Our Favorite Seahawks, Sandwich-ified

We love them. Their crusty edges. Their sweet and spicy insides that make them so unique and vibrant. We can always count on them in critical moments to lead us to the promised land. We’re referring to, of course, some of Seattle’s finest sandwiches.

So we thought, in honor of this Sunday’s NFC Championship game in which our Seahawks take on the Green Bay Packers, we’d take our fondness for both sandwiches and the Seahawks to a new level. I’m here to be a mad scientist and mash both of them together, throw them into a sausage maker and see what comes of it. Now, if only there were a bubble gum sandwich for Pete Carroll.

Marshawn Lynch and the Tat’s Grinder from Tat’s Delicatessen:  

It’s a little messy; as dreads fall from Lynch’s helmet, so do all the mouth-gratifying ingredients (capicola, pepper ham, Genoa salami, provolone, peppers, and option of lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion) from the Grinder’s hoagie bread. This sandwich is such an undertaking, and so desirable to others, that a few Beast Mode stiff arms are needed finish.

Also, Tat’s regimental ordering process, which depends on quick, simple replies to keep the line moving, mirrors our running back’s famously succinct interview style. “Thank you for asking, I will have it with chips.” $9.50 for an 8-inch and $13 for 12-inch (Unless you’re Lynch, an 8-inch is plenty.)

Tat’s Delicatessen, 159 Yesler Way; 206.264.8287

Russell Wilson and the Caribbean Roast at Paseo:

If you haven’t heard (weird, get out from under your rock), Paseo is open again at its Fremont location, this time under new owner Ryan Santwire.

Thus, Seattle’s most dependable sandwich is back, and since Seattle’s most dependable player is quarterback Russell Wilson, they’re meant to be. The Caribbean roast and its succulent pork, crisp romaine, caramelized onions and that oh-so secret sauce is about as tasty as a Wilson naked bootleg play-action pass to Luke Wilson in the flat. Plus, these two trusty gems have both received considerable national attention: The Caribbean roast is heralded on Yelp from people across the country and Wilson is starting to rival Peyton Manning for his amount of commercials on TV.  $8.50

Paseo, 4225 Fremont Ave. N; 206.545.7440

Kam Chancellor and the Daily Special at RoRo BBQ:

Both are savory, sweet, sometimes spicy and might punch you in the face (metaphorically of course, in regards to the sandwich). I was a bit torn whether to have this slot be Earl Thomas instead, but after Chancellor’s pick-six this past Saturday and humble interview afterwards, I’m repping him.

As stable as Chancellor is in the Legion Of Boom, RoRo’s day-to-day menu is as solid as a barbecue joint’s offerings can get. It has classics such as pulled pork and chicken, beef brisket and baby back pork ribs, but the real fun comes when it rolls out a daily special. RoRo’s tends to favor a spicier sandwich with sweet peppers, usually stuffed with over-sauced pulled pork that spills out of its sesame seed buns. Like the Seahawks defense’s many intricate blitz packages, RoRo also has six housemade barbecue sauces to help bring each day’s special over the top. Price TBD

RoRo BBQ & Grill, 3620 Stone Way N; 206.954.1100

Richard Sherman and the Rajun Cajun from The Other Coast Cafe:  

As Sherman makes his mark on opposing offenses, the Rajun Cajun was one of the first sandwiches in Seattle that made its mark on me. Both are fiery and able to make you cry for joy, (The sandwich is one of those that has enough heat to force patience between bites.) Sometimes you just have to avoid it, much like quarterbacks have to avoid throwing at Sherman. The Rajun Cajun has a bit of a masochistic side: it’s hot, but you can’t stop eating it.

Can’t finish? At least it won’t call you out on social media. #quitter $9.25 for 7-inch and $17.50 for 14-inch

The Other Coast Cafe: Ballard, 5315 Ballard Ave NW; 206.789.0936; Capitol Hill, 721 E Pike St.; 206.257.5927