Tilt? Is this a Philly or NY thing? I’m putting my food centered on the bottom piece of bread every time. I don’t want anything folded in half as it would seem would happen with your method
I've lived on the west coast for decades now and this video made me crazy. It's been so long since I had a "real" Italian hoagie, and now I know how to make my own. Your recipe looks EXACTLY like what I remember from growing up and I can't wait to try it. Thank you!
Finally! Thank you. I live in Austin and there’s NOBODY that comes close to what I remember from up east. I seriously crave these, after all these 52 years.
I can understand. I lived in Minnesota for 3 years and the only place to get something similar was Subway or Jersey Mikes, but they just don't equal a real Italian hero from a NY/NJ deli!
Moved from The Peoples Republic to Ft Worth over 40 years ago. When I visit, all I want is to eat my way through the state, and stock up on pasta noodles and dogs to bring back.
@Sip and Feast shout out from Minnesota! I have to stick up for my home state as hearing only Subway and Jersey Mike’s mentioned makes me sad lol. Broder’s, Caffrey’s, Fat Lorenzo’s to name a few. Underrated food and sandwich state!
i am an ex-pat long island girl who has lived on the jersey shore for a loooong time. you made me miss my rockville centre roots and the fact that we ate heroes....now i eat subs. love your channel and keep up the good work!!!!
Lived in and around Philly my whole life and if you want a good sub/hoagie/hero at the shore, go to the White House 23rd and Arctic. And dont tell anybody, their cheesesteaks are as good as any I’ve ever eaten anywhere.
Love this..and you used real Italian bread with seeds...The only way to go...The crisper the better. Those cold cuts are my kryptonite. I can only buy what I will use that day or I'll pick on them all night until they're gone! That hero and some good potato salad and I'm in heaven. Thanks Jim.....for making me hungry!
In the New York Area, you generally find the seeded hero rolls are made with semolina, and the seedless ones are made with plain flour. Semolina is great on a hero if it's fresh, but it gets dense and heavy if it sits all day. White hero bread is more forgiving, but semolina does taste better. Hey, Isn't "Calandra" the name of an Italian Bakery? You must know your bread!
Dude! Your vids are awesome! You need to get a show on The Food Chanel. Great content. I appreciate your expertise and the clear way you describe the recipes.
It’s definitely an important skill to learn. An essential. Because many times, it’s not quite right and you have better control of fine tuning the nuances. . It is a bit of a pain to prep the ingredients though but after some practice it gets easier
Wrapping sandwiches then slicing is my favorite part. From hoagies to cheesesteaks to breakfast sandwiches. Absolutely get excited once I begin wrapping knowing I will soon see the fruits of my labor. 👍🏽
I like that you rinsed the onion, dressed the lettuce as well as the sandwich, made a boat out of the bread and used deli-sliced cold cuts. Hard to find but I like good Mortadella on mine to get a little of that “livery” flavor. A+ on your version Chef!
A good horseradish cheddar thrown into the mix never hurts. Not instead of provolone, but along with it. Both in the sandwich but in different places. ❤
I love being born and raised and currently living in NYC. This is my favorite lunch. I can guarantee you that this Italian sub in this video is much better than anything you can get at SUBWAY store
Great video on putting together a true Italian hero “Sangwich” as we would say in da Bronx. The only different thing my nonna did was when she scooped out the middle of the bread she would save it to make bread crumbs!! She never wasted anything. 😍🤣 Mangia a tutti.
I've always been a hideous sandwich maker. And when I say hideous, I mean HIDEOUS. My sandwiches always fall apart instantly. This video is just what I needed. Thank you!
Good, straightforward knowledge emphasizing high quality ingredients, demonstrably excellent knife skills (important), simple but important prep tips and correct layering of elements (also very important) - I lived in the Greater NYC tri state area for a couple of decades - sandwiches there are an art form and people who enjoy them are very specific and picky and for good reason - I never knew a great sandwich until I enjoyed one from one of the hundreds of high quality, family owned, Italian/Jewish delis all over this area. This guy knows what he's doing - God, I wish I could walk down the street and go into my favorite deli and get one of these works of art RIGHT NOW! Makes me homesick for NY💖
@@SipandFeast I cooked professionally and I'm a bit obsessed and a little crazy for very good food in all it's forms - you definitely know what you're doing and are very straightforward with your commentary and knowledge - I dig it mucho
I just love a great Italian cold cut sub. I always am on the lookout for a great one. It starts with the roll as any good sub does. Extra provolone always for me. At home I use a combination of mayonnaise mixed with a little Ceasars dressing from the main spread. Oil and vinegar always. Oregano a must. Lettuce and onion. My local market has an Italian meat kit that has all the salami, ham etc...fair price. Only their sub they make prepared isn't half as good as mine. Always wrap it and also add a good olive on the sub. Its called a delicacy for a reason. Make it with some tlc and its always a treat. Thank you Italian culture.
That is a gorgeous sandwich! I am from Hoboken, NJ and enlisted in the Air Force. The first time i ordered a hero in Texas; they never heard of it. They did make me an italain sub and it had ranch dressing on it; i was appalled, lol.
I’m from Texas. I recently was on a business trip and our flight, while in a holding pattern over flew new jersey. I was also appalled...It looked like hell with the lid off. We were forced, due to bad weather to lay over there. My God it is a horrible place. We drove and visited several of the towns...never again. Good luck if you ever are forced to go there.
@@altair458 It's a real shame that you walked away with that impression of New Jersey. Most of the state is really beautiful and the people are super. I can say this because I'm not from New Jersey. Order a Hero in Florida and what do you get? Mayo. Yuk.
