Getting More for Less at Hoagies

There's a new joint specializing in subs, or hoagies, offering fresh sandwiches with excellent value. Not your typical 6-incher, but a larger 8-incher with more filling, more options to choose from at reasonable prices. Very cool.

Hoagies, a Philadelphian term for the classic sub, hero, or Italian sandwich is said to have its origins from "Hog Island," where predominantly Italian and Irish settlers were called "Hog Islanders."  Hog islanders were particularly fond of  large loves of bread stuffed with meat, called "hoggies," and in time evolved to "Hoagies." Cool. Now you know.  

Now with three branches, Hoagies exudes a modern, industrial look for a cool and comforting vibe, a great place to enjoy the 8-inchers. Each hoagie is made fresh as you order, and you can customize your hoagies too with your choice of dressing or veggies. Selections include the Classic Ham and Cheese, the Backyard Roast Chicken, Hungarian Sausage, Hoagie Catch with fresh tuna, Hoagie Harvest with fresh vegetables and the Pulled Pork Adobo.  You also have a choice of either the 8-inch white bread or whole wheat. I was recently invited along with other bloggers to sample some of Hoagies' bestsellers, and I was quite impressed with the freshness and quality of the different hoagies. 

It was pretty cool to get behind the counter and see first-hand the assembly line of delicious sandwiches and fresh ingredients prepared in just minutes...

Only the freshest ingredients are used, and the 8-inch hoagie is stuffed with a variety of options for meats, vegetables and dressings. The Zesty Pastrami waiting for the finishing touches...

The aroma of freshly grilled bacon sets my senses on overdrive, smothered in rich mayo dressing. And after seeing a B.L.T. being prepared, this definitely goes to my must-try list.

Hoagies' bestseller, the classic Philly's Fine Cheesesteak, ready to go.

And after a few minutes, the first of our hoagies are brought to our tables, along with a variety of potato chips and softdrinks.

The Zesty Pastrami (P 155), with generous layers of premium peppered pastrami on lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers with a sharp mustard dressing on a white hoagie. The combination of flavors and textures blend so well together, and the freshness of the ingredients make this a winner. 

Philly's Fine Cheesesteak (P 190), Hoagies' signature sandwich with tender beef strips sauteed in onions and bell peppers, generously covered in rich and creamy cheese dressing. Inspired by the classic Philadelphia classic, this one doesn't disappoint. The savory beef, the richness of the cheese and the crisp vegetables provide so much flavor in every bite, it's easy to understand why this is a bestseller at Hoagies.  

The Rebound (P 160), loaded with meatballs in in a rich marinara sauce with cheese. A classic Italian sub, the hearty marinara sauce and cheese give it a familiar flavor yet refreshingly different. Filling and comforting,  classic Italian flavors on a fresh hoagie.

The Chori Special (P 130), Hoagies' version of the popular chorizo burger, with tomatoes onions and mayo is another refreshing take on familiar flavors. The smoky and sweet chorizo is complemented by the rich mayo dressing, and the fresh tomatoes and onions provide the finishing touches. 

The classic B.L.T. (P 120), thick and tasty bacon on a bed of lettuce and tomatoes smothered with rich mayo dressing, my personal favorite. You simply can't go wrong with bacon. 

The Classic Crab (140) shredded crabstick with Japanese mayo, a great choice for vegetarians or seafood lovers. The rich creaminess of the Japanese Mayo and the crisp veggies enhance the subtle flavors the shredded crab, deliciously refreshing.

Each hoagie we tried was distinctively different, and I enjoyed each and every hoagie. But if I were to choose just one, I'd go for the B. L. T. And maybe the Philly's Fine Cheesesteak. And The Zesty Pastrami. Or The Chori Special...yup, difficult choices...

And here's the cool part. Selected sandwiches at Hoagies will be offered at the low, low introductory price of only P 88. Yup, P 88  for an 8-inch hoagie. Nice. 

Quality and freshness at affordable prices, you simple get more for less at Hoagies. Great food, great value, always a winning combination. Hungry? Check out Hoagies and get the most bang from your buck...

Hoagies is located at the Upper Ground Floor, The Annex, SM City North, Edsa corner North Avenue, North Triangle. Visit their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/HoagiesPhilippines for more information.

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