Giorgiana's - South End

I love Italian subs. I am partially Italian, which is great--and might have something to do with my proclivity for the classic sub of salami, ham, provolone cheese, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, oil, hot peppers--you get the point. The fact is that every deli has their own Italian and their own interpretation.

Sure, Giorgiana's is a Greek place, but let me tell you this: the Greek ex-pat owner must have taken a detour to the boot-shaped peninsula before ending up in Boston's wonderful South End. As you can see, the sub is overflowing with goodies. The bread is hearty and chewy, great for those of us blessed with flesh-ripping canines and the equilibrium of meats, cheese, and assorted toppings pushes the limit without exceeding it. Not bad for $7 and some change. I opted to take my prize back to my lair, but you really should take a seat outside the quaint delicatessen/convenience store that looks out onto Tremont St. with the BCA, Cyclorama, and new Beehive right across the street.

They even have a small wine cellar that stocks some unfamiliar Greek wines--I've tried a couple and as a strict beer drinker I had to admit that they were smooth and enjoyable. The pictured combo: sub, bottle of merlot, and large bag of chips came to a cool $21.

This is the sort of place that allows me to claim that the South End has the best corner stores in Boston . . . just remember to enunciate your order most of the employees aren't native English-speakers.

532 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116, (617) 542-0101