Free Sandwich

There was a great sandwich place next door to my office on E. 41st Street looking at the great library’s lions. I stood in line for a sandwich at least a couple of days a week for a break from my desk. The music was always soothing as well. One day the owner called out a free sandwich the next day for anyone who could name that tune.

This just came to my mind a couple of decades later. It’s the only thing I’ve ever won and was worth less than $5! From somewhere inside my long-term memory called out “Offenbach, Orpheus in the Underworld!” Yes, after I left the shop the owner confirmed the name of the song and I won myself a sandwich.

I write this for the power of learning while young and retaining in long-term memory. We were exposed to classical music and my favorite was Peter and the Wolf by Tchaikovsky, before I succumbed to “pop,” which included Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney. As a matter of fact, when I was really fussy as a baby my parents used to play Jackie Gleason’s “Music, Martinis and Memories.” If that didn’t work they’d drive me around the block and I was a goner.

So, does anyone have inventive sandwich ideas? My husband is anti-sandwich and I want to change his mind. My favorite sandwich was on 12-grain bread with sprouts, brie, raw mushrooms, tomato, and spinach. Second to that is rare roast beef with horseradish mayonnaise. I’d probably add some arugula, tomato and fontina. On rye or pumpernickel.

My husband goes out for lunch with his work friends on weekdays and out with me on the weekends. I cook breakfast and dinner, and lunch for myself during the week. Any ideas would be welcome. Jim is allergic to fish but I’m game for that! Thanks, Dee