Bite into a classic

Da Vinci's super sub for the Super Bowl

Stacee Sledge

Jan 23, 2003 First of all, the walls are covered in understated frescoes and trompe l'oeil, giving the space a distinctly Italian feel. Second, lining the aisles is a stunning array of gourmet goodies tucked in amongst the expected convenience-store stock: Mustards, cheeses, crackers, olives, specialty beers, wonderful wines.

But the real kicker? As I perused an impressive selection of olive oils, an employee (who I later learned was the manager, Wes Diskin) stopped stocking a shelf to ask if I needed help finding anything.

The reason for my visit was to try Da Vinci's Classic Subs, tucked into a back corner of the cozy convenience store. Super Bowl season is upon us, and I wanted to find a fitting place for grabbing subs, salads and drinks to feed the crew. I'm also always on the lookout for affordable fare to share with my readers in these days of economic uncertainty.

Da Vinci's is owned and operated by the husband-and-wife team of Kevin and Kim Weatherill, who added the sandwich shop to their convenience store in August 2001. Kevin Weatherill was a wine consultant in Blaine for many years, which explains the superb vino varieties.

Da Vinci's Classic Subs

Location: 1480 Electric Ave., Whatcom Falls Mini Mart

Phone: 671-7200

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., daily

Serving: A slew of satisfying subs with a surprising range of condiments.

Menu items sampled:  
Roasted chicken sub $4.99 
Chef salad $3.99 
Meat ball sub $4.99 
La Giocanda sub $4.69 
Chicken dumpling soup $1.59

Da Vinci's breaks its menu down into easy-to-discern sections: traditional, Italian, hot and signature subs. Sizes range from half (4-inch), regular (8-inch), large (12-inch) and extra-large (2-foot). Choices of bread are limited to white or wheat, baked fresh daily, with cheese choices of provolone, pepper jack, Swiss, smokey cheddar, American and Parmesan. The shop offers 30 different subs and a smattering of salads.

On my first visit, I chose an 8-inch No. 14

This is where the fun starts. At first glance, the condiment selection looks similar to what you find at a chain sub shop. But look closer and you'll see avocado, pepperoncini pieces and red onion (as opposed to the usual white) plus dressings that include pesto, creamy horseradish and chipotle aioli.

I made my selections and watched the young woman slather on mustard, mayonnaise, pesto, lettuce, tomato, pickle, black olive, pepperoncini, onion, salt, pepper, oregano, oil and vinegar. extra oomph I also chose a chef's salad to take home for dinner that night. Large handfuls of shredded lettuce were piled high with freshly sliced and cubed turkey, ham, cheddar and Swiss. I then had my choice from the sandwich toppings, as well as a finish of fine, crunchy croutons also made on-site.

Da Vinci's offers several specialty salads with a variety of dressings, from a garlic grilled chicken Caesar to albacore tuna salad. If they're all of the same quality as the chef salad I enjoyed, any one would be a fitting choice.

Da Vinci's also offers a hearty selection of hot sandwiches, from pastrami and barbecued beef or chicken to prime rib and

The hot meatball sub is built upon a generous handful of golf-ball-sized spicy meatballs blended with a bright, zesty marinara. The sandwich is finished with melted slices of provolone and a generous dusting of Parmesan. As with all of Da Vinci's sandwiches, you can then choose which toppings, if any, you'd like to add. I recommend at least powdering the hot black olives also complement the piquant sub.

Another visit to Da Vinci's found my eye drawn to the very first sub listed on the menu hanging above the counter. Called "La Giocanda," the No. 1 is described as "an Italian masterpiece."

Thin slices of cappacuolo, proscuittini, cotto salami, pepperoni, ham and provolone are layered generously atop Da Vinci's fresh, springy bread, then topped with all the toppings you could want. Don't pass up the pepperoncini on this tremendous sandwich.

Two soups are offered daily at Da Vinci's, and french fries and cheese fries will soon join the menu's roster.

Of course, you'll also find potato chips and other football-friendly treats found at any convenience store. I suggest you go for out of the ordinary and grab a bag of Maui Kettle Style Potato Chips in Sweet Maui Onion flavor.

Even better than discovering a super sub shop? Discovering said sub shop resides next door to the fabulous Lafeen's bakery. Subs and doughnuts in front of the tube on Super Bowl Sunday, a junk food holiday if ever there was one? It just doesn't get any better than that.

Ideal for any quick meal for your brood is Da Vinci's "family meal deal," serving up a 2-foot cold sandwich, four single-serving bags of chips and four regular drinks. On Super Bowl Sunday it will offer two-foot subs Nos. 1 through 16 for only $9.99.

The Fine Print: I dine on my own dime. The opinions herein are mine alone, not The Bellingham Herald's. Agree? Disagree? Please drop me a line at StaceeSledge@hotmail.com.

 

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