After Anthony Bourdain kvelled about Eisenberg's Sandwich Shop on a "Disappearing New York" episode of his Travel Channel series, I wasn't too impressed. This old-time sandwich counter shop was definitely the real deal -- happily vintage and grungy -- but the bill of fare was antique as well.
What can I say? I have tremendous respect for Egg Creams, Lime Rickeys and alike, but I didn't know what to think of a menu that offered options like a Can of Sardines and Hebrew National Knockwurst with Beans.
I decided to just think better of it when I finally found myself crossing Eisenberg's threshold and made the decision to stick to the name of the game -- sandwiches.
Ultimately, it was a very good call, as evidenced by the childhood classic seen above served with the obligatory slices of pickle. This wasn't just any old Tuna Melt on Rye. This was the quintessential Tuna Melt on Rye. One bite into this simple, straightforward sandwich featuring a kid-friendly "no celery or herbs here" creamy tuna salad with rich melty American Cheese and I was transported to Mama Vamp's kitchen on a school snow day. All I needed was some Tomato Soup to make the picture complete.
Guess next time I hit Eisenberg's a bowl of their Tomato Soup will have to be ordered. I can only hope it's as good as my Mom's -- straight out of the Campbell's can.
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