#5: A sandwich epiphany š„Ŗ
New menu items at Room Service, Milkbread bagels (finally) & a trip to the movies
Late last night, I was snug in my bed channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw and trying to craft this weekās newsletter. However, my camera roll from the past 7 days merely included an assortment of sandwiches I ate, which isnāt very Sex in the City.
I couldnāt help but wonderā¦can sandwiches even be sexy?
Iām leaning towards they can be sensuous but not sexy. I canāt really explain why, just a feeling. Something else struck me, though, as I was swiping through my sandwich picsāI have a type.
Almost every sandwich I ordered included the same basic components of turkey, bacon, cheese, lettuce and some sort of mayonnaise-based condiment.
My initial reaction to this was disgust. Why am I only ordering one combination?! There are so many sandwiches in the sea! I was overcome with the sudden urge to go out and broaden my horizons with hot, new sandwiches.
But like I said, it was late. So, instead, I decided to lean into my sandwiches proclivities and expertise and give you a definitive ranking of three of the sandwiches I consumed last week.
#3 - Smoked Turkey Bagel ($12) from Milkbread

Reading the description of this bagel sandwich was like finding a perfect dating profile. On paper, it checked all the boxes. But in personā¦it wasnāt a match.
It saddens me to write this, but I did not enjoy this bagel sandwich. The biggest problem for me was the āblack mustardaiseā. Thereās a spicy mustard in whatever this is that was SO overpowering I couldnāt taste anything else. I say that as a person who likes spicy mustard. Respectfully, I believe it only belongs on a brat or paired with a soft pretzel.
The bagel part of this sandwich was also a swing and a miss. Maybe Iām just not a sourdough bagel girlie but these are too damn soft. The second I took a bite the bagel started flattening out and thatās not acceptable! Iām not saying I need it to be thicc but I expect a certain level of density in a good bagel.
Milkbread is on thin ice with me.
#2 - Get Ranch or Die Trying ($15) from Room Service

This is one of the new items on the Room Service menu and I will say thisā¦itās a good sandwich. Itās not going to be a sandwich you go home and think about while you fall asleep (like we all do sometimes), but itās solid.
In place of turkey, they serve it with shaved chicken. The bacon is crispy and the bread is lovely, toasted verdant sourdough. What I appreciated the most about this sandwich is that they tossed the lettuce in the ranch dressing instead of just spreading it on the bread. This move kept it from being too dry and really made the whole thing more flavorful.
Pro tip: Opt for their fries on the side instead of their house chips.
#1 - Muenster Mash ($15) from Culture Shop

I tend to love every sandwich creation from Culture Shop (theyāre true sandwich artists) but this one really slapped. It combines almost the same ingredients as the other two but it doesnāt even compare.
Hereās what set it apartāthe herbed focaccia and the toasted garlic aioli.
It cannot be overstated how much bread matters and this bread was heavenly. It was crispy on the outside and soft, and airy on the inside. The toasted garlic aioli complemented everything perfectly and didnāt overpower.
I have absolutely no notes on this sandwich, except that it should be on their menu all the time. Itās sadly a weekly special, but keep an eye out on their IG and it might come back again.
4 things I consumed in Charlotte last week


āSeeking Clarityā ($15) from Room Service. This clarified milk punch is another new menu item. It tastes like if apple pie was a cocktail but not in an overly sweet way.
āEven Fancier Caviar Serviceā ($39) from Bar Ć Vins. Served with Layās and crĆØme fraĆ®che, itās the perfect bougie bar snack. They do offer simply āFancy Caviar Serviceā but once you go even fancier, you canāt go back.
āThe Capoā Italian ($13) from Culture Shop. Bonus sandwich content! Just as proof that I do order other sandwich types, my partner and I actually split both this one and the Muenster Mash over the weekend. The Capo is my go-to order along with a side of white bean salad and a glass of sparkling wine.
A small popcorn ($4) and canned wine ($9) at Independent Picture House. We saw The Last Showgirl on Sunday night and it was great. I love movie theater popcorn so much and I love IPH so much.


Snagged a reservation at Albertine on Thursday so buckle up for my next full review.
c u next tuesday,
the hag herself
All of the food and drinks reviewed in QCH are paid for by the author. This newsletter does not feature any ads or sponsored content.
The culture shop is SO good.