She’s Mrs. Turkey Sandwich for a Reason

We’re down in Texas this week visiting some friends and for you loyal readers of the Turkey Sandwich Report, you know that means one thing: a Turkey Sandwich from the Gristmill.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to accompany Mrs. Turkey Sandwich as she made the trek from Austin down to New Braunfels for dinner at the Gristmill last night.  But when she came back from the journey, she delivered a perfect Turkey Sandwich.  And THAT’S why she’s Mrs. Turkey Sandwich, people.

We Crown a Turkey Sandwich National Champion

As I get ready to announce this year’s Turkey Sandwich National Champion, the clock is close to 12 o’clock Noon.  That means lunch time.  And for me, that means hunger.

Our Turkey Sandwich National Championship pits Mendelson’s Delicatessen of Denver, CO vs. The Gristmill of New Braunfels, TX.  This is going to be one hell of a match-up.  The quaint restuarant on the banks of the Guadalupe River vs. the Downtown Denver Lunch-Stop with Triple Deckers.

Let’s get to it:

Mendelson’s gets uber respect because they are a Boar’s Head Deli.  But yet in the National Semifinal, that alone wasn’t enough for Lori’s (also a Boar’s Head Deli) to take down The Gristmill.  The Gristmill thrives on simplicity: top quality Turkey on wheat bun with a special sauce that will knock your socks off.  No fancy shit going here.  Just a straight forward Turkey Sandwich.

After hours of deliberation and arguments (furniture was thrown), our panel of judged have emerged with a champion: Mendelson’s.  As the Head Honcho of this panel of judges, it came down to selection.  Mendelson’s offers a variety of Turkey: Salsalito, Pastrami Seasoned, Smoked, Roasted, etc.  That was just too much for the Gristmill to contend with.

By no means does this take anything from a very “game” Turkey Sandwich from The Gristmill.  They are a champion in their own right, just not of this tournament.

Turkey Sandwich Madness – The Final Four

Unlike the Men’s Basketball Final Four, we’re going to have some battle royales in the Turkey Sandwich Final Four.

In our first National Semifinal, we have Mendelson’s of Denver, CO taking on Pat’s Philly Cheesesteaks also of Denver, CO.

The Tale of the Tape

• Mendelson’s is a Boar’s Head Deli, Pat’s uses REAL (not processed Turkey) – PUSH
• Mendelson’s has at least 4 styles of Turkey, Pat’s has two Turkey Sandwiches – Advantage Mendelson’s
• Mendelson’s has triple decker Turkey Sandwiches, Pat’s has a sandwich that is as long as my arm – PUSH
• Parking at Mendelson’s is a pain in the ass, parking at Pat’s (downtown) is a pain in the ass – PUSH

In the end, Mendelson’s noses out Pat’s because of their Turkey Sandwich selection.  Pat’s is a strong competitor, but Mendelson’s goes to the final.

In our second National Semifinal, Lori’s Boars Head Deli of Evergreen, CO takes on The Gristmill of New Braunfels, TX.

Tale of the Tape

• Lori’s is a Boar’s Head deli, Gristmill has kickass Turkey too – PUSH
• Lori’s has a really good deli mustard, Gristmill has prime sauce – Advantage Gristmill
• Lori’s is at a gas station, Gristmill is an old mill on the Guadalupe River – Advantage Gristmill

All of the Turkey Sandwich prognoticators were picking an all Boar’s Head Deli match-up in the finals, but in a huge upset, The Gristmill has defeated Lori’s.

That sets up a Championship of Mendelson’s vs. The Gristmill.  Colorado vs. Texas.  Wow.