Whenever I play golf up in Oxford I try to sneak off the route home and head to Gaetano’s for a hero. One of the reason I like this place is they do not call a hero a wedge. After playing through some horrible wedge shots, the last thing I want is a reminder when I am about to order a great sandwich. Call it a sub, call it a hero, just do not call it a wedge.

The tone of the entire menu is Italian…from the Arthur Avenue bread (from Addeo’s Bakery) to the ingredients. This is sub shop with Breseola, prosciutto, mozzarella (made fresh daily), cappicola, sopressata and pepperoni throughout the combinations. Most sandwiches are for the hearty appetites, but if you are looking to keep the calories at a minimum, choose the SOPHIA LOREN “for a beautiful figure,” with roasted turkey and Swiss Lorraine cheese. When I am hungrier I choose the MECOMAN with sweet sopressata, ham cappicola, pepperoni, smoked mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, portabella, mushrooms and balsamic vinegar. This is a full two handed sandwich and requires complete concentration. This sandwich is flavor heaven. When I am in the mood for some chicken I choose the KOVAC’S SPECIAL, which includes a chicken cutlet, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers and broccoli rabe. I am not a fan of rabe, so I normally ask for this to be excluded, but be careful so you do not get “that look.”

If you want a great hot sub (called hot oven grinders in CT) go for the SAUSAGE & PEPPERS or the EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA. Both of these are full of great Arthur Avenue flavors. Again, two hands are required.

Gaetano’s reminds me of the subs from my childhood in NJ, full of great meats and cheeses for a sub, and great hot choices for the heros.