I feel like a nerd writing about a trip to a fast food chain in Rome. But when you live so far away from things that used to be in your everyday life, experiencing them in your new one feels really…nice. I used to eat at Subway all the time, so finding this lonely store, on a random street corner when I wasn’t looking for it came as a pleasant surprise. I ate there three times last week! It was sooooo good. Maybe I am feeling a bit homesick? Or I am struggling with hammering out my “Italian self”. I don’t know, but for some reason a footlong sub (well, 3) made me feel better this week. As for the store, it was almost identical to the Subways in the states, but was cleaner and styled a little cuter. They carry all the normal sandwiches (Meatballs!) and the only differences I noticed was there weren’t as many breads to choose from, the soda is in cans, and they don’t toast the sandwiches. Everything else was the same, even the soups, cookies and the point cards. They even had Ranch dressing! It was also eerily quite inside. The staff was really nice, but on all 3 visits there was no one else inside. I think it is more of a lunch time place, as I went during the night around 9pm. Surprisingly it has been open for 2 years! I am glad found it, though I still think the Italian owned Orfeo: Re della Notte is the best sandwich shop in Rome (you can put mashed potatoes on your sandwich!) There are a few Subways scattered in Italy: Sicily, Naples, Vincenza, Milano, and a few other places.
Is there one near you? Does stumbling upon little reminders of your old life help you? Am I weird?
Jessica, Love your blog, been reading since you started hubby and I are headed to Rome in May, would love some tips, would you email me please , outlooks not working, try tannylynn@centurytel.net–thanks
I imagine it is more of a lunch time place. One in Naples??! That one must be hiding too. I’ve never seen it.
Subway is not so big in Australia (well who knows as I have not lived there for so long…however it WAS not so big.) I am however happy that you have found one and it is not wierd that this makes you happy! When I was in Portugal the supermarket sold cadbury chocolate (do you have them in the states? I assume yes?) Anyway I LOVE chocolate and the Italian choc is not so sweet, so I was soooo happy when I found this in the supermarket I used to go to the shop all the time just to by the chocolate and nothing else!
P:S Looking forward to meeting you - it will be fun! Also I am not so far from Bologna as live on the blue metro line so if it is easier for you we can meet there, or in the day time or night or whatever!
I generally feel a bit sad when I see a big franchise in another country. You see, I used to own my own coffeehouse/restaurant and know firsthand how hard it is to run a ‘mom and pop’ joint in the states, and what happens when a Starbucks opens next door.
On the other hand, I hadn’t thought of the value of a franchise for appeasing one’s homesickness! Glad it’s making you happy. (Although bummer about the soda in cans. I always like to make myself a ‘graveyard’ when I go to Subway!)
I used to work at a Subway here is the US. Once I worked there and saw how and what was in some of the sandwiches….I decided I wouldn’t eat there again
Glad it satisfied you….body and soul!!!!
I TOTALLY understand how you feel! About 5-6 ago, Dunkin Donuts opened in Rome, and I was thrilllllllllllllllled. Sadly, they went out of business after a few years but I stuffed my face with donuts while I could, and I’d do it again if they ever re-opened in Rome!
Hi there –
Thanks for your post on my blog! Your blog is lovely — I linked to you — is that okay?
Re Subway — when I lived in Beijing, my (expat) officemates and I would get subway about once a week. My favorite was the six-inch veggie with extra cheese… it was JUST like the States, except they would deliver straight to our office. After every Subway lunch we would vow never to eat there again (I was always hungry about an hour later). But lo and behold, the next week, we’d be on the phone again, ordering our subway. I always thought it was funny that we learned the Chinese words for our favorite subs.
No Subway in Copenhagen but they have similar restaurant, which is not very good. The sub is dry and tasteless. I was homesick when I was in DK for 3 weeks.
I remember the Dunkin Donuts that Romerican is talking about… near the Trevi Fountain (there was also one at Termini… not sure if that’s there anymore) I went once and the coffee and bagel I ordered was BLAH! didn’t have any donuts though. A little bit of home is always nice.