Places: Subway, Quiznos
Items: turkey sandwiches
Price: varies
Let’s say we Lunch Guys were cast out by our Lunch Families and had
to spend Thanksgiving -- and every other holiday -- at a national restaurant
chain. Well, that’s not a sad thing at all when Subway and Quiznos both
have turkey on their menus.
Granted, it’s not the Norman Rockwell turkey feast, but we did load
up on sandwiches at both places for a holiday-themed food fight. In this corner,
Subway’s Turkey Breast sub and Turkey Breast and Bacon Melt. In the
other corner, Quiznos’ Oven Roasted Turkey sandwich and Turkey Bacon
Guacamole. Which rules the turkey roost?
Chris: I was stunned, Tom, stunned to see that both Quiznos
and Subway apparently patronize the same turkey farm. There I was with two
classic sandwiches: a 6-inch Subway Turkey Breast sub in my right hand, a
regular-sized Quiznos’ Oven Roasted Turkey in the left. Both different
on many levels except when I pulled out at turkey slice from each and began
my Lunch Guy scrutiny. The thickness was the same to the millimeter, the color
and consistency of the meat indistinguishable. It’s easier to tell the
Olsen twins apart. Most important, though, is the turkey’s flavor. In
this case, I give the slimmest of victories to Subway. It had a maple hint
so faint I could have imagined it. Still both were top-shelf, without that
moist film or fleshy feel of that turkey-ish product found in kids’
Lunchables.
For the overall sandwich, though, my vote goes to Quiznos. A Quiznos cross-section
revealed a far superior bed of turkey, layered seven slices thick for a full
1/2 inch of white-meat goodness that filled out a big V of bread. The Subway
turkey helping was so light, I almost thought I had ordered a Veggie Delight
sub until I saw a little poultry peeking out. Looks like Quiznos and I will
be spending a lot of holidays together.
Tom: As I ordered an off-the-rack Quiznos powerhouse—the
Turkey Bacon Guac, I figured I had stacked the deck so high against Subway
it had the same chance of winning this food fight as the Hickory Hoosiers
had of winning the state basketball tournament. At Subway I had them craft
me a more modest, but very Quiznos-like toasted Turkey Breast and Bacon Melt
on Parmesan Oregano bread. At my request they sprinkled fresh leaves of spinach
and banana peppers, salt, pepper, vinegar and a touch of oil---for a Subway
made-to-order masterpiece. I prepared myself for the inevitable conclusion
that Quiznos was a work of art and Subway was just a sub because for the past
couple of years I’ve been wooed by Quiznos’ subtle sophistication.
But Chris, I have to say, the Subway sub was superior. Not tremendously so,
because the Turkey Bacon Guac is a sandwich so good I’ve been known
to get one the day after Thanksgiving. Yet Subway’s tasty bread and
“designer” condiments but this franchise back on top. No longer
will I always snub the neon yellow sign and blue-collar crowds at Subway to
head to Quiznos. I feel like the Starbucks addict who just realized he can
get a better cup of joe at good ol’ Dunkin Donuts--for two bucks less.
Chris: Hey, you get what you pay for, Tom. Granted, Subway
is within reach of Quiznos turkey dominance if only the chain would try a
little harder. Besides upping the turkey portion, add some more turkey subs
to the menu, for pilgrims’ sake. There are six gourmet turkey choices
on the Quiznos menu, a paltry two such poultry offerings on Subway’s.
That’s why I’m not going to Subway when it’s time to gobble,
gobble.
Tom: Try harder? Subway has crossed more hurdles than Edwin
Moses. Their toaster is now sufficient to compete with Quiznos, they have
six different breads and a slew of better condiments. Sure, Subway is Wal-Mart
to Quiznos Nordstrom’s but everyone knows where they should do their
Christmas shopping.
