"NO SOUP FOR YOU"

or is it Sandwich?

Yesterday I had, what I was anticipating to be one of the scariest and most intimidating experiences of my grown up life so far. However, it turned out to be one of the best and most entertaining things I have ever seen.

I was really hungry and didn't bring a lunch that day because I was bound and determined to try out one of the many great places to eat down town. I had heard about this place from Kristin a while ago called Al's State Street Cafe and even had one of their sandwiches during one of my visits. I remember loving the sandwich but also remembered Kristin telling me about how crazy it can be to get through the door. So, I googled it just so I would be prepared (I'm a dork I know).

Most people referred to Al's as the soup Nazi of sandwich shops which if you've seen Seinfeld you know that that means, make one wrong step and ... "NO SOUP FOR YOU!" Why would anyone want to subject themselves to complete humiliation like that? Well, because the sandwiches are so good of course!

After reading all of the instructions from all of the helpful Bostonians who were kind enough to post the rules, I sent myself whirling out of my comfort zone and walked over to the shop. The place was packed, not out the door yet, but almost. People in line were yelling their orders while the people behind the counter (there were like 20 people back there) were screaming, "NEXT!" It was complete and utter chaos!

The nice guy behind me, upon seeing my eyes bugging out of my head and realizing that this was my first time, took me under his wing and was very helpful. He even told me which sandwich was best. After being told the rules again for good measure and waiting for a total of about 2 minutes a worker behind the counter yelled, "NEXT" I wasn't even close to the counter but I was clearly the next person and was told not to hesitate. So, I shouted, "Small State Street Special" the guy smiled and nodded. Two minutes later I had my sandwich and was handing 5 bucks (over someones head) to the cashier. The cashier told me to have a nice day and gave me the cheesiest smile I think I have ever seen. I smiled back and quickly exited the shop before I was trampled.

(This is what I saw on my way back to the office.

I love how this old building where they first read the

declaration of Independence is almost hiding under the big buildings

but still holds its own)

I walked back to the office feeling triumphant. I literally couldn't wipe the smile off of my face, which thoroughly scared some people on the street judging by their reactions. And I just have to say, that sandwich was SO good!

The State Street Special in all it's glory!
Extra lean prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, basil and plum tomatoes, topped with just enough olive oil and balsamic vinegar...YUM!