The world’s about to find out what folks in Savannah know all too well — Zunzi’s makes a killer sandwich.
The York Street eatery and its obligatory line out the door will be featured at 9 p.m. tonight on the Travel Channel’s “Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America.” Zunzi’s mammoth The Conquistador — a homemade hoagie loaded with baked chicken breast and an incredible array of sauces — is up against 29 other sandwiches nationwide.
Click here to read more about Richman’s February visit to Savannah and the show.
The Travel Channel host graciously checked in Wednesday morning to discuss what makes a great sandwich and what keeps him coming back to Savannah.
SMN: Filming the new show, you’ve eaten some of the best sandwiches in America, which seems like a pretty sweet gig — but through previous projects you’ve also consumed some pretty gross stuff. What’s the absolute worst sandwich in America, or what would it look like?
Richman: “I don’t know if I’ve actually consumed gross stuff — I think that’s more Andrew Zimmern’s stock in trade. The worst sandwich in America? I think it would probably have sardines, runny eggs, soggy bread, maybe liver, natto, black licorice, barely cooked bacon, Limburger cheese … I don’t know — snips and snails and puppy dog tails? At this point, I’m pretty much just naming stuff I don’t like and putting it on the sandwich.”
SMN: If you had to construct your own best sammy, what would be on it?
Richman: “Wow. I’ve gotten this question so much while doing press for the show! Which is I guess pretty unsurprising. The stuff on my favorite sandwich would really depend upon when I’m eating this sandwich. I have favorite breakfast sandwiches, favorite hot-weather sandwiches, favorite cold-weather sandwiches, favorite hangover-relief sandwiches, favorite party sandwiches and so on.
“Generally speaking, I like a variety of tastes and textures, temperatures and a variety of different cultural influences. Maybe that’s why I love the Vietnamese banh mi so much. There are fresh elements, crunchy elements, spicy elements, meaty, salty, sweet and so on. I love avocado, so that would probably be there, and everything is better with bacon. It would depend upon the bread and the other condiments. Sometimes I like Aioli, sometimes I Like sriracha. There’s a place in Brooklyn that does maple-basil pesto, which is pretty incredible.”
SMN: You’ve obviously got a thing for Savannah, but what made you pick Zunzi’s and The Conquistador specifically? No love for The Godfather or The Fisherman’s Deck?
Richman: “Picking one sandwich in no way implies a ‘lack of love’ for another! It’s kind of crazy how divisive my sandwich selections have been! People get so keyed up. Maybe that’s a good thing? Maybe that’s the sign of a successful program, or at least relevant subject matter? But in the end they’re just sandwiches.
“I’ve tried maybe two other sandwiches at Zunzi’s — but I felt that The Conquistador was not only a great one for TV, but a consistently great sandwich. I’m not always in the mood for sausage, but often in the mood for chicken. I will have to try more on the menu! Johnny and his wife are extraordinary people who make extraordinary food. I love their salads, and I love their hummus. And yes, it’s true, I love Savannah.”
SMN: Do we stand any chance against New York, where you are from — not to imply bias, but it’s hard to top a place like Katz’s, yeah?
Richman: “I knew people would think that, and I want to make it clear — I absolutely, positively will not let any bias geographic or personal dictate the outcome of this competition. This is about viewing all the sandwiches that I love objectively, and based entirely upon my personal preferences my personal tastes deciding which sandwich is the best in America.”
SMN: If Zunzi’s wins, you will have bestowed upon Savannah best sandwich and best banana pudding (Sweet Potatoes) honors. What’s left?
Richman: “I don’t know! Best gumbo? Best deniers? Best singles scene? Best massage? I’m not really sure! I’ve had great experiences in Savannah, and less than good experiences, too. I’ve had great drinks, great tacos and met great people at the restaurants we’ve filmed at — all of which could easily make a best-of list.”
For more info, visit www.zunzis.com and www.travelchannel.com/tv-shows/adam-richmans-best-sandwich-in-america.
