The Amato’s Maine Italian Sandwich | A Portland Classic
The Maine Italian sandwich is a sandwich unlike any other. Learn more about its origins and the Portland shop (Amato’s) that made it famous.
By John Lovell|Jul 21 2022|
A Maine Italian sandwich from Amato's.
Photo Credit: Cathryn McCannOne of the advantages of living in Maine’s largest city is that you have such a wide number of choices of places to get an Italian sandwich, Portland’s unsung contribution to the gastronomic world. There is nothing like a Maine Italian sandwich elsewhere in the country. My daughter, now in her last year of college in Baltimore, discovered that other states have pretenders — called “subs” — but they are not the same.
Invented in Portland (local lore has it) in 1899 by an Italian baker named Giovanni Amato as a portable and inexpensive lunch for road construction workers, the Italian sandwich has become a staple of every corner variety store and takeout sandwich shop. If you ‘re casual about Italian sandwiches or loyal to local businesses, you might easily gravitate to the place nearest to wherever you live or work. Connoisseurs, though, are more than willing to drive across town.
At Corsetti’s Variety on Brighton Avenue, they still talk about the phone order placed a few months ago by a woman in Colorado. Two dozen regular Italians, she said — no oil.
Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
But my favorite place is Amato’s at the corner of Washington and Allen avenues. I like to watch the sandwiches being assembled. It is a highly specialized culinary art, like making crepes. Some of the standard ingredients — the ham, the cheese, the pickles, often the onions — are cut into thin slices ahead of time. The rest — the tomatoes, the peppers, the black olives — are deftly slivered and sliced during the last moments of creation. As I watch, a woman with nimble fingers and a scalpel-sharp paring knife turns the tomato in her hand into perfect wedges that fall precisely into place atop the onion. Then, a second tomato. Next, a green pepper. Finally, a couple of olives. On a typical day here, she and other sandwich makers will assemble as many as 800 Italians.
She slides the new sandwich onto a sheet of waxed paper. “Salt, pepper, and oil?” I nod. She squirts olive and vegetable oil over it all, adds the salt/ pepper from a single shaker, and wraps it up. Perfect.
Find a location to get an authentic Maine Italian sandwich near you at: Amatos.com
Do you love a Maine Italian sandwich? If so, tell us about your favorite place to get one!
Yankee Classic: “The Italians at Amato’s,” Yankee Magazine, March 1996.
SEE MORE:
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B&M Brown Bread in a Can
Best Lobster Rolls in Maine
Love those sandwiches, I grew up not far from Washington Ave. and Allen Ave. so they were a staple in my family. Always got them before we went to “camp” in North Windham, Maine. I now live in NH and long after a cold winter to have the first one of the Summer. Also got Corsetti’s on Rte. 302 on the way to “camp” in later years! Great article! Makes me homesick!
I discovered that Broadway Variety in South Portland is making yummy Italians and the best part is they are just $2.99 right now!
Somehow I doubt that is am Amato’s Italian in the photo. If it is, they made is just to be photographed. The typical Amato’s Italian, of which I consume at least one a week, is laid open and tomatoes are sliced on top, not tucked into the envelope of the bread. P.S. I once watched a sandwich maker slice tomatoes onto a sandwich, cut his finger in the process. That’s no way to slice tomatoes.
We get our Italians from Whipper’s Pizza in Augusta, Maine. Since I now live in Pennsylvania, it’s a bit of a drive. But worth it.
After living in the greater Portland area all my life from divorced parents at 5 I have tried them all.i lived on the western end ( Butler School ) through 6th grade. So was used to Liberty Market ( corner of Pine and Bracket ) . BUT when I would go to Center Osipee NH on weekend with my Dadhe would have a bag of about 8 – 10 Amatos Italians for supper and the weekend. Now I learned to like them day old cold for Saturday lunch and I still do.By the way their Italians we .25 cents until maybe 66 – 67, the best deal in Portland. As I remember after I moved to east end every other store charged .35 cents. I loved them all Depetrios, Mrs. Debase on Washington ave, Deolio’s, the corner store. One difference I found was all these were loaded with fillings, no offense Amato’s you will always be my fav.Then Long with Italians everyone started selling meatball sandwiches ( the best were Mrs. Debiase ) also everyone sold Pizza so tomes were changing. In 1969 Amatos invented th moon sandwich which sold for .69 cents, almost like an Italian on a bulkie roll. Delicious but two was needed to fill you up. FYI check the price today. There were many more Italian sandwich shops in the whole area but it would take to long to mention, just imagine. An Amatos sand with for .25 cents or 40 for $10 bucks ! Wow !
