Have you ever pondered the uncanny resemblance between a submarine sandwich roll and a colossal pickle? The innovative minds at Jimmy John’s certainly did, and this realization has culminated in a culinary creation for the ages: “The Picklewich.” For a limited time, until November 14th, we exist in a reality where sandwiches are reimagined, breadless and boldly pickled. As a seasoned food reviewer from johnchen.net, I took on the briny challenge of sampling this sodium-packed novelty, for the benefit of all sandwich enthusiasts, regardless of their proximity to a Jimmy John’s.
As someone who deeply appreciates both pickles and sandwiches, the concept of substituting bread with an enormous pickle seemed like a daring leap, even for my adventurous palate. Would the pickle flavor overpower everything else? Could the fillings truly shine through? And more importantly, could one consume this in public with any semblance of decorum?
Driven by journalistic curiosity and a love for all things pickled, I ventured to Jimmy John’s the moment the Picklewich was launched. Here’s my take on this intriguing creation.
Unpacking the Jimmy John’s Picklewich
The name itself is quite self-explanatory: pickle + sandwich = Picklewich. This limited-edition offering from Jimmy John’s replaces their signature freshly baked French bread with a substantial dill pickle, ingeniously sliced lengthwise to cradle the usual sandwich fillings – meat, cheese, and condiments.
According to Jimmy John’s official website, the initial rollout featured two distinct Picklewich options: the Vito Picklewich, loaded with salami, capocollo, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, oil, vinegar, and oregano-basil; and the Turkey Picklewich, featuring turkey, provolone cheese, lettuce, and tomato. However, upon ordering in person, the friendly staff informed me of an exciting possibility – any Jimmy John’s sub could be transformed into a Picklewich. This unexpected flexibility was a welcome surprise, hinting at a truly customizable pickle experience.
Taste Test: Is the Jimmy John’s Picklewich a Culinary Triumph?
Jimmy John's Cuban Picklewich
Opting for a bolder flavor profile, I requested the Jimmy John’s team to “Picklewich-ify” the Cubano. This variation typically includes bacon, ham, provolone, mayo, mustard, and, crucially, sliced pickles. I admired their willingness to experiment with a pickle-on-pickle concept, but, predictably, this proved to be a pickle overload. After just one bite, I had to remove the standard sliced pickles, salvaging them for later enjoyment.
Regrettably, even without the extra pickle slices, the dominant flavor was still overwhelmingly pickle. This experience highlighted a crucial role of bread in sandwiches: it’s not merely a vessel for fillings, but the binding element that harmonizes diverse flavors. Bread acts as a neutral canvas, allowing the interplay between pickles and ham, for instance, to be balanced and enjoyable. Without bread, the intense sodium from the whole pickle took center stage, eclipsing all other flavors and leaving my taste buds in a state of salty confusion.
While my experience suggests the Picklewich falters as a traditional sandwich replacement, it undeniably succeeds as a fast-food novelty. It’s a conversation starter, a daring culinary experiment, and potentially a fun, albeit intense, snack to share among pickle aficionados – provided they are in good health and appreciate a significant sodium punch.
Picklewich Limited Run and Pickle Mania
The Jimmy John’s Picklewich is currently available at all participating locations and will remain on the menu until November 14th. For those who appreciate the pickle flavor but might find the Picklewich a bit too adventurous, Jimmy John’s has also reintroduced their pickle-flavored potato chips. It seems Jimmy John’s is fully embracing the pickle craze, offering a spectrum of pickled delights for every level of pickle enthusiasm. If you’re seeking a unique fast-food experience and love pickles, the Jimmy John’s Picklewich is certainly worth considering – or at least, worth talking about.