That my be a good idea by filling an untapped niche! I have a bunch of sandwiches on this channel. Here is the series: th-cam.com/play/PL0QyikC1o6v0iLWg9oZtQoFtOiv6PWYeH.html
Ethan Chlebowski has a video on why store subs are better than homemade. The things you did, like tomatoes on top, dressing the shredded lettuce, and wrapping the sub are a few things he points out. You, sir, are a master hero maker. You are the OG on TH-cam of Italian heroes.
I love that you wrapped what could be a messy to eat sandwich. I will use this method of wrapping sloppy sandwiches that you can eat & not worry about what's dripping in your lap.
is JJ = Jimmy John's? I have a hard time finding good bread to make a sandwich like this, then somebody told me at the Grocery Store , "Jimmy Johns sells their Bread/Rolls, you can even get them for super cheap if they're a Day old". I'm going to try that next time I make these.
Your family is so blessed to have you as their private home chef. Beautiful Italian sub! Scooping out the bread is a great idea, if you are watching calorie intake.
Seasoning and oiling the lettuce is brilliant! Not only does it give the oil lots of surface area to cling to, it will incorporate the flavor into the sandwich better.
The only good about living in Jersey. You can pick up a sandwich like this for around 7 bucks, from one of the many Deli's or Pizzarias. Just great food from these small mom and pop Deli's! Thanks for sharing! You definitely showed that sandwich some Love!
Thank you! I'm sure there is something else good about Jersey haha. I love when people argue over which pizzeria/deli is the best. We have so many great places to argue over.
I had a House Mother for a few years back in the 1980's... she cooked for us... she was from Delaware... everything she made was A+... but when she made her Grinder's... blow your taste buds out of your mouth they were so good! She would tell us a few days ahead... get all her ingredients the day of... fresh bread from the local bakery... her veggies, meats, cheeses, oil & vinegar, mayo, salt & pepper... she was an awesome Lady... but if you called them "Subs" or "Hero's", she'd say in her Delaware accent...''They are GRINDERS!"... really enjoyed your video... jazz ambiance and detailed camera work + you know what your doing! I subbed!
Great story! Sounds like she made an awesome grinder! No matter what you call it these are awesome sandwiches to make. Appreciate the sub and thanks for the feedback!
I just found your channel and so happy I did. We live in upstate NY, Fingerlakes area, and were raised with the Italian traditions my father knew from my grandmother who immigrated to the USA via Ellis Island. His father had a small Italian grocery store here in Elmira near the Italian neighborhood. Oh how I so wish our family would have carried on that business after his death. We have to travel to Rochester or the city to find some Italian ingredients. (or Amazon!) To remove the hard core of the iceberg, she taught us to hold the head of lettuce while still in the package, whack it really hard on the counter, it will break right out! It's the little tips that I remember he/she taught us to make prepping a bit easier. Loving your recipes and reminds me of how we were taught. So happy that your children are involved and hopefully they will also pass on our traditions! It is 11:30am and I'm thinking how can I make this pizza tonight!
Here in Little Perth, Western Australia we have the continental roll, or “Conti roll”, which is a Perth institution and consists of mixed continental meats (typically mortadella, coppa, and salami, a strong tasting ham), usually provolone cheese, and Italian-style pickled vegetables layered into a crusty roll. You could only get in in two stores in the 50-the 60s (coinciding with Fresh off the boats Italians & Greeks etc), the ones that originated them. Now, many places sell them. Also, side-note... any sandwich made in a roll is called _____ roll ie Ham & Salad roll here
Watching these videos late at night is a huge mistake... I can't believe I've been making sandwiches wrongly all my life - always suspected there was something wrong with putting cheese on tomato and now I know for sure. Great tips!
That is a BEAUTIFUL sandwich. My house practically buys CENTO Cherry Pepper Spread by the case - to me, it's just not the real thing w/o cherry peppers. I was always taught to scoop the bread to make seasoned breadcrumbs for chicken, meatballs, etc.
I live in TX....I've never been to Long Island NY but the New York Hero is my favorite sandwich. There used to be a New Yorker in my small town who opened a Deli/Restaurant, and I would order a NY Hero at least twice a week from his shop. BEST sandwich EVER. Sadly he passed away a few years ago, but I've managed to replicate it on my own. Still, I love to see how other New Yorkers make their own versions of this iconic sandwich. GREAT VIDEO! :)
Which Westchester County? I’m I’m gonna guess it’s an area around NYC I don’t know, just always learning new terminology for what people here in Philly call a hoagie or in Baltimore it was a sub.
Thank You so much. Went out and got all the ingredients. Didn't think I would find them in the rural town I live in: Sturgis, South Dakota but I did. Changed it up a bit. Used sweet pickled italian sliced onions and Romaine lettuce. This was incredible. Made one for my neighbor who has also never tried one!. Welsh woman living in the USA and trying all kinds of new and exciting foods!
Amazing, the music makes the rest of the video. Mostly because I could not smell or taste this great looking meal. (so what is the music credit?) Great video!
Yes the music very good. As soon as I hear the lame everyday crap u hear on other vids I turn it off no matter how interesting. The generic, is it dance music? Not sure the genre but it is sooooo so annoying.
Like you, my older brother and I worked at an Italian Deli in So. Ozone Park Queens, I was 12 and he was 14. My first job delivering groceries by bicycle. Then moved in to packing shelves and bagging groceries, And then I was allowed to cut cold cuts and make sandwiches. Then of course came "hey, can you take the bread out?" My favorite job was filling Cannoli's as they were ordered. You make a great sandwich, lots of memories. thanks. Now I live in Las Vegas and can't get a good sandwich. Oh, we get all the Boar;s Head products, but haven't found a decent loaf of bead for a real Hero. Love you channel.
