Restaurant review: Subway **** (of four) at Van Dorn Plaza, Van Dorn Street, Alexandria, Virginia

          I had passed by this restaurant several times in the past and its bright yellow interior always caught my eye, beckoning me. It certainly seemed like a popular spot, its deli-style counter constantly teeming with hungry patrons, but I never thought about eating there until I discovered it was one of Kevin's favorite nosh spots. If Kevin likes it it has to be good, right?!

          On my first visit I ordered the turkey on wheat bread, reportedly Kevin's favorite. The bread was oven fresh and soft as a cloud. Tasty, delicately seasoned sliced turkey breast was topped with savory, melt-in-your-mouth cheese wedges (optional). A wide variety of crisp, fresh vegetables was offered to complement the package. I chose lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, black olives, and spicy peppers (but watch out, these babies are hot!) Optional condiments include mustard (yellow or spicy), mayonnaise, oil and vinegar, and salt and pepper. I chose yellow mustard which added a light picante touch to the melange of flavors.

          A choice available to all customers is the "meal deal," which allows one to enjoy chips and a medium drink at a small additional charge. I selected this option, and was presented with a dizzying array of drink and chip choices. Eventually I settled on Baked Lays and fruit punch. I was not disappointed. The chips were crisp and delightfully salty but without the heaviness one associates with regular chips, a perfect mate for my turkey sandwich. The fruit punch was festive and spirited with an unexpected yet welcome tang.

          Table dining is available on a seat-yourself basis, and the atmosphere is spacious and comfortable. Additional salt and pepper are available at each table, and unlimited ice is available at the drink station (beverage refills are available at an extra charge). A funky bus-it-yourself system is used when you've completed your meal.

          Subway looks as though it's dug a tunnel to my heart (and my stomach)! Kevin was right once again! Luckily for readers of On the Town in the DC region, I've learned that this original Subway Shop has generated several branch restaurants in Northern Virginia, so check the phone book --there's bound to be one near you! For those of you outside the DC area, keep your fingers crossed. This "local hero" just might be coming to your neighborhood soon!

Email Lonnie directly at the Hall Monitor.

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