The Poor Boy

In this economy, a poor boy could use a break.

They're called subs, grinders, hogies, heroes and probably a dozen other regional names. In Louisiana, they're referred to as po' boys. And they're effing delicious.

Typically, they're made with battered and fried foods like oysters, crawfish, catfish and chicken. Most shops seem to sell turkey and ham and whatever else. But really, if you're in New Orleans, why would you order a turkey sandwich? Do you want that on white bread, too?

They say the Louisiana French bread is different because of the humidity. Perhaps, I don't know. All I know is getting an oyster po' boy and dousing in Crystal hot sauce is one of my favorite things to do in New Orleans and Johnny Po-Boys is my favorite place to get one.

This is about dream food that's out of reach for most people. I could get an acceptable facsimile here in Los Angeles, but that's not even what this is about. Like many regional names, and things from New Orleans in particular, the etymology of "po' boy" is as shrouded in fog as the Lake Pontchartrain causeway.

I know, I know. This is the Crescent City Connection not the causeway.
I couldn't find a causeway picture with fog, but at least it's still a bridge
in New Orleans, right? The causeway is much more intimidating as it
is, let alone blanketed in unholy fog. Damn, I hate fog!

The most accepted origin is it came from the phrase, "poor boy." How this came to represent a sandwich, is still unclear. Wikipedia could give you a bunch of the possible origins I don't feel like rehashing here. One does stick out to me, as making the most sense. Sandwich carts in the '20s and '30s used to sell hot pork and beef sandwiches, but for only 5 cents, you could get just the bread soaked in the meat juices. A poor boy's sandwich! I like it. Still doesn't explain how it came to represent sub sandwiches as a whole in the Big Easy, but I like the story. Of course then, "poor boy" morphs into "po' boy" by way of those awesome Cajun accents and slack Southern twang.

Cut forward to our current day in age and every one's favorite phrase, "in this economy..." Everyone is looking for a deal and I found one for the Bread-Meat-Bread followers. Albertson's has your standard grocery store deli, they sell sliced meats and cheeses and a varying amount of side dishes. They even do the pre-packed sandwiches which is finally what this post is about.

They offer "Poor Boys," small sub sandwiches pre-made, packaged with may and mustard packs, ready for the go. The best part is the price, hence the "poor boy" moniker. They're $1.99 and they're at least just as good as Subway. I bought one that was loaded with turkey, ham and roast beef. It was topped with lettuce, tomato and provolone cheese. What more convincing do you need?

If you go to the Albertson's in Burbank on Hollywood Way and Verdugo, you can take the money you saved and get some frozen yogurt at Menchie's.