From .a Maine girl .. favorite sandwich.. you can’t duplicate there Italians sandwiches. Original only
The one in the photo doesn’t look right. The first one I ever bought was a quarter, just like the $5 ones now.
DiPietro’s. Hands down.
The trick to getting an italian home and still have it perfect is to lay it down, don’t let it stand and have all the oil drain to one end and make it soggy. Town Landing Market in Falmouth makes a good italian and eating it at the beach with that view makes it even better.
MOES MOES MOES
You are so right Moes Italian sub sandwiches are the greatest sub anywhere
Amato’s Italians were MUCH better, when they used REAL olive oil!!! This cheap mix of vegatable oils are overpowering the flavor of the veggies!! Now NOBODY uses olive oil. One of the biggest mistakes Mr. Reali made, in my opinion. You can’t even get real oil, as an option. You have to get them without oil, and put it in yourself. ????????
I was born and raised on Washington Ave just above Allen’s Corner. I love, love Italian sandwiches. I remember on Sunday evenings going into the original Amato’s on India St. with my parents and buying several sandwiches for 25 cents each. I remember the lines used to be out the door and around the corner toward Congress St. However, I now love my Italian sandwiches from little Eddie’s Variety Store. Eddie’s is located on Auburn St. at the corner of Jackson St. about 1/2 mile North of Northgate Shopping Plaza. Awesome sandwiches.
Al’s pizza in Skowhegan, ME. Their fresh baked sub rolls and the way they dice up their vegetables makes their Italians my favorite!!
I’m not much on vegies, so when I went into PAPAS PLACE on forest ave ( gone ), I Ordered a H/C, H/C, H, H, & H/C. salt, pepper, oil, N mayo, George & Pat DiPalo have left the business, George ( higher calling ) Pat, ( George is gone ), MISS YOU !
Sabattus Main Street Market, Sabattus, Maine. Great sandwiches @$3.35. Also Sams in the twin cities. Saves a drive to Portland.
I think Amato’s and Sam’s have great Italians but after trying “The Real Italian” at Goodfella’s on Western Avenue in Augusta…this is my favorite Italian sandwich-Capicola, salami, pepperoni, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, black olives, pickles, provolone cheese, infused olive oil.
George’s Italian’son Franklin Street in Biddeford are hard to beat!
George’s Italian in Biddeford. The best.
I agree with others that George’s Italians in Biddeford are the best! Have been eating them for almost 50 years.
DiPietro’s made the best sandwiches in my opinion. I always went there when I was staying in the Portland area. I also enjoyed sandwiches from Bruni’s Market in Washington Ave. I do know that Bruni’s is gone now. I do not know about DiPietro’s. I really do not enjoy Amato’s any more. They have gotten extremely cheap with their sandwiches and not worth the price. All their stores differ to boot. I do go to them now because they are so wide spread and easier for me to reach. I also do my own and they are superior to all.
Love Amatos, love Corsettis; used to love Brunis(gone), my mouth is watering!! Nothing like them anywhere!!
I just showed the picture of the above Italian sandwich to my hubby and asked “do you recognize that sandwich?” He lit up and replied “It’s Amato’s!” We weekend on Bailey Island. During the trip home, we stop in Brunswick to pick up an Italian sub at Amato’s to enjoy after we unpack the car that night. Always good and always consistent.
The sandwich looks terrific, BUT … I have never found a sub as special as the Italian Combos I used to get as a kid in Arlington, MA in the ’50s and ’60s! Does anyone know where I can get a chunky-cut Italian sub like that still? Not a lot of shredded lettuce but equal sized chunks of onion, tomato and pickle, and special blend of oil and spices on a hearty Italian roll. Nothing today comes even close.
25 CENTS. LOVE THEM. MY MOTHER TOLD I WAS GOING TO TURN IN TO A AMATO’S REAL ITALAIN SANDWICH. MOVE TO VERMONT IN 74′. WANTED TO OPEN AN AMATO’S SHOP IN MONTPELIER. BUT THE KIDS WERE TO YOUNG. WE HAVE 5 OR 6 SHOPS NOW IN VERMONT. THEY EVEN HAVE ONE IN TICONDEROGA, NY. WDL.
