Making a sandwich is probably the least complicated cooking method along with making cereal, boiling water and cooking an egg. We usually learn how to make a PB&J sandwich in our elementary days. So, naturally a sandwich would have simple flavors as well.

I was hanging around my hometown in Maryville now that the semester is over, and I heard my brother boasting about this sub shop in Maryville that I absolutely had to go to. Here I was thinking I’ve had a sub a million times before and I’m in no hurry to eat one in a small town like Maryville. Especially since my mom’s excellent home cooked meals were free.

After a bit more convincing I was running errands and thought I’d give the place a try. It’s a small shop in a practically deserted strip mall. However, the place was extremely busy. After looking over the menu I found out that their popular menu item is their steamed sandwiches. I’ve never had a steamed sub before and I guess I figured crisp toasted subs were the way to go. But I’m an adventurer at heart, so I ordered a roast beef and swiss sub on French bread. I did get it steamed which was probably the best decision I made.

Steaming a sandwich brings out all the flavors in the meat, melts the cheese, and somehow makes the bread even fluffier. It was truly a pleasant surprise. The ingredients were fresh and simple, but the steaming process was revolutionary in the sandwich world. Paired with a raspberry tea, it was truly a memorable meal.

So don’t be afraid to try new things this summer. Even as simple as testing out a new sandwich, you’ll add some spice to the summer and even experience new flavors. Explore the cuisine of your hometown. You may be pleasantly surprised by what you find.

Jessica Carr is a rising junior in journalism and electronic media. She aspires to be a professional food blogger and food magazine editor. She can be reached at [email protected] or followed on Twitter at @jcarr_94.