A Cure For the Everyday Subway

Subs have never been my cup of tea. Paying multiple dollars for something I can easily make at home is not exactly an activity I would enjoy. Unlike most, I don’t like a mess of stuff in my sandwiches. While some put allll their vegetables in between two pieces of bread, I settle for mere lettuce and a condiment. Lining up all the meats, cheeses, and types of greens without a cooling system isn’t my idea of fresh. Subways, I am looking at you.

Subways has ruined fast food forever, because they jump-started the healthy revolution, despite the fact that Subways isn’t very healthy either. The 6 grams of fat or less boasting stems from you ordering certain products, and then removing the cheese, dressings, and condiments. You are not actually eating healthy until you strip away at most of the flavor. The Subways revolution started in the late 90s and stemmed far past this previous decade. Why on earth is America still fat? McDonalds, among other restaurants, have been forced to strip at away at their flavor in exchange for healthier French fries. Pop quiz hotshots, if you are aiming for a healthier lifestyle, why are you inside a Burger King in the first place? So thanks to Jared and Subways what do we have? Healthier restaurants that have food that isn’t as tasty, a bunch of mediocre Subways everywhere, more expensive meals because the ingredients are healthier, and a country that’s still amazingly fat. Good going Subways.



That being said, we have a saving grace to all the ugly sub madness: Mama B’s Giant Subs. This Downtown Orlando staple has been around since the 50s, with the second restaurant opening in the 70s. I went to the one that is “newer,” in the Colonial area. Located next to a major Orlando hospital, this spot is prime location. Unfortunately for us though, the place is not open often, just a mere seven and a half hours. Walking inside, the place doesn’t have much style, besides the old-school pictures of 1930s-50s Major League Baseball. I see a few people here and there and several people walking inside, ordering, and walking back out. Upon first glance you can tell this place runs on take out orders. I ordered a salami sub, and Josh orders a cheesesteak sub. In less than a minute after we were done paying, the orders were ready.



The subs had a look of hoagies, because they were split in half. Both of our subs contain two distinctive things that differ from your average sub: the small sprinkles of parmesan cheese, and a secret recipe Italian dressing. Josh’s cheesesteak sub had provolone cheese, onions, and plenty plenty of cheesesteak. His meal looked gorgeous, and according to him, definitely tasted like heaven. My salami sub seemingly had more salami than lettuce and the taste definitely paid off. It was leagues upon miles better than any sub I have ever tasted, honestly. Best part was that in the corner of the eatery was some extra condiments and extra Italian dressing. Of course, being a sauce person (Has anyone seen my pasta lately), I doused the sub in some more dressing, making it that much better.



Of course, being culinary adventurers (and not to mention we still had room for one half-sub), me and Josh decided to try their most popular sub, which was one that contained pretty much all the colt cut meats they offer in the restaurant, ranging from salami to ham. The end result was spectacular, as it was very filling, very tasty, and very fresh. From the first bite, you can easily spot the difference between this place and your usual sub fare; the stuff here actually tastes very fresh. The price rage is a little higher than Subways, but with their ingredients, the price tag is justifiable. For dessert, you can have some free mints, or just at 50 cents you can get some zebra cakes. Not bad in today’s expensive society.

Bottom Line: The cure for the common sub, Mama B’s Giant Subs is very good food at very reasonable prices. While the institute of subs has ruined fast food after its tasty days in the 90s, Mama B’s makes you forget about that with its diverse and extensive menu, and plenty of ways to have a delicious lunch. They don’t brag about health, they brag about flavor, and that’s the way our quick service eateries should be. Strongly recommend, not for the style, but for the substance.





Mama B's Giant Subs
1101 S Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32806