The Corner Grocery Store in Oakland Main makes the best I’ve had since getting them at Gigairs Market in the 50s. But if you are an aficionado you need to let it rest for a couple of hours before eating.
When I was attending Nasson College in Springvale (sadly, closed now), we used to like the Italian sandwiches from Luigi’s on Main St. I think that too is gone. Their sandwiches didn’t have pickles, but I’m sure they would be good that way.
The old “Coffee Pot” on State St. in Bangor. Legends has replaced it, but the original was the best. The veggies were diced very fine and put on the bottom. Lots of onions! Plus the sandwich was served room temperature, so the flavors were blended. It was the best!
We now live in California and get to Maine in the summer: I like Amato’s but the atmosphere of waiting in line soaking up the aroma from 11:30 on to get a “Coffee Pot” was a Bangor, Maine experience for over 50 years.
A Coffee Pot sandwich from Bangor was a unique creation. My mother-in-law from Brewer loved those!! The long gone Papa Gambinos in Brewer made the best Italians. They still have a location in Bangor, but I always thought Brewer made them better. I’m a Texan, but married my wife who was raised there in 1986. Nothing like a summer vacation in Maine!! Texas in July it can be 105 but at the same time up in Maine, you might need a sweater at night or down on the coast. Once on our way back to Texas, when we boarded the plane at Bangor International, we brought some fresh Italians onboard to our seats with us. When we opened them inflight, several people around us said they smelled delightful, they tasted even better!!
Many years ago, 1958-60, when I was going to college in Portland, ME, I would to walk to Morrill’s Corner which I think was part of Allen Ave. to a small pizza restaurant which also sold Italian sandwiches. Before that time I was unaware of them as I lived in CT, and even though my family and I would vacation in ME to see family and friends throughout the state, I guess we weren’t introduced to them. I had also discovered Patches, a store on a corner of Stevens Ave. and Brighton Ave., and another store, possibly Woodfords’ on the corner of Stevens Ave., and Woodford St. also sold them. Over the years since college, whenever I was in Maine I would stop and get an Italian, and before heading back to CT would stop and get them for family and friends.
I so miss not being able to have a “grinder” from Amato’s. Live in NH and try to go to the ME homestead every summer with a must stop at Amato’s in Brunswick. Need to go to Portland this summer. As a kid, we would always stop in and buy grinders for the family on Orr’s Island. For a short time, there were a couple of stores in Manchester but no longer. I have found a, of all places, gas station in Brisol, NH that has an Amato’s inside so that helps 🙂
Please Do Not call them “grinders” they are “sandwiches” Thank you…..
Wow, relax! She can call them whatever she choses…
For the past 75 years, I have remembered an Italian Sandwich from Portland Maine. My Mom an I had stopped there- but where in Portland- for a bite to eat on our way home to Vermont. Today, I was thinking , I better do something about this if ever I am going to have anything that tasates like my memory indicates! Well, thank you Internet! I have a list made for ingredients- which I well remember- have sub style rolls rising to be ready for lunch. My big dilemma is where, here in Williamsburg, Virginia, do I find them? I’ll do my best. A trip back to Maine is REALLY needed! Missing delectable eats like these as well as lobster rolls. fried clams-with bellies. Yes missing a good many Mainers too!
Love The original Italian sandwich. When I was a kid we used to go to DiPetros on the hill after church. My God mother Mary was related to the Amatos so we also made many visits to the India St. Store. I must admit, DiPetro’s is my favorite. Such a treat to go to DiPetros in So. Portland. Don’t get there much , but a must if your in the area. Looking forward to trying some of the other locations mentioned.
DiPeitro’s on Cumberland Ave was always my favorite. Used to be Amato’s supplied all the bread to little corner stores that made Italians. It’s a soft, long mushy type bread that many swear is perfect. You can wrap it around the fillings and hold tight while you cram it in your mouth. So those of you saying the meat, the cheese etc aren’t right should probably add the bread to your list.
