We took a detour today to enjoy a BMC (Big Mac Challenge) at McDonald's.

The BMC consists of:

• 2 Big Macs
• Medium Fries
• 4 Piece Nugget
• and if you're brave a sundae or McFlurry

I went to the Sub Factory for the first time today. They had a whiteboard special for the Club, which I was prepared to order...until I saw "The Super". 17" of sandwich for $5.99. I was prepared to eat nearly 1.5 feet of crappy sandwich, just for the cost-to-size ratio! I was pleasantly surprised! The bread was very good - soft and chewy. The meat was what is was - ham, salami and provolone - hard to screw those up if you ask me. I did elect to add chips and a drink - styrofoam cup, +1! The chips were a 1 oz. bag - is that normal, or smaller than the standard?

Cleanliness: 7 - we had to wipe the tables clean ourselves
Variety: 7
Price: $8.5x
Atmosphere: 6 - nothing special, but had a good "Sub Shop" feel
Taste: 6 - I'm looking forward to trying something else when I go back.
Size: 10 - I think all their sandwiches are 10", which is a good size. On the type of sandwich I ordered, there are 3 size options: 8", 10" and 17".

My 17" of sandwich bliss - I didn't measure it:

After reviewing Firehouse Subs so highly last month, I had to have a follow-up sub to confirm their greatness. Simply put, Firehouse Subs' Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket is the best sub I've ever had. The bread has a light crisp to the outside but remains soft on the inside and the smoked brisket is beyond my expectations of a sub shop.

My prior ratings stand:

Size: 10

I spent the majority of my day at the car dealer in North Scottsdale, so took advantage of an opportunity to branch out and try Corleone's Steaks - likely a fierce competitor of Forefather's.

I ordered a large #1, Philly Original "Whiz Wit" (thats with grilled onions and Cheese Wiz, to you rookies out there). I added cheese fries and a drink and paid "Sal" my left arm and first born child... or so it felt. I think it was actually like $14.

The sandwich was excellent. The bread chewy, the steak and cheese dripping goodness everywhere.

The drink was good - the cup even had some funny quotes about how you know if your from Philly (my dad happens to be, so I know all the jokes). I like styrofoam cups - no sweating, keeps drink cold.

The fries were a major disappointment. "Cheesefries" are a 1/2 handful of fries with a side cup of cheese whiz.

The food took way too long to come out - I was practically the only customer in the joint.

Overall, I'd say it was overpriced, but very tasty. If there were one of these in the 85283, Forefathers would have some legit competition.

This place continues to impress!!! Today, it reminded me of my all time favorite sub shop, Biederman's Deli. I had a Medium Firehouse Hero, hold the onions. Added chips and a drink for a rounded-up total of 10 bones.

Since I wolfed my sub down in record time, I had a chance to snap a couple pics of Jared in action:





Cleanliness: 10 - there is a person who's job it is to clean tables
Variety: 10 - they have it all!
Price: $10
Atmosphere: 10 - fun and exciting
Taste: 10 - see above
Size: 8
I'm adding a staff rating of 10!

Today I ate what I believe to be the best sub I have ever eaten. I ordered a medium Smokehouse Beef & Cheddar Brisket with bbq chips. The sandwich is advertised as USDA Choice beef brisket smoked for 10+ hours, melted cheddar, and special sauces. The sauce was creamy and played well with the smoked meat. I could definitely taste the 10+ hours of smokey flavors in the brisket which was still moist.

The restaurant itself had a playful firehouse theme and very friendly people. There was always someone cleaning tables and taking trays from customers that had finished. Expect a hearty welcome upon your arrival.

What was once a Tour (and personal, pre-Tour) favorite, I think Port of Subs has taken a turn for the worse. The staff reminded me of the good ole (not so much, really) days at Quiznos. The hiring manager should really exercise more discretion when finding employees. How many times must a customer repeat that they want white bread? Also a point of imformation for those who work at places that number their menu items: the numbers don't mean anything to the customer. The ingredients are what matter! Call it whatever number you want!

I ordered a 12" turkey, roast beef and provolone (#18) on white with chips and a drink.

Cleanliness: 9
Variety: 5
Price: $10.32
Atmosphere: 3 - there was music for a while, then it stopped and was way too quiet
Taste: 5 - the bread seemed day-old
Size: 7 - the 12" is a lot of sandwich for the money

I'm adding a staff rating of 1. They didn't pay attention to what anyone was ordering, and argued with one person about what number they were describing.

First, I try to order a medium Turkey, Salami, and Pepperoni on white. The manager replies, 'so you want a #3' (Turkey, Salami, Provolone)? I said, okay sure, but without the provolone and add pepperoni...so he replies, 'so a #15 (Salami, Pepperoni, Provolone)?!?' I said uhm...okay but add turkey and no cheese that is the same effects as the #3. So they finally made me that, which I didn't even want cheese, but it was easier to say yes because he was such an idiot.

This was my second trip to Capriotti's since last year for the Thanksgiving Sandwich called "The Bobbie". Just as good as I remembered it being!! Ordered a small (9" btw) and it was full of shredded turkey breast, stuffing and cranberries. Great sandwich however, the restaurant not so much. The soda machine was rolled into a hole in the wall next to a trash can that had who knows what all over it. Oh yeah and lets not forget all of the wires and extension cords hanging from the ceiling. This place is an OCD nightmare!! Although the atmosphere barely deserves a 2 I will definitely return for the food.

Cleanliness: 2
Variety: 6
Price: 8
Atmosphere: 2
Taste: 10
Size: 10