Potato Chips

*Post by Mark.

Formerly a wine shop, Potato Chips has been open since 2009, as a side project of local restauranteur Steven Arroyo who owns the neighboring Cobras & Matadors. Gone is Bicentennial 13, (a favorite to those purchasing Spanish wines to enjoy next door due to Cobras & Matadors' free corkage policy) and in its place is a no-frills sandwich shop, where you can enjoy a classic deli sandwich and a cold beer in the relaxing ambience where simplicity reins king in both the menu and throwback decor.

For me, the name quickly begs the question, why is it called Potato Chips? Certainly, you can purchase potato chips inside... buuuuut, they're generic and bagged, unremarkably, like any other sandwich shop in town. Don't be fooled, Melrose Avenue, the potato chips are not made in house, nor are they offered complimentary with the meal. Instead, diners will find an eclectic assortment of sides and add-ons. I passed on the hummus and tabbouleh and went for the fingerling potatoes. Served at room temperature, the sliced potatoes were delightful, lightly coated in a green, pesto-like sauce. Yet, somehow, I don't suppose 'Fingerling Potatoes' would have the same marketing appeal as the current storefront signage. 

Sandwich options are streamlined but successful. For my sandwich I ordered the Italian (below), loaded up with Soprassata, Capicola, Salami, Mortadella, Provolone, Shredded Iceberg, Tomato, Pickle, and Hots before it's finished off with a little oil and vinegar. The Italian maintains a nice vegetable-to-meat ratio, while fitting nicely between two halves of a fluffy sesame roll. 

Those not wanting to drop ten bucks on a sandwich should take the prices into consideration before popping in for lunch, but those willing to part with the cash should find their troubles compensated with quality ingredients.

Comments

[Debb]

By leaving DC, you are finally able to eat good sammiches! Yay! Adios Pot Bellies is the-best-we-had-to-offer.

[Trina]

Y-U-M!!!!!!!!

This requires a meeting for lunch on a Saturday afternoon!

[Angela]

Yes, definitely. Let's put it on the books, maybe next weekend?