Most places, you can get your Italian made to order and have provolone or some more meats added. Amato’s sell a “Real Italian” version with cappicola, etc. I would think that all those little corner stores and gas stations over the years altered their sandwiches to be cheaper – American cheese, cheap ham, etc.
I make mine at home with a good quality (more crusty) roll, provolone, ham, salami, onions, pepper slices, dill pickles, real tomatoes in season, Kalamata olives, SP & olive oil. Slice bread half way through but don’t flatten it open. Put onions in the bottom of the cut that way they don’t fall out as much. Then put sliced meat & cheese on both sides, sliced pickles and tomato wedges in a row up the center, pepper slices and olives on top. This is my version of what I was taught to do in 1969 in one of those little corner stores in Portland – albeit with some up-scaled ingredients. BUT I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a Maine Italian sandwich from some little store or Amato’s- unless they cross cut the pickles. Those should be long and thin.
‘Many years ago’ I worked at a deli/sandwich shop in Concord NH at a place called ” Mac’s Place”. We made the best grinders/subs/Italians. The owner’s motto was ‘cover the bread’. The local courts when in session with juries always called us for the lunches. Also the Supreme Court. Many businesses called us, we also delivered. Many times I wish I could tolerate 8 hours on my feet so I could go back to work. Fortunately at 75 I don’t have to. But I have fond memories of the lunch rushes.
Subway Sandwich’s Italian BMT, with its greater array of Italian meats — ham, salami, pepperoni — and my choice of ingredients gets my nod. And the BMT’s are consistently uniform regardless of which Subway outlet I go to!
Here in N.E. Ohio (especially Cleveland’s Little Italy, Collinwood, Mayfield, & others) we call this a Ham n Cheese fully dressed but never an Italian. It does look good and I will try the ingredients list but replace the cooked ham with good Southern Country Ham or Prosciutto. I admit I was expecting a spectacular, extravagant, unique smorgasbord of Italian and Italian-American cold cuts that would leave me speechless………………..(SIGH). I’m so going to Ferrara’s Imported Foods tomorrow and drown my sorrows in one of their Paisan’s. Fresh baked roll with Mastro Pistachio Mortadella, Hot Calabrian Sopressata, Hot Capocolo, Provolone, Italian Pickled Peppers (or Cicago’s Marconi Hot Giardinara, and Onions. Then if they have any in the produce dept. we add a nice handful of Arugala just to sass it up a wee bit. Acording to our 1/2 Sicilian Twins and their Sicilian immigrant Nonna, Nonno and Pappa it is the best sandwich in the Universe if not the entire Multiverse.
Hey trust me I swear………….”From my mouth to God’s ears”…………………….
I lived in North Collinwood for several years and never heard of a ham and cheese fully dressed. I am sorry I missed it, though I had a lot of good, basic Italian food in the area. A good Maine Italian is available with different meats (I prefer cotto salami, the original meat to the bland ham), but the remarkable thing about it is that it is more than the sum of its parts. It is not a meat and cheese sandwich with vegetables but a salad with meat and cheese served on a uniquely delicious roll.
As a Jersey girl, this is all wrong! Lol, to each their own I guess.
As one Jersey girl to another, you gotta try this! I live in sandwich hell (Utah) and I miss Jersey sandwiches even more than pizza! However, I made the Maine Italian in the unselfish interest of research (I plan on writing a book on sandwiches someday…). It’s fantastic! Don’t compare it to a Jersey sub, it is its own entity. The salty, crunchy, sour and more salty flavors are a marriage made in heaven.
Without a doubt, Dave’s in Billerica Mass was the best I have ever had, eaten them from Maine to Oklahoma and I’m still looking for something comparable. Dave’s is gone, my Dad used to drive from mid Maine to visit and his first stop was Dave’s.
I am a Waterbury, Connecticut resident and what we called the grinder was an art when I grew up. I spent three years in Portland between 1965 and 1968 and was introduced to the Amato’s Italian Sandwich. It is one of a kind and I have never had anything outside of Maine that matches it. It made my three years in Portland. Wow!!!!
My Mom grew up @ 103 Wash Ave, next to the Nissan Bread Company. My Grandfather owned Bill Tocher’s Richfield gas station so I was raised properly, New England seafood and what were then called “Guinea Grinders”. At that time in our history that was NOT an offensive term so I’m simply repeating history. I have loved those sandwiches for years, “Ma” used to make them for our Church when they had bakes sales. And she would make a pile of them for “Pop” to take to work, they were always a big hit.
