A Sandwich a Day: Tongue on Rye at Romanian Kosher Sausage Co.

[Photograph: Josh Conley]

Romanian Kosher Sausage Co. is like a sandwich speakeasy. It's not their "legitimate" operation, and only those who ask will be directed toward a small "menu" of four choices on a tiny letter board. It's almost as if they don't want you to know they make sandwiches, like tongue on rye ($3.49). But they should.

There is nothing fancy about this sandwich: ¼ lb. on the dot of sliced tongue, a liberal slathering of yellow mustard, and super-fresh rye bread. The tongue reminds me a lot of the hearty, heavy saltiness of Spam, especially because it's so tender that the thin slices kind of meld into that desirable luncheon loaf format. The mustard adds the appropriate zing, and the locally-bought bread is pillowy soft. This is the kind of sandwich you would make in your bathrobe at 2 a.m. with a tall glass of milk—if you happened to have Kosher tongue in your fridge. If you don't, give Romanian a try.

Romanian Kosher Sausage Co.

7200 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626 (map)
773-761-4141
romaniankoshersausage.com

Josh Conley will try anything once. Except a Segway tour. He makes fun of his family HERE.

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