Tuesday, March 13, 2012

All in One Subs

245 E Hundred Road
Chester, VA 23836




                A couple of months ago a new restaurant opened in the shopping center next to Sheetz on E Hundred Road (Route 10) in Enon. It is a unassuming little place called All in One Subs.  I figured that it was a chain but I still wanted to check it out. It took awhile for me to get the chance because it is not open when I drive past it on my way to work in the morning, it is too far to drive to for lunch, and Amanda always has something good cooking for dinner. This last Friday I was finally afforded my opportunity. Amanda was out of town and I had a lot of running around to do so I had to grab something quick and easy.
               
                I pulled up to two guys standing outside of the restaurant smoking. When they saw that I was heading inside they quickly put out there cigarettes and ran inside to help me.  Inside the place is very small with just a few tables and chairs. One wall was covered with a large chalk board where you are asked to write whatever you like as long as it was “G” rated . There were a few pictures and statements claiming that All in One Subs has the best subs in the area. There were also pictures on the walls showing why All in One Subs are superior to all others, I did not quite understand this until I saw them making my sub.  The set up was a little confusing as to where to order and where to pick up. Once I found the counter I looked behind it at the menu posted on the wall. The menu was rather small but very neat looking. There were a few different types of subs, some make- your-own and a list of unique slaws. After going to subway forever many people might feel that the prices were a little expensive but I did not think that the prices were bad and you have to remember that you get what you pay for. I ordered a hot small Italiano consisting of Pepperoni, Salami, Ham, Provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, mayo and Italian dressing for $4.99. I added banana peppers and ordered a side of Salami Slaw which cost $0.99.

                I did not discover the concept of the restaurant nor did I understand the pictures on the walls until I saw them make my sub. First they take the sub roll and use a weird machine to hollow it out. They warmed up the meats and cheese in an aerated half cylinder type holder. They then topped the meats and cheese with the lettuce, tomatoes, onions and Italian dressing.  They coated the entire inside of the sub with mayo. Finally, they skillfully slid all of the insides into the sub wrapped the sub in paper leaving the opening unwrapped and placed it inside of a cup.  After seeing it, I finally understood the pictures and thought how great of idea doing this actually is. It makes it so much easier to eat and a lot less messy so they do not have to skimp on the servings.
                Not only was the concept a great idea but the execution was also superb. The sub was delicious. The meats were nice and hot and the cheese was perfectly melted. The condiments were fresh and crisp and there was the optimal of amount of mayo and Italian dressing. Although it was created to not leak the juices of the meet and dressing did make the very bottom of the sub soft and created a slight hole. All in all the entire sub from concept to execution was excellent. The slaw was just as good if not better. The salami slaw while sounding weird tasted great. The two flavors complemented each other perfectly and you could taste the small chunks of salami throughout. The slaw was fresh and crunchy and not overly wet. For $0.99 it was one of the best sides ever.
All in One Subs, also known as AIO subs, was great. The owner, I found out that it is not a chain, had a great idea and went out and executed it very well. While it is much better than Subway it is probably on par with Jersey Mike’s, Firehouse Subs and Quiznos but unlike all of them it is locally owned and operated.  I would recommend trying out AIO Subs for yourself. The menu is small but the subs are delicious.

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