Looks perfect!! I need to make one now! I’ve never heard anyone else say “gabagool” 😃 we’re in white plains, NY and we call that a wedge. I think here, Yonkers, and Mt Vernon are the only places where a sandwich is called a wedge haha
I grew up in Wantagh, but moved to San Diego, CA at age 28. Thanks so much for making this video. No one here knows how to make a true Italian hero, BUT NOW I DO!
Looks good that center cut through everything layered mmmm 😋 I heard from a person who owns a sandwich shop a sandwich will always taste better when made by someone else it just isn’t the same when you make it yourself and I ll agree time and again on that statement
@@SipandFeast out here on the West Coast the best hoagies-heroes are usually found at the old school family Italian places. Otherwise it's the generic junk.
I found all of the good quality ingredients you show in the video and I made subs just the way you demonstrated it, including the wrapper for the sandwiches. Fantastic. Best sangwitch I've had since I was in New York City. A very happy day. Thank you! The fine points and details like getting the meat sliced thin makes a huge difference.
There are still some OG Italian delis in Waterbury Conn where they scoop the bread to make the best grinders same as when i was growing up. Have lived in Philly since early 80s and philly king for cheesesteaks and roast pork, but Connecticut best for Italian Grinders.
Tell me where the best grinders in Waterbury are, I'd like to try. L'Aventura on America St? Have you had the sopressata and other dry salamis from La Molisana?
@@61hink Avventura was sold a number of years back and I recall not liking it as much, still decent. Cavallo's has a location in both Waterbury and Oakville but the latter is my favorite hands down. On the Milete's bread 🤌
@@DP12321 I was just in Oakville a couple of hours ago picking up some Lebanese food. Never heard of Cavallo's, will have to try it. Yeah, Carbone's in Torrington still uses Milite's bread for their grinders.
@@61hink Carbone's is great too. Cavallo's apparently opened up a 3rd location in Middlebury but haven't tried that, I'm sure it's good though. Cavallo's Oakville is the top tier in my opinion. It's right off Main St and on a side road, 60 Hillcrest Ave, Oakville, CT 06779. Your taste buds will thank me.
I might suggest one more step: Either A - Don't cut it until you let the sammy rest for like, five to ten minutes in the paper, or B - Cut it and then wrap the whole thing in another piece of butcher paper. Giving the sandwich a little time to squeeze together, deform all the separate bits into a more cohesive whole, and to let that bread soak in the oil and vinegar, it makes a big difference. I feel like a hero definitely tastes better when you get it home than if you eat it right by the deli.
My thoughts on this "friendly observation" hmmmm who cares... it's his knife. Then I watched the full clip - Changed my mind: Please sharpen your knife!!! ☺😁😉 - but looks stunning. I am going to make it myself tonight. Thanks for sharing!
@@cactaceous did you ever try a zep while you were in the Philly area? that’s a very hidden gem that really only people around here know about. They’re mainly in made in Norristown, bout a half our outside the city
Now THAT is the way to make an outstandingly excellent sub. Just like the best east coast sandwich masters that I remember so fondly. Excellent presentation and thank you.
Not into such a long process to make sandwich, nor iceberg lettuce nor so much vinegar either but my goodness it went down in two bites! It. Was. So. Delicious! Thank you for the post. Can’t wait to impress my friends.
In college i lived near Little Roma in Pasadena and the nice gentleman there always told me pepperoni does not go on a sandwich! He hates Subway for it. For 5.50 you got the best sandwich ever. Work of art. It has no extra condiments or toppings unless you ask. Gave me an appreciation for how Italian subs are made
It depends. Pepperoni is an American invention, but it often is included on Italian heros from delis in the NY metro area. I worked at 3 places and they all used it. Other parts of the country will make their own versions. Some with mortadella, prosciutto, etc.
You certainly know how to put together an Italian sub, grinder, hoagie, hero, etc. Same as I do it except I don't use pepperoni...just a matter of personal taste. I substitute prosciutto instead. I also like to use sweet roasted peppers. But a great tutorial on how to put together the Italian sub...best sandwich on the planet..IMHO!
Salute from Massachusetts. I grew up working at Italo Americani delis and there is nothing like them. I spend half the year in Florida and these are the things I miss and crave most while down south. Great video brother
wrapping the sandwich is the most overlooked step people NEVER do at home because why would you wrap a sandwich in your kitchen that your going to eat right there, but it gets everything in the sandwich to compress down and tightens up the whole package, critical finishing touch.
I wrap mine and chill them thoroughly in the fridge. Not sure why, I just love cold subs. Sometimes I put heavy jars on top of them for even more compression.
The man gets it
Mr. Philadelphia says: IT'S A HOAGIE!!!!!!!!!! ;--)
@@darkprose do you hold the oil and vinegar and/or other ingredients before you finally eat it?
It also gives it an authentic and aesthetically pleasing look to it, and something a lot of people don't realize is that you eat with your eyes as well. When something looks really good, it's going to make it taste that little extra bit better.
The fact that you are not afraid to use and show regular ingredients like Kirkland brand products, and your content is solid, concise and down to earth for regular people who love making good food earned you a like and a sub.
Thanks! I love Costco and always recommend their products. Their Thanksgiving pies are a steal this year.
