UNCLE JIMMY wrote:When Tina and I went to New Orleans for MY 50th birthday, we went to a sandwich shoppe and brother, they sure do build a great sandwich.
There was something else they made, and we had, or I had ( and Tina is arguing with me, that I am making up a food word ) a ?? Muffalotta ?? Muffaleta?? or something like that?? .... Tina is behind me, and said I am losing it slow but sure. Maybe a Po Boy and a Mufaleta is the same??
Nope, you're right, Jimmy. The muffuletta (pronounced Muffa Lotta) is the sandwich you're thinking of. They are DIVINE!! For those not in the know, the muffuletta contains Genoa Salami, Mortadella, Ham, Mozzarella, Provolone, and a wonderful chunky Olive Salad made with Sicilian Olives just crushed, not chopped, Gardiniera, oregano, lots of oil, all on the quintessential bread, a round muffuletta loaf, about 10-11″ across topped with sesame seeds, light in the center with a nice crust. They wrap them up in paper and the oil will still drizzle out on the paper. But when you taste it, you wouldn't have it any other way. Some places heat them but I prefer it served the original way, which isn't heated. Lots of places make mini-muffulettas on appetizers trays. Delish, though none are as good as the original ones made by Central Grocery. If you visit, go early (before it opens) so you're at the head of the line. When I go, that's where I get my imported cheeses, specialty canned items (canned cherry tomatoes, etc.) and all kinds of good stuff. They have fresh mozzarella and burrata, and often have the very fresh Greek feta cheese, the type that comes in the milky liquid, kind of like whey. Boy, is THAT good!
A po-boy (or poor boy) is usually any sandwich served on French bread, but is more like a regular sandwich -- the bread is the signature ingredient!
Tell Tina that you're a man that knows his sandwiches! You painted a good picture of the two of you -- I could almost hear Tina telling you that, Jimmy!