Grilled Tofu Bliss: The Former Delight of Mellow Mushroom's Tofu Hoagie

I know what most of you are saying... Oh My God! Eww!! Tofu!!! But please have an open mind, bare with me and  give it a chance! Now welcome to a culinary journey where flavor meets creativity - the world of Mellow Mushroom's Grilled Tofu Hoagie As Hoagie – it was one of the most delicious Hoagies bar-none. As a vegetarian delight, this Hoagie was not only a feast for the taste buds but also a testament to the artistry that Mellow Mushroom brought to its menu.

The Bread: Mellow Mushroom's Signature Bread

At the heart of this masterpiece lies the bread - Mellow Mushroom's signature bread. Baked to perfection, it serves as the vessel for the symphony of flavors. A crispy outer layer and an inside that is wonderfully soft, creating the ideal foundation for the layers of goodness to come.

The Star: Smoky Grilled Tofu

What sat this Hoagie apart is the carefully grilled tofu, the plant-based protein that takes center stage. Teriyaki-marinated to perfection, the tofu exudes a smoky aroma that enhances its naturally mild flavor. The result was a savory, melt-in-your-mouth experience that even non-vegetarians can't resist.

The Toppings: Fresh Veggies and Creamy Sauce

As we delve deeper into the layers, we encounter a colorful array of fresh veggies. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, green peppers, mushrooms, sprouts, grill onions, and melty provolone provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory tofu. A generous dab of Mellow Mushroom's secret sauce tied everything together, adding a creamy and tangy kick that elevated the entire ensemble.

The Experience: A Symphony of Textures and Tastes

Each bite was a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The crispiness of the bread gives way to the succulent tofu, complemented by the crunch of fresh vegetables. The creamy sauce bound everything together, creating a delightful dance of flavors that lingers on the palate. Whether you enjoyed it in the ambiance of the atmosphere that is Mellow Mushroom or took it home to savoring it in private, each bite brought a taste of the Mellow Mushroom experience. Mellow Mushroom's Grilled Tofu Hoagie was a celebration of flavors, a testament to the art of vegetarian cuisine, and was a must-try for food enthusiasts seeking a delightful, meatless alternative.

Whether you're a dedicated vegetarian or a curious carnivore, this Hoagie promised a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more. So, why they decide to delete such a delight from their menu? Well as far as I can find it was eased out of their menu and replaced with the Vegan Tempeh Hoagie. At the time of this writing, I've not tried the Tempeh version, but I plan to just to see how it stacks up against the awesomeness that was Mellow Mushroom's Grilled Tofu Hoagie

A Turkey Club By Any Other Name

Occasionally, my mind drifts back to the days in my hometown of Bremen, where I used to enjoy a fantastic sub. Long before Subway or Jersey Mikes even crossed the minds of West Georgia residents, there stood a quaint burger joint just beyond Thrifttown and this side of old man Kelsey's Creek. This little gem was renowned for serving the finest burgers, chili dogs, and shakes in town.

However, sometime in the eighties, they dismantled that beloved spot and erected a Hardee's in its place. Surprisingly, this Hardee's became the unexpected home to the most exceptional turkey club sub-sandwich. Featuring turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo nestled within a multigrain sub-roll, it was a "tasty" delight that surpassed any other fast-food sandwich, a distinction that holds true even today.

Regrettably, the mystery lies in their decision to remove this delectable creation from their menu. Why such a scrumptious and beloved sandwich was taken away remains unanswered, leaving those who cherished its flavors to ponder the curious choice made by Hardee's.

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12 Fast Food Sandwiches You Will Never Eat Again, https://www.metv.com/lists/12-fast-food-sandwiches-you-will-never-eat-again

Ginger Jalapeno Wing Sauce

Ginger Jalapeno Wing Sauce

Great wing sauce or cooking sauce. I created this sauce one evening when I realized I was out of hot sauce for my hot wings.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces - ginger ale or ginger beer
• 1/4 cup - Italian dressing
• 1 tsp - Tony Chachere's Salt-Free Seasoning
• 1 tsp - garlic powder
• 1 tbsp - soy sauce
• 2 tbsp - Balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 stick butter (Optional)
• Several Jalapeno slices to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

3. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened to your liking.

Coat fried, roasted, or grilled wings with sauce. As an alternative preparation add raw wings at step 2 and cook until the sauce is thick and the chicken is done.

Note: All Poultry (breasts, whole bird, legs, thighs, wings, ground poultry, giblets, etc.) should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 °F (73.9 °C).

Yosimity's - The Little Sandwich Shop on the Corner!

Recreation of the Original Yosimity's restaurant logo (circa 1992) (left) and my updated design (2023).

What was a restaurant in a small town in the 90s, gave me the name for my new food blog. It was the best of times and the worst of times! It was a venture between my Aunt and me and some financial backing from one of my friends that allowed us to bring some great food to this little Georgia town. It started out as a sub-sandwich shop called the Bowdon Cafe, then morphed into Yosimity's (one of my nicknames) a fried chicken, hot wings, and ice cream joint before coming to its demise after a "war" with a local diner and my knee injury.

We had some great times, but it also wasn't a good time for me with getting a business off the ground, as well as deal with the loss of the woman I loved. I didn't show my best, did some things I had to apologize for, and almost lost the respect of my family. But I got through and they forgave me, but the business did not.

Anywho, fast forward twenty-something years later and I'm doing a food blog. With the Yosimity's food blog, I hope to bring you a few of my old recipes, some new ideas, and food news from the internet.

So join me in my continuing journey of food!

-Yosimity