Those sandwiches are actually based on cold cuts that’s easy to find. Back in the old days like in the 1970s, exotic meats were not that common in America so those sandwiches are based on the classic designs. The hardest part is actually finding the right bread if you live far away from the northern east coast.
I’m a huge sandwich lover. I could quite literally eat one for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of my life and never get tired of them. The endless variety of ingredients makes it one of the most versatile foods on the planet. While people have tried to do the same with pizza, it is nowhere near as simple as the good old sandwich. Italian Hero is one of the best ever. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! I love sandwiches too, but my belly doesn't always haha.
amen brother
Me, too. IMO the sandwich is the BEST way to get food from hand to mouth!
This is one of the better versions. Lots of other versions on TH-cam but this one is better focused
Lol bro loves his sammiches
Mouth is literally watering during this whole video. Soaking the onions and marinating the lettuce makes total sense. Keeps the lettuce fresh and softens the onion.
I know this is an older video, but man, your videos are really growing on me...I have shared them with a number of people. You are just down to earth, simple ingredients, right in your home...I love it.
I really appreciate it.
I make these all the time, and have never thought of pre-seasoning my lettuce. That is a fantastic idea.
I think the lettuce just tastes a lot better and it only takes another minute. Thanks!
I retired to NC.,when I miss long Island, a lot of the time I'm thinking about the deli's (Woodrows was a treat), then I remember the winters and snow shoveling and blowing. So I source my ingredients and make my own. Luckily the people that own the Pizza parlor I use lived in Suffolk County and ran shops in Brooklyn and Queens A pie cost 3 times as much then Papa Johns, Dominoes, and Marcos. But it's worth it. I also learned how to turn a corned beef brisket, into a pastrami., It takes 6 hrs but it's worth it.
I thought the same Dee Bee. Good call Mr. Sip and Feast.
A little salt and pepper on the tomatoes doesn't go amiss either.
^
Grew up in N. Jersey eating Italian Heroes just like that! Love them!
I was 21 years old and a southern hillbilly when I went to Reading, Pa. to pick up my 18 year old soon to be wife. She lived just down the street from a sandwich shop called Sammy's and she invited me to go down for an Italian sandwich. Being naive and from a good old southern family I blurted out that I wanted one of those WOP jobs she was always talking about. After shushing me about not saying that out loud, especially in an Italian sandwich shop, I had what turned out to be a 60 year love of Italian sandwiches. I'm now 80, still love Italian sandwiches and my wife of 58 years. Honestly, I had no idea what WOP stood for or that it was considered a derogatory term for early Italian immigrants without papers. I am going to try and make one of these things myself this weekend.
Hot capicola, Genoa salami, provolone, hot peppers, topped with leftover pasta sauce and baked in the oven. Two Italian brothers who owned a sandwich shop in my hometown introduced me to that one. I make that sandwich whenever I have leftover sauce.
Italian Hero is my #1 go to sandwich, hands down.
Living in the Philly area, I've had MANY Italian subs/hoagies. It's one of my favorite sandwiches. In my opinion, the bread makes the sandwich, so a seeded roll is a must. I roast Italian long hot peppers in olive oil, with basil, and garlic and spread that on the sandwich.
Doesn’t need to be seeded but yeah the bread is key.
All of us philly folks say the same thing....it's all about the bread, and after having subs all over the world that flaunt the "philly" label, it is the truth. My personal preference is Amoroso (go figure), but my favorite hoagie is from "Lee's", in Glenside and I've no idea what bread they use but it's perfect). I haven't been back home since 1982 and I sure hope I can get just one more before I die.
Don't forget you must reflect the tilt. A sub and hoagie are very similar but we used good old fashion Amish rolls, mayo and oil (without the vinegar) and how you stack it makes a difference. We center the food in the middle of the roll along the cut line so when you close it it's sitting upright. We hold it in that upright position and tilt the head to bite.
That's how I tell New Yorkers from Philly born. We respect the tilt lol
I'm Italian n Hungarian. I like to roast Hungarian pepper,eat it on the side.
@Gumbo19141 Tilt? Is this a Philly or NY thing? I’m putting my food centered on the bottom piece of bread every time. I don’t want anything folded in half as it would seem would happen with your method
I've lived on the west coast for decades now and this video made me crazy. It's been so long since I had a "real" Italian hoagie, and now I know how to make my own. Your recipe looks EXACTLY like what I remember from growing up and I can't wait to try it. Thank you!
Thank you man! Hope you really enjoy it.
You mean hero. Its not a hoagie bun.
Yes I agree nothing like East Coast Italian style sandwiches & Pizza!! I moved to the South over 20 years ago, I feel your pain.
Finally! Thank you. I live in Austin and there’s NOBODY that comes close to what I remember from up east. I seriously crave these, after all these 52 years.
I can understand. I lived in Minnesota for 3 years and the only place to get something similar was Subway or Jersey Mikes, but they just don't equal a real Italian hero from a NY/NJ deli!
But as a trade off you got better BBQ than up up east
Moved from The Peoples Republic to Ft Worth over 40 years ago. When I visit, all I want is to eat my way through the state, and stock up on pasta noodles and dogs to bring back.
@Sip and Feast shout out from Minnesota! I have to stick up for my home state as hearing only Subway and Jersey Mike’s mentioned makes me sad lol. Broder’s, Caffrey’s, Fat Lorenzo’s to name a few. Underrated food and sandwich state!
i am an ex-pat long island girl who has lived on the jersey shore for a loooong time. you made me miss my rockville centre roots and the fact that we ate heroes....now i eat subs. love your channel and keep up the good work!!!!
Hey thanks vey much! I know Jersey subs and all the food is great so you're good there. Hard to get the hero name out of your head though, right😂?
