The Italian Store: "The Best Little sandwich/sub shop" Arlington Restaurant Tip by zanzooni

This little store is in North Arlington, just a hop, skip and jump away from Rosslyn, and DC. It's one of my favorite stops to take tourists and newcomer's to Metro DC. It's always crowded, as the food is wonderful, "everyone" knows about it, and Sandra Bullock grew up in this neighborhood and went to school with the owner's son. There is a photo of them on the wall next to the cash register inside the front door, to the left of the meat case. The store opened in 1980, and it's still going strong. The owner was born in NYC to parents from Calabria and Civitavecchia, Italy. There's plenty of Italian food to buy..smoked mortadella, speck, my favorite- cannoli stuffed with ricotta, and of course there's Italian coffee, wine and beer as well. I've been there when there's Italian pottery to buy as well:dishes, plates, cappuccino cups and saucers, etc. They also sell NY style pizza, and Calzones, but I've yet to try them. I saw many people buying them, it all looked good, but I have to have the subs.

Favorite Dish: I come and eat the subs. Why?? The subs are packed with imported Italian meat, which is the best. You can buy a large sub for $7.99, and a small for $6.99. Soft or hard roll. My newest favorite:"The Roma": The Italian favorite, dry cured prosciutto ham, lightly smoked mortadella, genoa salami and
provolone cheese. Your choices: tomato, lettuce, hot or sweet peppers-these are truly sweet peppers, I love them!, onions, pickles, black olives/green olives, mayo, oil and vinegar, oregano, fresh cut basil-I watched the young man cut up the basil and add it to my sub.

They also do wine tastings on Saturdays, at this point in time.

Address: 3123 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22201
Comparison: least expensive
Directions: Off of I-66 at exit 72 for Lee Highway, toward Spout Run. Turn right at Lee Hwy/US-29 (signs for Spout Run Pkwy) Make a U-turn at N Kirkwood Rd
Destination will be on the right-There's a CVS that one can see from 66, and at the end of the exit.
Phone: 703-528-6266
Price: less than US$10
Rating: 5
Theme: Italian
Website: http://www.italianstore.com