I’m getting ready to make some now as I discovered my Vet is from Portland, we live in Lynchburg, VA. Have an appointment for one of my hounds so I’m gonna surprise him, but that is what is so great knowing anyone who has knowledge of these grinders, it’s fun to do!
Oh,.. I forgot to add, every time Ma made a stack of these grinders they were rolled in wax paper with a rubber band. She always told us about the deli across the street from the house she grew up in that’s how they sold the grinders to the workers. Ma was born in 1910,.. so figure out the era…
Boiled ham and American cheese and you call it an Italian? Looks like a good sandwich but it isn’t an Italian. Please.
When we were growing up, we would go to Westbrook, Maine, to visit our grandmother. No matter if we were there for a day or a week, we always went down the street to Fruitland market to pick up Italians. I can still smell the bread and almost taste the sandwich, with its layers of meat and cheese and vegetables. And always dressed with olive oil. Amazing!
We are not talking about Italian Grinders. Or Italian Subs. .They are different sandwiches.
Amatos…the best! No one compares. My parents would take us there for Italians after church on Sundays until we all moved away. Have lived in London, Kuwait, India, Spain, Egypt and southern Maine. I still make the drive to the original Amato’s. I try to make my own when away…comes close but nothing matches their own giant deli pickles and such fresh bread! Mmmmmmmmmmm, now I’m Hungry!
Not any mention of Italian sandwich meat like capacolla (the hot kind), mortadella, salami or even nasty pepperoni. Ham and cheese does not an Italian sammy make.
For real Italian sandwiches only Moe’s Italian Sandwiches in NH will do. Salami, provolone, plus all the ingredients listed above including a spicy oil if desired,. Nothing else comes close. American cheese and ham do not make an Italian sandwich.
Absolutely!
You are missing the point by getting hung up on the name. The Maine Italian sandwich may not have 100% authentic Italian ingredients, but there is nothing like the Maine Italian. If you want to call it something else, have at it, Hoss, but it will still be called what it is, a Maine Italian. And they are DELICIOUS!
They are delicious!! At 74, living in Virginia, I long for Amato’s Italians. And I’ve eaten Italian sandwiches all over the world!!
To the person from New Hampshire: this is not traditional Italian sandwich. This is a MAINE “Italian”. I live in Rhode Island where you can buy an Italian grinder or sandwich anywhere. But many years ago my husband, who was from Maine, took me to visit his family. Our first stop in the state was a little gas station that also sold groceries and sandwiches. I thought it was a weird combination but as soon as I tasted it I was hooked. From then on every summer we went to Maine we had “Italians” and took some home. You can’t compare them to any other version. You either love them or not. For me, I now have the urge to drive to Maine!
Going to Maine this weekend and looking forward to a Main Italian. We’re from RI too and so many Italian grinders to choose from right? Every pizza place and sub shop has one. Got a favorite?
A true Italian Grinder is Genoa, Cappicola, Mortadella, Provolone, Lettuce, Tomato, Olive Oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Anything else is an imitation. The original came from New London Connecticut.
Luiggi’s Sabattus St. Lewiston. Best Italian in Maine, & I’ve had most of ’em.
Agree with Luiggis. Been getting them there on summer vacations since the 60s.
I’m from Brooklyn, and I’m nearly 70, and for the first 40 years or so of my life I spent much time on a lake in Windham. Amato’s on Washington and Allen was my go to deli. And I always brought home a few. And their pizza is pretty good too.
I would never consider amatos sandwich as Italian.I have eaten many Italian sandwiches,by whatever name you may call them,and they all had one thing in common…….Italian cold cuts….like mortadella..hot capacolla..salami…soprasetta.Just because you add some olives and pickle and oil to a ham and cheese sandwich does not make it an Italian.
Apparently you did not read the article verbatim, first paragraph ” There is nothing like a Maine Italian sandwich elsewhere in the country.”
It’s not a sandwich, it’s an Italian!!
Call it whatever you like, it’s a poor excuse for a sandwich.