Lived in and around Philly my whole life and if you want a good sub/hoagie/hero at the shore, go to the White House 23rd and Arctic. And dont tell anybody, their cheesesteaks are as good as any I’ve ever eaten anywhere.
Love this..and you used real Italian bread with seeds...The only way to go...The crisper the better. Those cold cuts are my kryptonite. I can only buy what I will use that day or I'll pick on them all night until they're gone! That hero and some good potato salad and I'm in heaven. Thanks Jim.....for making me hungry!
Great Video, not drawn out! easy to understand him, simple instructions & new idea for me! Its 7:15 am, and I already want a Sub!!!!
In the New York Area, you generally find the seeded hero rolls are made with semolina, and the seedless ones are made with plain flour. Semolina is great on a hero if it's fresh, but it gets dense and heavy if it sits all day. White hero bread is more forgiving, but semolina does taste better.
Hey, Isn't "Calandra" the name of an Italian Bakery? You must know your bread!
@@jhwheuer, yeah, it's amazing how much we were able to improve your recipes. You're welcome.
Dude! Your vids are awesome! You need to get a show on The Food Chanel. Great content. I appreciate your expertise and the clear way you describe the recipes.
I have never wanted an Italian sub more than I want one right now.
LMFAO me too!!!!
It’s definitely an important skill to learn. An essential. Because many times, it’s not quite right and you have better control of fine tuning the nuances. . It is a bit of a pain to prep the ingredients though but after some practice it gets easier
Wrapping sandwiches then slicing is my favorite part. From hoagies to cheesesteaks to breakfast sandwiches. Absolutely get excited once I begin wrapping knowing I will soon see the fruits of my labor. 👍🏽
I like that you rinsed the onion, dressed the lettuce as well as the sandwich, made a boat out of the bread and used deli-sliced cold cuts. Hard to find but I like good Mortadella on mine to get a little of that “livery” flavor. A+ on your version Chef!
I love mortadella too, but went with the standard ingredients you'll mostly find on this sub. Thanks for liking the video.
A good horseradish cheddar thrown into the mix never hurts. Not instead of provolone, but along with it. Both in the sandwich but in different places. ❤
Scooping out the bread is just crazy
I love being born and raised and currently living in NYC. This is my favorite lunch.
I can guarantee you that this Italian sub in this video is much better than anything you can get at SUBWAY store
Thank you very much!
subway lol we lucky that in NY we have good mom and pop Italian Deli, just the best.,
Great video on putting together a true Italian hero “Sangwich” as we would say in da Bronx. The only different thing my nonna did was when she scooped out the middle of the bread she would save it to make bread crumbs!! She never wasted anything. 😍🤣
Mangia a tutti.
Always extra vinegar for me, the tang sets these sandwiches way above any other in my book.
Absolutely!!!
Nice Sandwich
I'd only add a light skim Mayo & diced Pickles
Personal Preference
You make me Hungry Bro
The vinegar helps with digestion too.
Agreed! The first time I had a sandwich with the vinegar and the cherry peppers, my thought was “where have you been all my life?” 😆
One thing here…I prefer a good red wine vinegar…
I had a smile throughout the whole video. Easy and concise. Thank you.
Definitely making this! My husband and I have been on a Italian sub kick recently. Nothing better than homemade.
Thanks! Appreciate you watching the videos. Hope you both enjoy it!
There’s something very soothing about watching Jim prep the toppings and the sound of the knife hitting the cutting board…
I've always been a hideous sandwich maker. And when I say hideous, I mean HIDEOUS. My sandwiches always fall apart instantly. This video is just what I needed. Thank you!
Awesome. Love how you pay attention to every detail. Love the calm energy.
Long island baby , nothing better than a Italian hero on Sunday watching the Giants .
That’s right. You need that big baby to numb you after another defeat 🤣
Gives the sandwich and all the ingredients the proper respect and love... and that makes it taste better
Thank you very much!
Good, straightforward knowledge emphasizing high quality ingredients, demonstrably excellent knife skills (important), simple but important prep tips and correct layering of elements (also very important) - I lived in the Greater NYC tri state area for a couple of decades - sandwiches there are an art form and people who enjoy them are very specific and picky and for good reason - I never knew a great sandwich until I enjoyed one from one of the hundreds of high quality, family owned, Italian/Jewish delis all over this area. This guy knows what he's doing - God, I wish I could walk down the street and go into my favorite deli and get one of these works of art RIGHT NOW! Makes me homesick for NY💖
Thanks a lot man! You are right about the typical New Yorkers sandwich expectations. They 100% take it seriously. Maybe a little too much lol.
@@SipandFeast I cooked professionally and I'm a bit obsessed and a little crazy for very good food in all it's forms - you definitely know what you're doing and are very straightforward with your commentary and knowledge - I dig it mucho
South Jersey native here: Can confirm this is essentially the perfect italian hoagie in my opinion. Well done!
That’s an amazing looking hero my friend, sandwich art is a real thing!
Thanks man! Appreciate the compliment!
There's nothing better than a perfectly constructed sandwich like that. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
I love how your not cracking jokes every 30 seconds and not acting clumsy in the kitchen like other youtubers GREAT CONTENT IM SUBSCRIBING
I just love a great Italian cold cut sub. I always am on the lookout for a great one. It starts with the roll as any good sub does. Extra provolone always for me. At home I use a combination of mayonnaise mixed with a little Ceasars dressing from the main spread. Oil and vinegar always. Oregano a must. Lettuce and onion. My local market has an Italian meat kit that has all the salami, ham etc...fair price. Only their sub they make prepared isn't half as good as mine. Always wrap it and also add a good olive on the sub. Its called a delicacy for a reason. Make it with some tlc and its always a treat. Thank you Italian culture.
