21 Reviews of A Real Maine "Italian"

From: Lorac

On Sep 4, 2003

Excellent! I made these for dinner last night. I was going to give the sandwiches a "very good 4 star" rating until I woke up today wanting another "Italian". Then DH called and asked if we could have them again for tonight's dinner! We are not even from Maine - yet are addicted to the flavor combinations and crunch of the pickles. I made them as directed and would not change anything.

From: evelyn/athens

On Jul 25, 2003

wonderful-tasting sandwich. A lot of interesting flavours that all worked well together. Something good in every bite.

From: Julie B's Hive

On Jun 9, 2007

The Italian is Maine's signature sandwich making it's first appearance in Portland almost 100 years ago (or so it is said). The original was on a long, soft bread and salami was the the choice of meat. When my hubby and I dated back in the 50s we'd stand in line just to get in the door. Thanks Kim, you've not only given us a good recipe (red wine vinegar, I don't remember but it's a nice addition) but you've made me remember my teen dating years.

From: KelBel

On Oct 20, 2006

Hey, I live in Maine and this is a Real Maine Italian. All the ingredients that Amato's uses. Always use red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Thanks Kim!

From: Lainey6605

On Oct 2, 2007

I knew I'd love this sandwich and it did not disappoint! A great combination of meat, cheese and vegetables. I will make again! Congrats on your win, Kim127!

From: Mimi in Maine

On May 20, 2007

I live in Maine and we have been buying these forever. I just wrote a review for these saying that I, too, did not know where the name came from, and then proceeded to read the rest of the reviews. I did not know that Amato's in the Old Port once served the Italian immigrants these sandwiches and they were originator of them. They are very, very good even though the ingredients don't seem to fit together. A good Italian sandwich should get a rating of 10. I live outside of Augusta and I am going to check to see if there is an Amato's there, and if so, I will go and get an original one and see how it rates with the rest of them. Kim, I am so glad that you thought of posting these. Now people will be able to get a taste of our "state sandwich" and get a picture of the general store or sandwich shop that makes them. I don't know any other state that makes "Italians". EDITED NOTE: I did go to Amatos in Augusta and got an Italian Sandwich and they are delicious. They looked like a photo when we opened it up and tasted as good as it looked. Yummy!

From: Linda's Busy Kitchen

On Dec 11, 2007

I have had these many times and they are AWESOME! The originals were with American cheese, but any cheese is good. I remember having them with black olives, but they weren't the Greek olives. I also don't remember it to be with red wine vinegar, but I am sure it gives the sandwich great flavor! I can remember eating these dry without anything on them and still being great! Thanks for posting this recipe Kim.... Linda

From: Wildflower5656

On Jan 31, 2008

I grew up in Maine, and whenever I want a little taste of home, I dig into one of these delicious sandwiches. This is exactly the way we used to buy them at the pizza shed, and this is exactly how I make them now (except, always with black olives instead of the greek). Thanks for sharing a great sub!

From: Samantha #3

On Jan 10, 2006

Called Italians because the first Amato's on India St. in the Old Port (in Portland, ME) served them to Italian immigrants working on the docks and boats. Amato's invented this sandwich, originally with salami and provolone, they contain their special VERY SOUR (not dill) pickles, and I have not found any outside of Maine like them, all others have a higher water content and dill. In Maine they do not add vinegar to the sandwiches, just a vegetable oil/olive oil blend, but to get the flavor you will probably need to add vinegar, as I have only found pickles that sour in grocery store delis and Amato's in Maine. I have looked everywhere and resorted to having my mom send me a jar of Amato's pickles every few months.

From: Chef #442636

On Mar 18, 2007

This was awesome!! Just so you know, olive oil, red wine vinegar and greek olives are used a lot in italian cooking.