Capri Foods - I was wrong!!!!!!!!

[Vital Information]

No one particuliarly likes to be chastised, but if one is chastised for good reason, well, one has to suck it in and admit one's error. I wrote a not necessarily flattering post about Capri, re-visited today, and totally withdraw my earlier sentiments.

Last night JoanB wrote an exception to my comments on Capri from the near Oak Park sandwich thread. The vehemence and thoroughness of her retort really caused me to reflect on my comments. Could I, gasp, be wrong?

So, after today, whatever nasty experience I previously had at Capri vanished. I was well taken care of and supplied with a superior sandwich to boot. I will not concede, however, that Joe is not at least "old", but let's not in general use old as a perjorative term. Perhaps, I should say he is experienced.

We actually had to cool our heels a few minutes today as Joe dealt with someone in his office. The extra time, however, was well spent sniffing the amalgamation of aromas from the cheeses, sausages and other goods. We also found some fresh mozzeralla for an insalata caprese tonight (how do you like that, insalata caprese, from a place called capri). Yet, once in front of us, Joe gave us complete attention.

Joe was so warm and so friendly that I almost believe that JoanB tipped him off, but that is a few more coicidences than I can support, conspiracy buff that I am. He designed sandwiches for Ms. VI and I with our choice of meats and garnish.

Now, every great sandwich does not start with great bread, but a great bread surely starts a great sandwich. Capri got their bread from a new place, Mezzote (or something like that). A very crusty product, it was one of the best sub rolls I've had locally (OK, the best). Both sandwiches started with marinated eggplant and roasted peppers. The oil from the peppers, with all its floating cloves of garlic, lubricated the rolls. My version then got a millefuelle of meats: boiled ham, parma ham, capicolla and salami, plus provolone. Sheila took a minimalist roast beef, baked in house and appearing on the inside, as red as Santa Claus's coat.

The chowhounditas like the shredded lettuce and sliced tomatoes featured on the Alpine subs, but I barely missed them. In fact it did not dawn on me until I was mostly done with my sandwich that it did not include the usual stretchers associated with Italian subs.

JoanB, thanks for taking the time to comment on chowhound. Without your admomishment, I would not have tried Capri today, and I would not have had the chance to drastically alter my opinion.

VI

[Vital Information]

Darn it, I hit the wrong button. At a minimum, I did not mean to submit this post without the link to JoanB's post on Capri that inspired me.

Link: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/show/...

[Harry V.]

While you're in this mood of re-examination - head over to Gene and Jude, quick!

[Vital Information]

Not so fast, I was just happened to be at Gene and Jude's last night, and I can safely say it was great!

I just tell 'em like I see 'em.

[JoanB]

Now there's a real chow-gent to publicly admit that he was wrong! I'm so glad that you returned and it sounds like you got some first class sandwiches, and to boot Capri has some new customers. Ordinarily I don't get so exercised but that place has a real spot in my heart not to mention my gullet.