What: The Michael’s sandwich
Where: Mr. B’s Subs, 74600 Highway 111, Suite F, Palm Desert
How much: $13.99
Contact: 760-341-3553; mrbssubs.com
Why: The jalapeno cilantro pesto.
In recent years, Suite F in the Palm Desert shopping center at Highway 111 and Deep Canyon Road has been home to three different sandwich shops. First it was Togo’s; then it was Duke’s Deli; now it’s Mr. B’s Subs (even though the large Duke’s Deli sign remained up as of this writing).
Does Mr. B’s have what it takes to succeed? I’d say the jury’s still out on that one.
On the concerning side: When we were dining there during the noon hour on a recent Saturday, we were among a mere handful of customers. On the encouraging side: My sandwich was pretty darned fantastic.
Mr. B’s offers a variety of sandwiches (as well as breakfasts, burritos and tacos), and I asked the woman behind the counter about her favorite; she recommended “Michael’s” sandwich, with turkey breast, provolone, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion and jalapeno cilantro pesto, all on toasted sourdough. Except for one ingredient, it all sounds pretty typical—and it’s that one atypical ingredient that makes this sandwich great.
The jalapeno cilantro pesto adds freshness and brightness that complements the saltiness of the bacon. The subtle heat makes the turkey somehow taste better. Thanks to the pesto, each bite offers a delightful variety of flavors and textures.
All of Mr. B’s “customer favorite” and “signature” sandwiches are $13.99, and they come in just one size; if you want to design your own sandwich (with up to three proteins and two cheeses), you’ll pay a buck more. Each sandwich comes with a choice of potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw or baked potato wedges; I got the potato salad, and it was satisfactory.
Because of that one sandwich ingredient, I’ll be back. Hooray for jalapeno cilantro pesto!