Inspired By South Beach Sandwich Shop

It was a beautiful day, as we were strolling along 14th street on our way to the beach in South Beach, Miami, and we passed this sandwich shop that was along side an alley and parking lot. My husband thought it looked familiar and said, "I think that place was on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives". It didn't look like much of a place. It sort of resembled the side of a large food truck to me, but with stools to sit at. I said I would look it up later, as we were anxious to get some lunch and head to the beach. After checking the place out on line, it appeared to be a local favorite, serving the best sandwiches in Miami. As one person put it, "Simply the best sandwiches. Great taste and last but not least, the French vinaigrette that's what makes this place what it is." I was intrigued, and couldn't wait to go back and check it out for myself. My family and I approached the sandwich shop, and I noticed that there was a small window for ordering on the side of 14th street. The menu was there, and we began to scan it for what we were going to try. French bread was standard, croissants and wheat bread were an upcharge. Standard meat selections were, roast beef, turkey, salami, but then there was pate, seafood, tuna, chicken and French salami. Further down the menu there were combination sandwiches. I looked there for inspiration, because the combination possibilities were endless. The turkey and Camembert cheese sounded good. We stood there for awhile, with no luck in getting our order taken. I noticed that there were more people waiting and eating on the alley side, and I decided that maybe that was where you were supposed to go. We weren't locals, what did we know? I move to the other side and this guy is making the sandwiches, and his partner is taking the orders. I noticed a woman at the small window where I was just waiting at and she gets her ordered taken. What?! I am so disappointed by the service, and I was thinking of leaving. This nice man next to me offered his seat to me as I waited for someone to take my order. I watched as the guy made these huge sandwiches. Finally, she came over to take my order, which was the turkey and Camembert, with lettuce, tomato and onions and their signature French vinaigrette, on a French roll, cornichons(French pickles)on the side, to go. I pay the 9 bucks that the sandwich costs, and we were on our way. The sandwich was large enough to share. My daughter and I took the first bites, then my husband. Rave reviews you're thinking, right? Wrong! The bread was too crusty and they forgot to put their signature French vinaigrette on! What a total disappointment. The turkey and Camembert combination was delicious, but other than that, it wasn't anything special. Dry in fact, thanks to the lack of their famous dressing, which by the way they sell for $9.00 a bottle. However, it did inspire me to want to make this sandwich at home. I used a croissant, and French vinaigrette by Brianna's. Delicious! This would be a great sandwich to bring along to Ravinia. I was surprised that such a local hot spot, as La Sandwicherie was supposed to be, the sandwich and the service wasn't great. Their sandwich probably would have been delicious had they put the dressing on it, perhaps. I know people can make mistakes, but how do you forget to put the dressing on when that is one of the main things you are known for? I don't know what all the hype was about this place, but it inspired me to make a great sandwich at home and I hope you try it too.

French Turkey Club Sandwich

Roasted turkey, like Boar's Head Oven Gold
Camembert cheese, sliced
Sliced tomato
Sliced red onion
Lettuce
Brianna's French Vinaigrette dressing
Croissant

Build your sandwich and enjoy. Reserve dressing if you are taking the sandwich on a picnic, so the dressing doesn't make the croissant soggy.