Rehoboth Foodie

In one of my chequered forays into the food biz, I was a partner in an Italian Deli. One of the shining stars on our menu was the Italian sub. I suspect I ate up any profits I should have received (they sure went somewhere...). Since then, I've searched high and low for an Italian sub that would measure up to my own. Well, at the risk of even more annoying hyperbole, the pot of gold at the end of the Italian sub rainbow is, indeed, Casapulla's South. And why is that, you may ask....

I have to admit that it will vary slightly depending on who actually pulls the ticket out of the printer in their open kitchen, but it's always good. I occasionally quote the noted gastronome, gourmet and educator James Beard when he said, "Too few people understand a really good sandwich." I feel that Casapulla South's Italian is high on that list.

Here's the secret (other than the freshest bread and ingredients): It's all in how the sub is constructed. The artisans at Casapulla's South fold the meats and cheese tightly over top the fillings (I get lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and extra hot peppers) so the ingredients don't come squirting out at the first bite, fall out all over your hands, or (horror of horrors!), tear through the bottom of the roll. This makes for a firm, easy to handle sandwich. Couple that with their (almost always) fresh sub rolls, and the stage is set for gastronomic delight.

For this reason, I have to award Casapulla's South the Best Italian on the Beach. The others are surely OK, but that firm and properly packed Casapulla's sub calls to me.

I occasionally try to break out of my rut and get their cheesesteak and chicken cheesesteak. Again, the fresh ingredients and the bread make it well worth the very short ride up Rt. 1. If the Italian and cheesesteaks are any indication of the execution of the overall menu, I would recommend trying anything.

I know I raved about the cheesesteaks (especially the chicken cheesesteaks) at another sub shop in town, and I raved about the hot Italian subs at another place. I stand by it all. But the differences in the cheesesteak department are small and picky. Needless to say, I make the rounds of each place, ordering what I feel they do best. I refuse to spend the calories and carbs on anything that is not perfect.

Casapulla's South is located in Lighthouse Plaza, behind the QVC Outlet Store. Going north, turn right just past K-Mart at the Ruby Tuesday, then turn left. Their phone number is 302-227-SUBS (7827) for carryout. Click here for Casapulla's menu. (L., D.) Price Range: Inexpensive.