American Carbs

Chow Mein and Mothers-in-Law Between Bread

Maine's contribution: the lobster roll.
Maine’s contribution: the lobster roll. Photo: Hannah Whitaker/New York Magazine

We’re surprised none of the gonzo chefs in town have thought to serve a chow mein sandwich, yet it seems the noodles-hamburger-bun combo is found only in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and at Nathan’s in Coney Island. The Mother-in-Law, meanwhile, is the bizarre provenance of Chicago: a corn tamale in a hot dog bun, smothered in chili. With cousins the Horseshoe, the BLTA, and the Gerber, this Lonely Planet regional-sandwich field guide presents a motley (but delicious-sounding) carbo crew. [Lonely Planet]

Chow Mein and Mothers-in-Law Between Bread