That looked sooo good! Awesome tip on dressing the lettuce too. Thanks!
Thank so much!!
That is a gorgeous sandwich! I am from Hoboken, NJ and enlisted in the Air Force. The first time i ordered a hero in Texas; they never heard of it. They did make me an italain sub and it had ranch dressing on it; i was appalled, lol.
Thank you! Yeah I'd probably hold the ranch or at least just serve it on the side lol.
I’m from Texas. I recently was on a business trip and our flight, while in a holding pattern over flew new jersey. I was also appalled...It looked like hell with the lid off. We were forced, due to bad weather to lay over there. My God it is a horrible place. We drove and visited several of the towns...never again. Good luck if you ever are forced to go there.
They tried. It's the only salad dressing in Texas.😉
@@altair458 why was NJ horrible?
@@altair458 It's a real shame that you walked away with that impression of New Jersey. Most of the state is really beautiful and the people are super. I can say this because I'm not from New Jersey.
Order a Hero in Florida and what do you get? Mayo. Yuk.
I'm from England and I am fascinated with us sandwiches. I am tempted to start up my own business in sandwiches.
That my be a good idea by filling an untapped niche! I have a bunch of sandwiches on this channel. Here is the series: th-cam.com/play/PL0QyikC1o6v0iLWg9oZtQoFtOiv6PWYeH.html
@@SipandFeast Thanks man
You will make a fortune! Slice those deli meats really really thin! Almost shredded! New York style! Good luck!
Ethan Chlebowski has a video on why store subs are better than homemade. The things you did, like tomatoes on top, dressing the shredded lettuce, and wrapping the sub are a few things he points out. You, sir, are a master hero maker. You are the OG on TH-cam of Italian heroes.
“Enjoy every sandwich.”
~ Warren Zevon
I feel like I'm chilling with you in your kitchen watching you cook. Your videos feel so intimate and chill.
Love the presentation and the amount of Costco products used lol. Boars head is a classic. Long Island FTW
I love that you wrapped what could be a messy to eat sandwich. I will use this method of wrapping sloppy sandwiches that you can eat & not worry about what's dripping in your lap.
This is my favorite sandwich that I get at JJ!
Thank you and now I can make it myself!
Thanks very much!
is JJ = Jimmy John's? I have a hard time finding good bread to make a sandwich like this, then somebody told me at the Grocery Store , "Jimmy Johns sells their Bread/Rolls, you can even get them for super cheap if they're a Day old". I'm going to try that next time I make these.
That last step: No glove, no love. Wrap it up! Nice video. Will be making this soon. Thanks!
Your family is so blessed to have you as their private home chef. Beautiful Italian sub! Scooping out the bread is a great idea, if you are watching calorie intake.
Seasoning and oiling the lettuce is brilliant! Not only does it give the oil lots of surface area to cling to, it will incorporate the flavor into the sandwich better.
.....a little sprinkle of oregano in the oiled lettuce gives just a hint of italiano flavor !
love a good ol Italian hero!! i’m from New York and it’s always been my FAV sandwich by far, soooo good!
The only good about living in Jersey. You can pick up a sandwich like this for around 7 bucks, from one of the many Deli's or Pizzarias. Just great food from these small mom and pop Deli's! Thanks for sharing! You definitely showed that sandwich some Love!
Thank you! I'm sure there is something else good about Jersey haha. I love when people argue over which pizzeria/deli is the best. We have so many great places to argue over.
@@SipandFeast FRESH TOMATOES AND FRESH CORN
Eating a hero growing up i remembered paying only $3 for a foot long sandwich
I had a House Mother for a few years back in the 1980's... she cooked for us... she was from Delaware... everything she made was A+... but when she made her Grinder's... blow your taste buds out of your mouth they were so good! She would tell us a few days ahead... get all her ingredients the day of... fresh bread from the local bakery... her veggies, meats, cheeses, oil & vinegar, mayo, salt & pepper... she was an awesome Lady... but if you called them "Subs" or "Hero's", she'd say in her Delaware accent...''They are GRINDERS!"... really enjoyed your video... jazz ambiance and detailed camera work + you know what your doing! I subbed!
Great story! Sounds like she made an awesome grinder! No matter what you call it these are awesome sandwiches to make. Appreciate the sub and thanks for the feedback!
@@SipandFeast Questo è un panino!
Fresh ingredients always makes a difference
That looks delicious! You do a great job explaining every step. Perfection!🤗
Thank you! Hope you enjoy it if you make it!
I just found your channel and so happy I did. We live in upstate NY, Fingerlakes area, and were raised with the Italian traditions my father knew from my grandmother who immigrated to the USA via Ellis Island. His father had a small Italian grocery store here in Elmira near the Italian neighborhood. Oh how I so wish our family would have carried on that business after his death. We have to travel to Rochester or the city to find some Italian ingredients. (or Amazon!) To remove the hard core of the iceberg, she taught us to hold the head of lettuce while still in the package, whack it really hard on the counter, it will break right out! It's the little tips that I remember he/she taught us to make prepping a bit easier. Loving your recipes and reminds me of how we were taught. So happy that your children are involved and hopefully they will also pass on our traditions! It is 11:30am and I'm thinking how can I make this pizza tonight!
