13 Hour Sandwich

I have never had any reservations when it comes to spontaneous road trips.  Growing up (and still living) in Florida, I have traveled all over the state on spur-of-the-moment road trips.  Sometimes the urge to jump in my car and drive took me out of Florida.  You never know what will spark a great road trip or where it will take you.  When the opportunity knocks, GO!!

One day while in college, I was killing time with my roommate.  We were kicking around the idea of one day opening our own deli.  While brainstorming, we began creating a very rough menu.  Then the question was asked, "what is the best sandwich you have ever had?" 

My answer was simple.  Growing up in Tampa, I have an affinity towards Cuban sandwiches.  Therefore, I emphatically responded, "a Cuban from Alessi Bakery!"

My roommate did not grow up in Tampa and had a very different type of sandwich in mind.  He told me that I have never had the best sandwich ever, because I have not yet been to Louisiana.  According to him, the best sandwich our great country has to offer resides in Lake Charles, LA at restaurant called Pronia's Deli.  In his opinion, a muffaletta from Pronia's trumped all other sandwiches.

I had to experience it!  Within an hour, we had embarked on our 800+ mile / 13 hour journey for a sandwich.

On the way to Lake Charles, we noticed a lot of traffic and noise while driving through New Orleans.  We just shrugged our shoulders and continued to West Louisiana. 

I was able to book a nice little hotel while we were on our way.  The hotel was comfortable, but nothing fancy.  The next morning we woke and bolted out the door.  We finally made it to our destination!  The sandwich was amazing!  It was definitely the best muffaletta I've ever had, but I wouldn't call it the best sandwich ever. 

I felt as though the trip was a success.  I had experienced the famed Pronia's muffaletta, I had a cooler full of craw fish, and I got to see the vast swamplands of Louisiana.  We were now headed back to Florida.  I had no idea the best part of the trip was still in store. 

On our way back, we hit significant traffic in New Orleans.  This time, I rolled down my window and asked the people in the car next to us if heavy traffic was usually at 2pm in New Orleans.  They said, "it is during Mardi Gras!"  What!!!  Mardi Gras was happening now?  We had no idea at all.  We decided to book a last minute hotel and indulge.

Mardi Gras is the most fun you'll never want to do again.  Exciting? Fun? Most definitely.  Clean? Absolutely not.  However, the pros outweighed the cons, and I have stories for a lifetime. 

You will never know what happens on the trip you don't take.  Be adventurous, hit the road!