Ode To An Italian Sub

I have, for many a moon, enjoyed the simple pleasure of an Italian submarine sandwich. When its good, the combination of spicy Italian meats, crusty bread and oil and vinegar is tough to beat. That said, it can be difficult to find one where every element is just right. Difficult, but not impossible, as I found out on our latest visit to River Market on Saturday.

We rolled through KC's food emporium on a lark, really, a mere side effect of a necessary trip to a nearby Fed-Ex office. The market area wasn't bustling with overflow crowds as on a typical summer's day but still lively with shoppers and diners. We stopped by Bloom Baking Co. where we waited in line to purchase a loaf of Foccacia and a couple of sweet treats for later... a chocolate and salted caramel tart and a slice of flourless chocolate cake (both divine, by the way). Outside of Bloom, we caught our first glimpse of Carollo's Gourmet Grocery and Deli: the big guy grilling Italian sausages; rocking out to AC/DC and sending out amazing aromas wafting through the crowd to accompany his raucous laughter. These sights, sounds and smells sent us right into Carollo's. Carollo's is a wonderful Italian grocery and deli that sells incredible sandwiches and features barrels of olives, and fresh Italian meats and cheese. We both ordered the #1: Capicola, Salami and Prosciutto with provolone cheese. It was on thick, crusty bread and topped with a spicy pepper mix. This Italian sub was primo; overflowing with goodness and enough to feed us for two meals. It was served with chips and we also bought a drink.

The drink choice turned out a bit humorous for me. I ordered a Marley's Mellow Mood, which is of a line of soft drinks and teas inspired by the late, great reggae singer Bob Marley. It was advertised as an opposite of Red Bull; a tonic to soothe and relax you. I saw chamomile as an ingredient and thought that might be nice. As I was finishing my sub and drink, I realized that I was feeling very, verrrrrrry chill. I read the ingredients in full and quickly realized that valerian root and melatonin were also included and here I was at noon and suddenly quite ready to take a long nap. Proceeds for this drink go to charity. Ya, mon.....

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