Here in Little Perth, Western Australia we have the continental roll, or “Conti roll”, which is a Perth institution and consists of mixed continental meats (typically mortadella, coppa, and salami, a strong tasting ham), usually provolone cheese, and Italian-style pickled vegetables layered into a crusty roll. You could only get in in two stores in the 50-the 60s (coinciding with Fresh off the boats Italians & Greeks etc), the ones that originated them. Now, many places sell them. Also, side-note... any sandwich made in a roll is called _____ roll ie Ham & Salad roll here
I bet I have watched this video 20 times in two years. It keeps popping up in my recommendations, and I keep watching.
This looks like a great sandwich, I can't wait to try making it at home. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Hope you enjoy and would love to hear how it turns out!
You have the best Judge of your food! What a handsome and helpful little guy!
Well done brother. Here in Staten Island it’s called a Hero🇮🇹👍
Thank you! I had a few college buddies from Staten Island and I remember them saying hero.
Kinda confusing tho with places that also serve gyro lol
@@BrianGallas not even close to a gyro
your delivery in the video adds to the flavor of the cooking!!!!!
Watching these videos late at night is a huge mistake...
I can't believe I've been making sandwiches wrongly all my life - always suspected there was something wrong with putting cheese on tomato and now I know for sure. Great tips!
Thanks very much!
I love an italian sub! this sandwhich series is great
That is a BEAUTIFUL sandwich. My house practically buys CENTO Cherry Pepper Spread by the case - to me, it's just not the real thing w/o cherry peppers. I was always taught to scoop the bread to make seasoned breadcrumbs for chicken, meatballs, etc.
Thanks! Yes that's a good idea for the scooped bread. I agree the sandwich needs cherry peppers and Cento make some good ones!
I live in TX....I've never been to Long Island NY but the New York Hero is my favorite sandwich. There used to be a New Yorker in my small town who opened a Deli/Restaurant, and I would order a NY Hero at least twice a week from his shop. BEST sandwich EVER. Sadly he passed away a few years ago, but I've managed to replicate it on my own. Still, I love to see how other New Yorkers make their own versions of this iconic sandwich. GREAT VIDEO! :)
Thank you man! It's probably my favorite sandwich too.
Your hero or “wedge”(what we used to call it in Westchester County) is spot on. You do need to sharpen your knife. Just subscribed.
Maybe a little mortadella?
Which Westchester County? I’m
I’m gonna guess it’s an area around NYC I don’t know, just always learning new terminology for what people here in Philly call a hoagie or in Baltimore it was a sub.
@@jonathannagel7427 County above the Bronx.
Thank You so much. Went out and got all the ingredients. Didn't think I would find them in the rural town I live in: Sturgis, South Dakota but I did. Changed it up a bit. Used sweet pickled italian sliced onions and Romaine lettuce. This was incredible. Made one for my neighbor who has also never tried one!. Welsh woman living in the USA and trying all kinds of new and exciting foods!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing, the music makes the rest of the video. Mostly because I could not smell or taste this great looking meal. (so what is the music credit?) Great video!
Thanks very much! The song is English Breakfast by Jobii.
I came back to watch it again. Dang it great sangwitch!
Really ? I didn't really like the music, sounded like porn music
Yes the music very good. As soon as I hear the lame everyday crap u hear on other vids I turn it off no matter how interesting. The generic, is it dance music? Not sure the genre but it is sooooo so annoying.
Like you, my older brother and I worked at an Italian Deli in So. Ozone Park Queens, I was 12 and he was 14. My first job delivering groceries by bicycle. Then moved in to packing shelves and bagging groceries, And then I was allowed to cut cold cuts and make sandwiches. Then of course came "hey, can you take the bread out?" My favorite job was filling Cannoli's as they were ordered. You make a great sandwich, lots of memories. thanks. Now I live in Las Vegas and can't get a good sandwich. Oh, we get all the Boar;s Head products, but haven't found a decent loaf of bead for a real Hero. Love you channel.
Looks perfect!! I need to make one now! I’ve never heard anyone else say “gabagool” 😃 we’re in white plains, NY and we call that a wedge. I think here, Yonkers, and Mt Vernon are the only places where a sandwich is called a wedge haha
We always called them wedges as well. Most of Westchester and Putnam Counties use the term "wedge" as does some of Fairfield County CT.
Danbury, CT calls them grinders. 😍
I grew up in Wantagh, but moved to San Diego, CA at age 28. Thanks so much for making this video. No one here knows how to make a true Italian hero, BUT NOW I DO!
Thanks a lot man!
Looks good that center cut through everything layered mmmm 😋 I heard from a person who owns a sandwich shop a sandwich will always taste better when made by someone else it just isn’t the same when you make it yourself and I ll agree time and again on that statement
Thanks! I can understand that. There's nothing like getting a good hero at the local deli. Plus you don't have to make a mess yourself lol.
I agree, LOL this Video is great, dam, that sandwich looks good!
@@SipandFeast out here on the West Coast the best hoagies-heroes are usually found at the old school family Italian places. Otherwise it's the generic junk.
Exactly how I make it!! No Italian Hero has MAYO or Mustard...........Just oil and vinega/oregano.......It looks perfect!!! 100%🥖
SOME OREGANO ON THE TOMATOES HAS THE PERFECT TOUCH .
I found all of the good quality ingredients you show in the video and I made subs just the way you demonstrated it, including the wrapper for the sandwiches. Fantastic. Best sangwitch I've had since I was in New York City. A very happy day. Thank you!
The fine points and details like getting the meat sliced thin makes a huge difference.
There are still some OG Italian delis in Waterbury Conn where they scoop the bread to make the best grinders same as when i was growing up. Have lived in Philly since early 80s and philly king for cheesesteaks and roast pork, but Connecticut best for Italian Grinders.
