How to Name a Sandwich at the Gambier Deli or "Fub Kat is Back!"
The first time I ate at the Gambier Deli was a magical experience. It was after a long track practice freshman year when the senior captain Andrew and I arrived at Pierce super late and there was nothing appetizing left to eat. Faced with culinary disaster, Andrew made a life changing proposition.
“Do you want to eat at the Deli?” He asked.
Of course I did!
Quickly Andrew, his girlfriend Nori, and I headed north on a wind-swept Middle Path towards the warmth and gastronomical promise of the Deli. We were met with a huge menu made up of more than 50 sandwiches and breakfast options, all with wacky names like the “Coach P on a Roll.”
I didn't know where to begin.
Finally I decided on the Hot Italian Sandwich (below), while Andrew got the Not Going Anywhere (a behemoth you can read more about here) and Nori ordered pancakes. It was love at first bite and now I enjoy the Deli once a week with my roommate Jackson.
But I never managed to name a sandwich on the menu...
...until this year.
***
Winter, 2011
“Fub Kat is Back!”
I read the text message with confusion. It was ten in the morning on Saturday and I had yet to get out of bed. I lay in my Hanna triple wondering what “Fub” meant before heading upstairs to the Phi Kaps Lounge to read about British History. I texted my friend Kat, a junior at the time, back wondering what the strange word meant.
“Fun Kat is Back!” she texted me a few hours later as I was studying. As I got the text I thought about it. Fub Kat. Hmmm. I think that’s what I’ll Kat from now on.
***
Earlier this year Kat suggested I order her favorite sandwich at the Deli and write a blog on it. Always up for a challenge I agreed and a few days later I received an email from an unknown sender titled “The Fub Kat Special.” Knowing how tasty the Fub Kat was, I was immensely intrigued.
FYI: The Fub Kat consists of a buttery croissant, four pieces of crispy bacon, strong sharp cheddar, creamy avocado, acidic tomato, crunchy lettuce, and flavorful onion; it is balanced, buttery, and the most glorious thing I’d ever tasted at the Deli.
Opening the email I found a message from the Jeanne, the OWNER of the Gambeir Deli! She’d read my blog and thought that the Fub Kat definitely needed to be on the menu!
The adrenaline ran through me as I emailed Kat with the glorious news. She freaked out:
“omgomgomg!!! WHAT IF THEY MAKE IT A REAL SANDWICH?!?!?!?!”
I think she must have freaked out even more the next Tuesday when I sent her an image of the first thing I saw when Jackson and I walked up to the Deli. I know I couldn't stop grinning. I'd finally done it! I'd named a sandwich on the Deli menu!
Adios,
Jake