NFT: NJ Peeps- Fat Sandwiches?.

Can't imagine how awful if feel at my age eating those though. I think they are strictly for the 25 and under set.

Which now may be actual storefronts - haven’t been there in almost 20 years.

My favorite was the Fat Darrell - chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, marinara sauce. The Fat Cat was the most famous - two cheeseburgers, lettuce, tomato, french fries, mayo, ketchup. They used to be flagship drunk-at-2am sandwiches at Rutgers but not sure if they’re still a thing.

I wonder if this one of the northern NJ things like "Taylor Ham" and Tomato Pie. No disrespect intended .

they weren't just at the food trucks. Half the sandwich shops in town sold them.

Fat cat was first, then fat moon, then the Koko
Daryl can shortly thereafter

.

In comment 14904313 CRinCA said:

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I wonder if this one of the northern NJ things like "Taylor Ham" and Tomato Pie. No disrespect intended .

It’s a Rutgers thing but has probably become more popular throughout other parts of NJ.

And as mentioned above, the tomato pie is a Trenton thing. Papa’s, Delorenzo’s being the most famous, though they’ve since moved out of Trenton to neighboring towns.

Bunch of other schools coopted it.

Basically, there were these trucks across from a big lecture hall, and one kid had 5$ but was craving a bunch of stuff (or was stoned), so he asked the cook to put everything in one sandwich.

whatever he came up with sounded good, so the rest of the people in line behind him were like "yeah I'll have one of those also".

Turned into a Knights thing, and there became a tradition that if you could eat 3 in a half hour (I think it was 3 in a half hour), you get to make your own and name it.

So the menu kept growing with ridiculous sandwiches with ridiculous names (I was a fat knight and fat phuck guy myself IIRC).

Spread to all the other New Brunswick college kid food spots, and eventually other schools.

I definitely wouldn't call it NJ's best food though at all

In comment 14904310 10thAve said:

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Which now may be actual storefronts - haven’t been there in almost 20 years. My favorite was the Fat Darrell - chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, marinara sauce. The Fat Cat was the most famous - two cheeseburgers, lettuce, tomato, french fries, mayo, ketchup. They used to be flagship drunk-at-2am sandwiches at Rutgers but not sure if they’re still a thing.

Fat Darrell was awesome! And the trucks were definitely there up until 2013. I graduated in 2011 and lived around there till 13, I think they were moved for good in 14.

No wonder you liked punk shows, sounds like youre a fellow basement show/court tavern vet haha

In comment 14904313 CRinCA said:

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I wonder if this one of the northern NJ things like "Taylor Ham" and Tomato Pie. No disrespect intended .

Central Jersey does exist man. Above Toms River, below Union. It's a Central Jersey thing lol.

Growing up in East Brunswick and going to Rutgers, North Jersey kids said I was from South Jersey and vice versa. CNJ is def a thing

I hear you- I was only 22 when I left NJ. That said my mom lives in Toms River and some friends in the area.

In comment 14904362 Sonic Youth said:

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Bunch of other schools coopted it. Basically, there were these trucks across from a big lecture hall, and one kid had 5$ but was craving a bunch of stuff (or was stoned), so he asked the cook to put everything in one sandwich. whatever he came up with sounded good, so the rest of the people in line behind him were like "yeah I'll have one of those also". Turned into a Knights thing, and there became a tradition that if you could eat 3 in a half hour (I think it was 3 in a half hour), you get to make your own and name it.

My best friend growing up kicked for Rutgers from 01-03. He was a lineman in HS, and every time Id visit Id try to eat 3 (for some reason in my memory it was 5) for the sole purpose of renaming a sandwich the Fat Kicker. He'd laugh but Im pretty sure he was a little scared Id do it. Never even came close.

CR -- Getting Rt 18 vibes from the Toms River references haha. Honestly, I probably should have used Jackson as the start as south Jersey.

Jrud -- I think you're right, I think it was 5. I hazily remember getting past 3 and puking. Getting to 3 was doable drunk... getting to 5, you needed to be really really stoned.

In comment 14904365 Sonic Youth said:

Quote:

In comment 14904310 10thAve said: Quote: Which now may be actual storefronts - haven’t been there in almost 20 years. My favorite was the Fat Darrell - chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, marinara sauce. The Fat Cat was the most famous - two cheeseburgers, lettuce, tomato, french fries, mayo, ketchup. They used to be flagship drunk-at-2am sandwiches at Rutgers but not sure if they’re still a thing. Fat Darrell was awesome! And the trucks were definitely there up until 2013. I graduated in 2011 and lived around there till 13, I think they were moved for good in 14. No wonder you liked punk shows, sounds like youre a fellow basement show/court tavern vet haha

100%. And I agree with you on Central NJ, have been a Central NJ person my whole life.

