In this great nation of ours, one could eat a different sandwich every day of the year—so that's what we'll do. Here's A Sandwich a Day, our daily look at sandwiches around the country. Got a sandwich we should check out? Let us know. —The Mgmt.

[Photographs: Erin Jackson]

Some sandwiches are so good, you can define your own personal history into two time periods: B.S. and A.S.—Before Sandwich and After Sandwich.

Rubicon Deli in Mission Beach has many such sandwiches. The menu includes a dozen pre-designed sandwiches, plus the option to custom-make your own, which is what I did. This one starts with soft, chewy jalapeno jack bread filled with fresh deli turkey, creamy avocado slices, jack cheese, smoky chipotle mayo, and some roughage. The resulting 'which was the perfect balance of smoky and spicy, courtesy of the bread and mayo. Custom-designed subs are $5.75 for a half-size and $7.99 for a full-size, plus a bit extra for premium toppings.

What really keeps me coming back here is the bread. Baked daily, the loaf has enough complexity and flavor by itself, but it's more of a lunch with a stack of meat and bold condiments. Other bread options include: garlic, garlic cheese, pesto, and blue cheese, plus the standard white and wheat.

Rubicon Deli

3819 Mission Boulevard, San Diego CA 92109 (map)
858-488-3354
therubicondeli.com