Sandwich King

Jeff's friend Paula from Danny's Cafe makes his all-time favorite Italian-style sandwich: The fried meatball hero.

Jeff's heading to the Palace Grill to get the scoop on a couple of classics from his friend George.

During Jeff's formative years as a Sandwich Prince, he worked at a deli working the meat slicer; his constant companions were corned beef, pastrami and lots of fresh rye bread.

Sandwiches can be a lot of things-but dessert?? Jeff definitely thinks so, and he heads to innovative pastry shop Sugar Fixe to prove it.

There's one thing all sandwiches have in common: bread. Whether white or wheat, roll or hero - good bread is essential for a good sandwich.

Jeff works the griddle getting Chef Marcello's secrets and heads home to break out his own version. Then he takes the day-for-night inspiration even further and makes a sandwich as delicious as it is audacious: fried chicken between a pair of waffles.

Jeff's first kitchen inspiration came at the knee of his father, Gus, proving once and for all that Sandwich Kings aren't made, they're born.

America is a land of sandwiches: We love the classics and can be fiercely protective of the way they're built. Jeff respects the great sandwiches too, but that doesn't mean he's not going to tinker from time to time.

Sandwiches usually get a bad rap as waistline enhancers, but Jeff's out to change that perception with a little help from friends Greg O'Neill and Ken Miller at Chicago sandwich shop Pastoral.

Burgers hold a very special place in the Sandwich King's foodie heart. Especially the way Jeff's friend Eddie makes them at his beloved lunch-only spot, Edzo's.

One of the reasons sandwiches are so popular is because they're so portable. And the pocket sandwich travels easiest of all.

Being the Sandwich King is a full-time job, and doesn't always leave Jeff time for romantic moments with his wife, Sarah.

You can't talk about Chicago barbecue without mentioning Russell's, and this iconic spot figures prominently in Jeff's food biography as well.