Cavallo's is the best.
Tell me where the best grinders in Waterbury are, I'd like to try. L'Aventura on America St? Have you had the sopressata and other dry salamis from La Molisana?
@@61hink Avventura was sold a number of years back and I recall not liking it as much, still decent.
Cavallo's has a location in both Waterbury and Oakville but the latter is my favorite hands down. On the Milete's bread 🤌
@@DP12321 I was just in Oakville a couple of hours ago picking up some Lebanese food. Never heard of Cavallo's, will have to try it. Yeah, Carbone's in Torrington still uses Milite's bread for their grinders.
@@61hink Carbone's is great too. Cavallo's apparently opened up a 3rd location in Middlebury but haven't tried that, I'm sure it's good though.
Cavallo's Oakville is the top tier in my opinion. It's right off Main St and on a side road, 60 Hillcrest Ave, Oakville, CT 06779. Your taste buds will thank me.
When I think of a sandwich, this is it! Nothing compares to an Italian hero!
I might suggest one more step: Either A - Don't cut it until you let the sammy rest for like, five to ten minutes in the paper, or B - Cut it and then wrap the whole thing in another piece of butcher paper. Giving the sandwich a little time to squeeze together, deform all the separate bits into a more cohesive whole, and to let that bread soak in the oil and vinegar, it makes a big difference. I feel like a hero definitely tastes better when you get it home than if you eat it right by the deli.
Yes that's how it's typically wrapped. I really needed to have the thicker deli paper but didn't want to buy a massive roll for one video.
Italian heroes are the BEST. Excellent work, sir.
Thanks very much!
Looks great! Will be making some this weekend. Friendly observation: sharpen your knife!
My thoughts on this "friendly observation" hmmmm who cares... it's his knife. Then I watched the full clip - Changed my mind: Please sharpen your knife!!! ☺😁😉 - but looks stunning. I am going to make it myself tonight. Thanks for sharing!
It definitely needed a sharpening.
That's what I call a Scrumptious Sandwich. 😋
Thank you very much!
calling it a hero outside the NY area gives you some strange looks, i just learned to always say sub now.
@@cactaceous did you ever try a zep while you were in the Philly area? that’s a very hidden gem that really only people around here know about. They’re mainly in made in Norristown, bout a half our outside the city
@@cactaceous yeah it’s cotto salami, tomatoes, onion, cheese and seasoning. So good!
@@cactaceous Lou’s in norristown, and I’ve also had them from a place in phoenixville I think it was called the haven deli or something like that.
I was drooling during the video. That's how much I miss an Italian Hero from NYC
I'm from Philly, it's a hoagie. Lol. Looks great. Needs extra mayo.
Alright. You get a pass lol. Thanks for liking the video!
Right thought the same 215
Salt pepper oregano
@@dollabillz4210 oil too
@@LKS-1976 extra oil
Sandwiches are an art form... love me a good sandwich with a variety of meats...this looks sooo gooood
Thanks very much!
@@SipandFeast your welcome.. love ya content
From Chicago this is a nice looking italian sub
You're killing me Smalls! Looks SOOOOOO damn good!
One of the most scrumptious meals you have done... definitely a must try....
Look great…. I LOVE IT with the salt pepper oil and vinegar n cherry peppers
WOW! That is a beautiful sandwich! YUM
Now THAT is the way to make an outstandingly excellent sub. Just like the best east coast sandwich masters that I remember so fondly. Excellent presentation and thank you.
Such good knife skills & photography of same; also the best way of removing the core of iceberg lettuce - by hand!
that Cherry Pepper montage of other recipes containing them was a great edit. Ingredient cross-functionality helps understand it
Not into such a long process to make sandwich, nor iceberg lettuce nor so much vinegar either but my goodness it went down in two bites! It. Was. So. Delicious! Thank you for the post. Can’t wait to impress my friends.
Nice, clear and concise instruction. I'm doing this soon and my imagination is running free!
I hope you enjoy it!
Excellent job tucking the fingers in when slicing!!!
In college i lived near Little Roma in Pasadena and the nice gentleman there always told me pepperoni does not go on a sandwich! He hates Subway for it. For 5.50 you got the best sandwich ever. Work of art. It has no extra condiments or toppings unless you ask. Gave me an appreciation for how Italian subs are made
It depends. Pepperoni is an American invention, but it often is included on Italian heros from delis in the NY metro area. I worked at 3 places and they all used it. Other parts of the country will make their own versions. Some with mortadella, prosciutto, etc.
You certainly know how to put together an Italian sub, grinder, hoagie, hero, etc. Same as I do it except I don't use pepperoni...just a matter of personal taste. I substitute prosciutto instead. I also like to use sweet roasted peppers. But a great tutorial on how to put together the Italian sub...best sandwich on the planet..IMHO!
Salute from Massachusetts. I grew up working at Italo Americani delis and there is nothing like them. I spend half the year in Florida and these are the things I miss and crave most while down south. Great video brother
Thanks a lot man!
Thanks for this recipe. I made this for my moms and her eyes lit up like a xmas tree. Much love from Brooklyn
Another great video. I love how you take pride in your regional foods. I am from the deep South and I am proud of our cuisine as well.
I feel it's really important to embrace our heritage. I just make the food, mostly Italian-American, that New Yorkers know and love.
Nice tip with the knife at the end. I didn't watch this until after listing to the podcast. I'll give it a try, cheers!
I like the tip on dressing the lettuce! Makes sense,thanks!