Rachel's Introduction to "The Truth"

Rich's View:

Recently Rachel came down to visit us for the afternoon and after working up a considerable hunger watching a mini-marathon of the Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” we decided to try my entry for Best Thing Between Two Slices of Bread.

We traveled to Angelato’s in Belmont (www.angelatofoods.com), an excellent little sandwich shop and gelataria. While I have never been disappointed by any selection at Angelato’s, the sandwich that I return to time and again is called the “Truth According to Jason.” You start with black pastrami, then add Canadian Cheddar cheese, hot peppers and pesto. Normally served on a seeded sub roll, this time I opted for rye bread (a new offering as far as I can tell). I know what you’re thinking – “pesto does not belong on this sandwich” – I thought the same thing once, right before I thought “I need to try this sandwich.” I know it should not be, but this blend of flavors and textures from pastrami to peppers to pesto, all held together with cheddar never fails to delight. I think in the future I will stick to the seeded roll or at the very least ask for the rye to be toasted. Left in its original form the bread seemed a bit too soft to stand up to this sandwich.

Rachel followed suit with the “Truth” on the seeded roll – but I’ll let her tell you about it. Jen went with the “Florentine”: Parma prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and seasoned olive oil served Panini-style (Jen added fresh basil). As she is a good wife, she shared a bite with me and I have to say this is another excellent choice – nice clean, tasty flavors in every bite. While we waited for the sandwiches to be crafted, we munched on some potato chips from Deep River Snacks. Jen and Rachel chose rosemary flavored while I opted for salt and vinegar. The rosemary chips were a hit with the ladies (I do not really care for rosemary) and I thought the flavor in each bag was a bit strong. Normally the gelato is a perfect way to end the meal but we had other plans so we skipped it this time. If you do go please try the hazelnut gelato or the green apple sorbetto if they have it in stock.

Our dessert destination was Rancatore’s in Lexington Center with the promise of the best chocolate ice cream I have ever had. Jen and I both ordered a frappe made with ½ Callebaut milk chocolate ice cream and ½ sweet cream ice cream (if they have hazelnut ask for that instead of the sweet cream). Definitely one of my favorite ways to end the day.

Rachel’s View:

Although “The Truth” may be salty sometimes, it was in no way difficult to swallow. When Rich told me about this sandwich I was all ears until I heard about the pesto. I asked him if I could order the pesto on the side, but he said to trust him. So I did… and I wasn’t disappointed. First of all, it was very neatly put together, which I appreciate in a sandwich. Nothing fell out. It did have a few wet spots, but was very delicious anyway. Here goes… a pile of thinly sliced pastrami lay on the roll, moist and warm with melted cheddar glistening above it. I actually thought the cheese didn’t have much of a presence against the pepper relish (in my opinion, havarti would be very nice on there instead.) I loved the relish on there, though. It was warming, but not too spicy. The sesame-seeded scali-type roll was soft and squishy, but didn’t glop up. And I was pleased with the pesto! At times I even took it for granted, but now and then a liberal pine nut would find its way to the other side of my mouth and assert itself. All in all, a very pleasant eating experience. It was too big, though (at least for a woman. Even a woman who likes to eat.) Half would be not quite enough, but the whole thing was tooo muuuch.

As for the kettle chips, I sort of fell in love with the rosemary ones. They were very flavorful, but it was more rosemary dust than the sticklike pieces that sometimes seem to overpower roast chicken. I could still taste the potato! They were the perfect counterpoint to the sandwich. The salt and vinegar was nice but a little sweet for my taste. I like a really strong vinegar flavor.

Rancatore’s was great (I had never been there before). I was planning on hazelnut (I love nocciola!) and Callebaut ice creams, but unfortunately there was no hazelnut that day. So I tried the milk chocolate and the dark chocolate, and I was lost. They are both smooth chocolate goodness, but the dark is richer and more complex while the milk is sweeter and more mellow. I recommend them both, but it just depends what you feel like at the moment. My second flavor was cookies and cream, which they make with the vastly superior Hydrox cookies instead of Oreos. Oh man! After, I was very full but very happy. One thing to remember about Rancatore’s – it’s a family place so there were lots of kids and slight messes here and there. Next time I think I’d find a place to eat outside if it’s not too hot.