5 places to go for a sandwich in Morris

When the Morris County lunch crowd craves a sandwich, it thinks Italian.

That's the word from the county's busiest deli owners, who say they struggle to keep up with the demand for the flavorful Italian sub sandwich, which features both sweet and spicy Italian meats covered with cheese, olive oil, vinegar and spices.

"Mostly everyone likes a nice, big Italian sandwich with the works," said Paulie Geiger, who has owned Paulie G's Deli and Grill in Whippany for nine years and has spent most of them behind the slicer. "There's nothing like an Italian cold cut sandwich, that's for sure."

Geiger says of the 200 sandwiches he sells each day, Italian subs account for easily 60 to 70 percent. "A prosciutto sub with fresh mozzarella and arugula is a popular choice," he said, as is his sopressata sandwich with the same toppings.

In fact, Italian-style sandwiches are so popular, he features eight variations on his regular menu. He also sneaks a few onto his specials board from time to time, as well. All told, his menu board lists 18 cold subs, 18 hot ones and several paninis and wraps.

Tricks of the trade make the Italian sub impossible to replicate at home, he said.

Meat "sliced as thin as you can get it without it falling apart," is vital to the flavor of the sandwich, he said. The bread is critical too, and can only be found at a good delicatessen. Special sub rolls, made specifically for "the trade" at a bakery in East Hanover, give his deli an edge when it comes to flavor. "You can't go in and buy these rolls off the shelf," he said. "They've very popular. I don't think I could change the bread if I wanted to."

Geiger, who has some Italian in his heritage, along with German, Irish and Swedish, says he uses only red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. He says he also sells a lot of hot sandwiches, especially Chicken Cutlet Parmigiana. But cold sandwiches are a big seller all year long.

Mount Hope Deli, Wharton

At the Mount Hope Deli, at 662 Mount Hope Ave., owner Stephen Sinegra says the secret to his beloved Italian sub is "a lot of lovin'."

"When a person comes back and keeps getting the same thing, I assume it's good," he says with a laugh, noting that the classic Italian sandwich is a huge part of his business for 25 years.

Sinegra says Italian subs make up a good part of his sales, along with classics featuring turkey, and New Jersey's own Sloppy Joe sandwich. The menu includes dozens of hot and cold sub sandwiches, hot specials and salads daily. The store is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.

Lakeside Bagels and Deli, Kinnelon

T.J. Saliasi, owner of Lakeside, says their "Mulberry Street" sub, named for the street in the heart of Manhattan's Little Italy section, has been a huge seller since their opening 13 years ago.

"Oh, we sell a lot," she says of the sandwich, which features prosciutto, hot capicola, sweet sopressata, fresh mozzarella cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, roasted peppers, olives, parsley, fresh basil, black pepper, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. "Some people mix it up," she admitted. "Some prefer hard salami." But, by and large, she added proudly, most people like it just the way she designed it.

Italian sandwiches are so popular, Saliasi offers nine variations on her extensive menu.

The "Antonio" features hot capicola, genoa salami, pepperoni, provolone cheese with tomato, onions, roasted peppers, basil, oregano and olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Another popular choice is the "Guido," which has prosciutto, sweet sopressata, fresh mozzarella, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

The Lakeside deli's menu also features wraps, salads, dinners, 19 cold sandwiches and a large breakfast selection. It is located at 104 Boonton Avenue and can be reached at (973) 838-3333. It is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Mama Louisa's Italian Deli, Parsippany

Louisa Conigliaro sells "Italian Combos" like they're going out of style in Mama Louisa's Italian Deli in Parsippany.

"The Italian Combo — it's a classic," she said. "They come to an Italian deli, they want an Italian Combo."

She recently moved her 30-year-old business from Brooklyn, New York, to its current location at 188 Parsippany Rd., and has found her specialties well received in Morris County. Also selling big is another traditionally Italian favorite, eggplant. "A lot of people want to eat vegetables,'' she said. "That's why eggplant is also popular."

Conigliaro fries her eggplant in olive oil, coated with breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and a little grated cheese and parsley. While Eggplant Parmigiana sandwiches are popular in colder months, most prefer the eggplant served on a roll with lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar this time of year, she said.

Business is picking up since their move from Crown Heights in early May and Conigliaro said she sells about 30 Italian subs every day. The menu at Mama Louisa's includes other Italian specialty sandwiches, too, including a prosciutto sandwich with fresh mozzarella and roasted peppers and a mortadella sandwich with fresh mozzarella, tomato and olive oil. Hot sandwich offerings include Eggplant Rollatini and Grilled Chicken With Broccoli Rabe. Burgers and dozens of hot specialties are also available. The deli is open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and can be reached at (973) 428-4860. Orders placed by 5 p.m. may be picked up after closing, as well.

Sandwiches Unlimited Lunchbox, Ledgewood

"It's a staple," said Mike Jones, chef and owner of the Sandwiches Unlimited Lunchbox in Ledgewood, about his Italian Super Sub, which makes up 20 percent of his sandwich sales weekly. "We make 100 different sandwiches, but people come in, week after week, and order the very same sandwich."

Jones says his staff tries to encourage variety, but "people want what they want. My staff knows what they want and they can pretty much start to make them while they're walking in the door."

Oil and vinegar on any sandwich is a typical north Jersey request, Jones observed. "South Jersey does oil and mayonnaise," he said. "People come in and they identify themselves by what they order. When they want the oil and not the vinegar, I pretty much know they're from south Jersey."

He says cheesesteaks and Sloppy Joe sandwiches all top his most-ordered list. Jones' shop sells more than 300 sandwiches a day and comes close to 400 on weekends.

The store is located at 1034 Route 46 East and is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday. It closes at 4 p.m. on Sundays. The store can be reached at (973)-927-7500.

What is your favorite type of sandwich? Where is your go-to place to grab a sandwich in Morris County? Email eabreu@GannettNJ.com