If you don’t have anything nice to say…
Guys, it’s ok that you don’t get it. But this article is about an “Italian”. Not an Italian sub, and Italian grinder, or an Italian coldcut combo…In Maine, there’s a sandwich called an Italian. Period. And no it doesn’t have Italian meats on it. But stop saying it’s not Italian without salami and pepperoni. You’re missing the point. It’s unique to Maine and it comes how it comes. Perfectly described in the article. My fave comes from Amato’s in scarborough. “There’s nothing like a real Italian.”
The Scarborough Amato’s is my favorite too. Italian sandwich bread is unique as well. We are living in North Dakota but recently visited Maine and went directly to the Scarborough Amato’s. Had a Lobster roll too.
I’m a Jersey native who now lives in Utah and would gladly walk barefoot over broken glass for a good Italian sub. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I read about Maine Italians in a Stephen King novel. Being a fan of all things sandwich, I set about making myself one. Rolls out here kinda suck and I couldn’t find sour pickles, but I went for it anyway. I have to say……….it’s now one of my all time favorite sandwiches. Even my lesser version is so fantastic and hits notes that your classic NY/NJ sub doesn’t. I made one for a coworker who had never left Utah and wasn’t as enamoured with sandwiches as us east coasters are and he gobbled it like he hadn’t eaten in days. Long live the Maine Italian!
Amato’s Italian sandwich OMG I wish I had one now! I lived on the opposite corner of Amato’s for years and almost every day I had an Italian-moved to Florida and found out Italian here is not Italian there -big disappointment. I recreate with onions black pepper in oil mix an hour before. Place at the bottom and layer the cheese, ham, sour pickles, tomatoes, green peppers, kalamata olives more onions, light red wine vinegar/oil, wrap tight and eat in half-hour. The flavors merges…mmmmm, close to Amato’s. First place I head when I go to Maine, even before seafood!
I’m from Cleveland , Nobody makes a better Italian sub than Gust Gallucci . I have been going there since 1948. I drive 140 miles round trip just to eat a sub or two. They are the best Cleveland has to offer, none better not even close. They also have all things Italian . Eat,eat your too thin.
Moran’s Market on Forest Ave was my favorite. Though any Amato’s would do. I’d love to find their roll recipe – doing a lot of baking these days and interstate travel is no longer a convenient option!
Amato’s is classic ham Italian sub is the the best. I live in Connecticut now and find myself craving that sandwich. I love the regular grinder in CT, but you can compare the two because they are completely different sandwiches. The flavor profile of the classic Maine Italian can’t be beat and I’ve lived all over this country and tried many sandwiches. If you are ever in Maine, and see an Amato’s shop, it’s worth the stop.
im from cleveland too, and galluccis is good, but when i was living in maine i had my first italian sandwich in an small sandwich shop [in the 70s] in north berwick maine -never forgot it. i do my own creation too. fry green peppers and onions in oil, and chunks of sausage. near the end, i add halved cherry tomatoes. swipe the sausage roll in the oil, pile on the rest.
Amato’s on the corner of 114 & Main in Gorham. The best. Grew up riding my bike there almost daily. Stuck in Texas for now and miss home every day.
I used to work in that very Amato’s store in Gorham when I went to USM. I live in Florida now, and make my very own Italian sandwiches at least once a week the official Amato’s way.. But I make doubles or triples.. 🙂
Amato’s is my favorite!! I live in Florida now and they just dont get it!!! A lot of them that commented here just don’t get it. They are talking about the original Italian sandwich!!! Not a grinder or hog all the other places can claim those!!! Maine has the original Italian sandwich period and my vote goes to Amatos. Lanos in South Portland used to make a good Italian sandwich too but have been a long time now. I think the roll has a lot to do with it.
I’m from PA and there is no real comparision to a “sub” and a Hoagie. I have yet to find a good sub in Maine. So far the best that has come close is Jersey Subs and Sweets in Brewer (used to be in Bangor) and they have a location in Orono.
Totally agree. Moved to Maine from NJ and the local sandwich shops fall well short. Sams, Amatos, and the others. Not one can make a decent sandwich.
Word to the truth Rick and Michelle. Also from PA and Mainers have no idea what a sandwich is. Lol! Nice article tho- for Mainers. Haha
Have you tried DiPietro’s in South portland maine..George’s Italiann in Biddeford Maine?
