Big Ass Sandwich, Portland, OR

Big Ass Sandwich is a food cart located in downtown Portland that offers a unique spin on a old lunch favorite. With fresh, local ingredients put on a canvas of fresh baked artisan bread, delivered to them daily, they create a masterpiece that can only be described as delicious. They have many different options to choose from on their everyday menu, as well as weekly specials, and even a secret menu, but get there early because once they are sold out, they are done for the day.

One of my favorites, is the traditional, Big Ass Sandwich. With your choice of slow roasted beef, turkey, or ham, hand cut french fries, bechamel cheese sauce, and Secret Aardvark hot sauce, this sandwich has enough food in it to feed a small army! You might think "french fries on a sandwich with cheese sauce?" but believe me, it works, the sandwich is amazing. The ingredients here are top shelf, from the soft, fresh baked rolls, to the slow roasted meats, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy.

If you find yourself in Portland and are looking to try something a little different, give Big Ass sandwich a try, you won't be disappointed. If you do you might want to check their Facebook page for the most up to date info on hours and availability, because like I said before once they are sold out they are done.

Overall score: A-
Would you go back: Yes
Big Ass Sandwich
304 SE 2nd Ave
Portland, OR
www.bigasssandwiches.com304 SE 2nd Ave.

Amina Pizzeria Honolulu, Oahu, HI

I stumbled into this little gem purely by accident and was I pleasantly surprised. We were going to another well known bar in the Ala Moana area of the city and it just happened to be closed for Father's Day. We looked across the street and saw Amina Pizzeria and I have to admit, I wasn't sure I wanted to eat there, but we looked it up and saw that it had received great reviews so we decided to go for it! With a large menu of pastas, hot subs, pizza, and calzones and prices starting at $6.50 Amina's has something for everyone, on any budget.

While I was here I decided to try a pepperoni and sausage calzone. I have eaten some great calzones in my life, so I am very critical of the components, mainly the crust and the sauce. Amina's didn't let me down. Their crust was very flaky and the sauce, which comes on the side, had tons of flavor that blended perfectly with the crust and the fillings. All four of us had calzones and all of us raved about how good ours were, but I did get a look at their pizza and it looked amazing as well and I can't wait to try it.

My only complaint about Amina's is they don't serve alcohol, so if you are looking to have a few drinks with your dinner you are out of luck. If you ever find yourself in Honolulu and you don't want to spend a fortune at the tourist trap restaurants of Waikiki, head down the road to Amina's and get some great food at an affordable price.

Would I go again: Yes
Overall score: B
Amina Pizzeria
1694 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96826

808-949-3548