Welcome to the most approachable part of Creative Loafing's 100 Dishes List. ... sandwiches, burgers, and buns! (If you are just tuning in to my blog recently, here is a way to catch up on past posts about what I noshed on off of "The List!") I've plowed through eight of the fourteen items on this part of the list, and, while so far there's nothing terribly adventurous here, there's still lots of fun to be had. For those of you who can't make it through this entire post, go to the bottom to my favorite finds at Holy Taco and Star Provisions. In the meantime, thanks for the emails telling me that you are joining in on some of these...and checking off your own list. You all make me hungry!! Enjoy!

Appache Style burger @ Grindhouse (no picture) – In the interest of full disclosure, I have been permanently scarred by growing up in Southern California and eating In-N-Out burgers any time I want. That’s not to say that other burgers can’t please my palette, but just that I’m a very tough sell in the burger department. If I’m consuming as many calories as there are in a typical hamburger, I durn-well want it to be worth it. The burger either has to be unique, off-the-chart delicious, or low cal. Unrealistic? Perhaps. Did the Appache style burger at Grindhouse do it for me? Not even close. The burger was on the greasier side - the toppings were fine - the experience was adequate. I should have ordered the onion rings to get a full feel for the place. Onion rings make every main course taste better, methinks.

Burger & Fries @ Bocado – Eating a burger at Bocado was fun because it was: #1 smaller than your average burger (if you like big portions, then this would be a negative...if you like smaller hips, it would be a positive); #2 the herb fries were ahhhmazing; and, #3--if you go with someone who orders the Fried Chicken Sandwich who will split it with you – well, you win BIG time. If this were MY list to create, I’d go straight for the Fried Chicken Sandwich, which is made with a spicy Asian glaze, slaw, and eggplant. I like unique.

Jalapeno Focaccia @ Highland Bakery (no picture)– Carbs with a little spice? Yes please! When I went to the bakery, they didn’t have any sandwiches made on the focaccia that day. I was “forced” to buy a loaf and take it home. If that happens to you, go ahead and make the investment. It’s completely worth it.

Lamb Sandwich @ Artisan Foods Bakery – This bakery is just north of Roswell Square and it’s a little tough to find. The sandwich is great (#3 for me in this section), but what’s incredible is that as a “side” selection, they offer berries with Crème fraiche ! Pardon my surprise, but I’ve never seen a bakery with such a wonderful choice of a side item. If the sandwich wasn’t already worth the drive, the berries were. Maybe they'll make some lemon curd and serve it with scones. Be still my heart!! (Big ups to my hubby who went with me, ordered the lamb sandwich as well, and rocked a kickin' Yoo-hoo shirt to boot, as seen in the pic - his only miss was not getting the berries #fail).

Original Philly Cheesesteak @ Roys Cheesesteak – This was my first foray into the land of cheesesteak. I know that I’m late to the party (especially to my friends on the northwest side of Atlanta or northeast side of the U.S.), but it was delicious. I could hear my arteries clogging as I ate, so I will likely not indulge very often, but when I am over in Smryna, it will be awfully tempting. However, if you keep a better exercise regime than I do (which is a very low bar!), then it’s worth checking out Roys. Don't expect much in terms of atmosphere (the photo tells the story). Sparse rules the day!

Reuben Panini @ Wienerz Butcher Shop & Deli in Marietta - This shop isn’t messing around when it comes to meat or its homemade recipes. I went to Wienerz on Columbus Day since there’s no way I could get there during normal lunch hour. The gentleman behind the counter wanted to know why I would take a picture of my sandwich (a fair question). When I explained about my eating adventure, he pulled up a chair and went into elaborate detail about how many of their dishes are made. Apparently their chili is somethin’ special -- and they only make it once a month. It was a thoroughly entertaining meal. The only down side – I should have only eaten half of the sandwich – it’s enormous. I completely understand why it made the list, but unless you're going to be in the area, I'm not sure I'd take a vacation day to get there.

Short Rib Sandwich @ Holy Taco in East Atlanta – I enjoyed everything about the evening at Holy Taco. It was a perfect Southern California night (in Georgia ... cool, breezy, low-humidty). We only have a few evenings like that in Atlanta every summer. The weather was great; the guacamole was legit; and the chips were homemade. The sandwich was yummy, but I was so distracted by the chips, I should probably go back just to be sure it was as fantastic as I remember. It was so good, it lulled my daughter into a peaceful slumber after a fun day of activity and a bellyful of cheese quesadilla.

Shrimp Po-boy @Star Provisions – Full disclosure (again!). If a menu has twenty featured items, I’d typically pick a Po-boy as number eighteen or nineteen. A big roll packed with meat just isn’t usually my thing. However, I was meeting Lindsay there specifically to knock this off of the list so I put my gameface (and fat jeans) on to get after it. I realize now how I’ve misjudged the potential of a Po-boy. (Please forgive me, PB!) Of course, Star Provisions gets almost every dish right, and this one was no exception. The line at Tacqueria del Sol isn't as much of a bummer when Star Provisions is across the parking lot and ready to welcome me right in. Absolutely LOVED THIS SANDWICH!! It didn’t hurt that their side dishes are incredible too. The dish on the left is a falafel sandwich; it was yummy, but it was caught in the shadow of the Po-boy.

A side note on this section - apparently the "Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich" at P'Cheen is only available on Mondays. So plan accordingly.

Until next Saturday's List installment - happy eating!!

The List - Sandwiches, Burgers, and Buns