When I moved down to MA from Augusta, I would order a ham Italian. The poor Greek man (all sub shops on the north shore are run by Greeks) would yell at me, “Which one? Ham or Italian?”.
I’d say ham Italian. He’d yell louder. It took me a while to get the order right.
I told friends in Florida that the Italian Sub in Maine is nothing like the one here. I thought I ordered wrong sandwich first time here. Everyone said I had it wrong. Italian should have lots of different meats etc lettuce you all know what I mean that know the “real” Italian. Saw on T.V. recently after defending Italian Sandwich for 25 years I was right!! Wahoo. When Italians immigrated to New England they brought the meat and veggie delight with them. Just like Amato’s winning submarines. I am drooling now over their great baked rolls fresh cut tomato, green pepper, ham, cheese, onion, pickles, o/v OMG. The home of the original Italian is Maine and New England. No impostors please.
Franklin Giant Grinder in Hartford is #1 and there is no number 2 or 3 in New England. Period.
I went to Law School at the university of Maine in Portland from 1965 to 1968. I am from Waterbury Connecticut where the we called the sandwich a grinder. Italian bread, cold cuts you name it and they were delicious. Waterbury was always noted for it’s great grinders and they still are. I was introduced to the Amato Italian Sandwich in my first year there, 1965. I’m sorry about those die hards out there but you just can’t beat this sandwich. It is delicious. You name the meats. You name how much single double triple. Their basic add to it, you just can’t beat. I need to come back and have one. Go Amatos.
I live in mid state CT. I grew up in the Portland area. A friend of mine from Maine and myself will drive to Worcester tomorrow to a gas station that has an Amatos shop in it. We will be eating Italians for dinner. Worth the trip.
My grandparents lived on Loring Ave just off Washington Ave. It was commonplace for my grandpa to go up to Amatos and come back with a bag full of real Italians. I grew up in the Brunswick area and even there every corner store knew how to make a “ham italian.” Some better than others but they all had the basic ingredients. I now live in the Bangor area and my local stores have no clue. I asked for a ham Italian today (it was on their menu!) and they asked me if I wanted lettuce or jalapenos!!!!! Now people are free to put those on a sandwich if they want (and I have) but not on a real Maine Italian Sandwich! Hopefully the new Bangor Amatos will open soon!!!
In 1974, I lived in Freeport, ME (before it became so busy) and there was a small grocery store next to LL Bean. We used to go up there frequently and get their Italian sandwiches. We became hooked on them and they were the best sandwich I had ever eaten. They said it was all “in the bread” and that the recipe for the bread was a secret and under lock and key! I grew up in the South and had never even heard of Italian sandwiches. All the “subs” you can get away from Maine don’t hold a candle to Italian sandwiches from Maine. The article just makes me want one so badly.
We in CT. love our subs, named after the workers who built submarines, or grinders for the men who worked on the subs doing work there. That is at the General Dynamics in Groton, CT. called E.B. for Electric Boat. Groton, the submarine capital of the world.
I live in Seattle, but grew up in Maine and all of my extended family still lives there. I eat many Amato’s Italians whenever I visit. Here’s my favorite Amato’s story. My sister-in-law Rhonda was from Connecticut and came to Maine to attend college. After meeting her for the first time, her new college roommate went out and brought back some delicious sandwiches which Rhonda enjoyed. Then another local girl came into their room and announced “Smells like ITALIANS in here!!” Rhonda was shocked at the insensitive, culturally inappropriate remark…until she realized that was the name of the sandwich. 🙂
Funny how everybody has their own favorite and where. Myself,Maine Italians lack pizzaz. I like combo of Italian meats without black olives and green peppers. But with hot peeper relish on top and the bread is key.
I wen to to school in Portland from 1965 to 1968. From Waterbury, Connecticut where grinders (our name for the sandwich) were extrodinaire. Nothing beats Amatos. Miss them.
I would love to see a Yankee article on local New England food lingo. I took a young (and very politically correct) friend from CT to Yarmouth, ME with me on a trip to see how the town I had lived in had changed since the 70″s. I roared with laughter at the shocked look on his face when he saw the sign in the local sandwich shop “No Italians served before 10am.”
I must be missing something…………but that’s just a decorated ham and cheese samich. Not an Italian. Where’s the “meat”???????
that might just be for photographic purposes- I remember gettign a goodly amount of ham