From “On Becoming Us”–When we were teenagers, one of our favorite pastimes was going to Argento’s deli around the corner and getting lunch. We picked out a loaf of Italian bread and asked Mr. Argento to make a sandwich for us. This was probably the beginning of the “foot long” hoagie, only, we didn’t know it.

We selected cold cuts to put on the bread and Mr. Argento cut it into four sandwiches. We had a specific way we wanted our sandwich made. Not the typical way, but it was our way—it was our Italian Hoagie. The order of stuff was important.

In case you are wondering about the order, here it is:

1. Take a loaf of Italian bread (about 6” x 18”) and cut lengthwise but do not detach.
2. Add a thin layer of provolone cheese on the inside of both sides of the bread so when you bite into the sandwich, the provolone cheese  touches the roof of your mouth.
3. Add a thin layer of Italian ham
4. Add a thin layer of Genoa salami
5. Add a thin layer of lean capicola-it has to be lean!
6. Add a layer of slivered black olives
7. Add a layer of torn romaine lettuce
8. Add a  generous sprinkling of oregano on the lettuce
9. And, finally, add a little extra-virgin olive oil.
10. Fold the two pieces of bread and cut it into four sandwiches.

We sat on the porch and ate our sandwiches. During these lunches came some of the most interesting philosophical discussions about love, life and our future.