Saturday, August 18, 2012

Which Wich (Birkdale Village)

Alright, back at the restaurant blogging game. I have been out of it for a year plus but I am ready to tell you my adoring audience (all 6 of you) that I am going to these on the regular again. Your welcome. I started off on the low key side, a Which Wich inside the Birkdale Village in Huntersvlle, NC. I know this is not quite a sit down and eat establishment BUT you can still get some serious sandwiches here (did I show my hand to early?) This company has only been around since 2003 but they have done a good job at competing in a tough field that already has big players in it like Subway (gross on every level), Quiznos (sodium bombs ahoy) and Jersey Mikes (over priced/pseudo-Italian). Which Wich is a nice change of pace because they take a different approach at the 'fast food' sub game.
Simple interior with idiot proof signage
 Ever since they moved into Brikdale this place is always busy from open to close with some sub hungry customers. Which, is one of the main reasons I haven't eaten there... who doesn't love waiting in a huge line while the family of 19 try and figure out "Which one is Beth's? Beth did you want turkey? What? No I said turkey! No you don't like beef! Get the turkey!" or "No! No! You can only get one ONE cookie Mike, no I said ONE!' and behind you is a impatient 'businessman' huffing and puffing making 'why is this taking so long' cartoon noises... I digress. I like how here you don't have to talk to... well anyone. You walk up to a table with markers and then pick the bag with the basic ingredients you want then just check off your cheese, veggies, dressings etc... makes it easy for the dumb a** ordering with a cellphone in their ear and the person taking the orders.
Yes, I x-out my boxes, I don't check or fill it in... is that a problem with you?
  The bag choices are Turkey, Ham & Pork, Beef, Chicken, Italian, Seafood, Vegetarian, Comforts (Egg salad, BBQ pork etc..) classics (BLT, french dip etc...), breakfast and finally Kids (PBJ, grilled cheese etc...) PHEW! That is a lot of options and there are plenty of subcategories that I missed. So, if you don't like one of those billions of options either expand you pallet or just eat some of their shakes and baked cookies! Don't like that? Well, I don't know how you are alive because those are pretty much all the food groups there buddy. And for those that choose to end their life sooner by eating like I do opt to 'double the meat' they actually triple it pretty much. But, you better like some meat in your mouth if you pick that... moving on...
Italian, double meats, MMMmmMMM
By the way, put your name on the bottom of the damn bag. There is a space for it. Because, when you don't it turns into a nightmare. 5-to-10 minutes of "Who had the no name turkey?" six people raise their hands then seconds later "okay we have another no name turkey" and then it holds me up, it holds the line up and holds that grumbling businessman moaning and groaning that this place is to slow (call back joke right there.) What did I order? An Italian with salami, pepperoni, capicola, double-meat (worth it), wheat (you can also get white and bowl w/ lettuce), not toasted, Super 14" (for normal people regular is 7" and large is 10.5"), provolone, Parmesan, deli mustard, oil, vinegar, lettuce, banana peppers, oregano. garlic and crushed pepper, unreal good. AND once again that was only a SMALL sample of the millions of things you can put on your sub.

Avoid only the things that you question why are on there in the first place SUCH AS Seafood, wait, you know what? If you are stupid enough to order 'crab' from a sub fast food sub chain be my guest, enjoy! Just don't complain when there isn't a clear path to the bathroom. The same goes for others like BBQ and chicken. The quality and taste just is not there and you will not be returning to a Which Wich if order those are your first orders. 

Recommendation? Highly suggest if there is one in your area; there are four in the "Charlotte metro area" so I am sure you can find one... unless your are reading in NY and they just haven't (and probably won't) gotten one yet. No chips and drinks my super sizes meat-monster came to $10.56. Which, is pretty good considering the quality and size of the sandwich. But! If you do go to one try and go when there isn't a giant lunch or dinner rush so you don't have to deal with a guy breathing down your neck because he can't get to his ham and olive salad fast enough.    

Link to the Which Wich website CHECK IT OUT! http://www.whichwich.com/