This is a great book written about the 1990s punk/hardcore scene in New Brunswick, which definitely hit home for me. Though I’m not sure why it’s $150 on Amazon right now.
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 14904381 10thAve said:

Quote:

In comment 14904365 Sonic Youth said: Quote: In comment 14904310 10thAve said: Quote: Which now may be actual storefronts - haven’t been there in almost 20 years. My favorite was the Fat Darrell - chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, marinara sauce. The Fat Cat was the most famous - two cheeseburgers, lettuce, tomato, french fries, mayo, ketchup. They used to be flagship drunk-at-2am sandwiches at Rutgers but not sure if they’re still a thing. Fat Darrell was awesome! And the trucks were definitely there up until 2013. I graduated in 2011 and lived around there till 13, I think they were moved for good in 14. No wonder you liked punk shows, sounds like youre a fellow basement show/court tavern vet haha 100%. And I agree with you on Central NJ, have been a Central NJ person my whole life. This is a great book written about the 1990s punk/hardcore scene in New Brunswick, which definitely hit home for me. Though I’m not sure why it’s $150 on Amazon right now. Link - ( New Window )

Not sure why it's $150 either, but I've got a copy on my bookshelf already haha >:] Love that book

Check out Meet Me In the Bathroom if you haven't already, by Lizzy Goodman. Oral history of 97-07 NYC indie rock LES scene. Amazing book.

In comment 14904380 Sonic Youth said:

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CR -- Getting Rt 18 vibes from the Toms River references haha. Honestly, I probably should have used Jackson as the start as south Jersey. Jrud -- I think you're right, I think it was 5. I hazily remember getting past 3 and puking. Getting to 3 was doable drunk... getting to 5, you needed to be really really stoned.

Yeah, I mightve gotten to 3 a few times. Never did 5 though. A few years ago on my way back to Philly from seeing a band in NYC I insisted we stop off for a grease truck stop. My friends had never been. Horrible idea. The 32 year old at college is like the 25 year old at the high school party, and I was sick as hell before we made Trenton.

But they're popping up everywhere now. I've seen a few Jersey places well outside New Brunswikc specializing in them. I also saw an episode of Triple D where Turtle from Entourage opened up a Fat Sandwich place in LA. What was infuriating about that episode is that his buddy that was running the place was acting like he came up with the idea.

In comment 14904389 j_rud said:

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In comment 14904380 Sonic Youth said: Quote: CR -- Getting Rt 18 vibes from the Toms River references haha. Honestly, I probably should have used Jackson as the start as south Jersey. Jrud -- I think you're right, I think it was 5. I hazily remember getting past 3 and puking. Getting to 3 was doable drunk... getting to 5, you needed to be really really stoned. Yeah, I mightve gotten to 3 a few times. Never did 5 though. A few years ago on my way back to Philly from seeing a band in NYC I insisted we stop off for a grease truck stop. My friends had never been. Horrible idea. The 32 year old at college is like the 25 year old at the high school party, and I was sick as hell before we made Trenton.

Haha, stay to the east of George St and you won't feel that way. Some good spots there also, used to love Harvest Moon. Brew their own beer there. Give it another shot one day, just don't turn right off 18 when you hit easton -- make that left and you won't feel as old.

In comment 14904303 Zeke's Alibi said:

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Can't imagine how awful if feel at my age eating those though. I think they are strictly for the 25 and under set.

i honestly couldn't stomach them by like the second semester of my junior year

In comment 14904313 CRinCA said:

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I wonder if this one of the northern NJ things like "Taylor Ham" and Tomato Pie. No disrespect intended .

Tomato Pie is a Trenton thing.

In comment 14904319 Zeke's Alibi said:

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.

Central jersey ;)

When I was at Rutgers and when there wasn’t the bevy of grease trucks concentrated in that single parking lot. There was a solitary truck in front of Scott Hall. He was only there at night and he created the First “Fat Cat” which was a double burger with all kinds of shit on it. It was Delicious. After a while of increasing success, the rival Sunrise truck started copying it but it wasn’t the same.

Any one else remember Greasy Tony’s and the White Rose system in Highland Park.

is owned by a rutgers grad and they added "fat" sandwiches to their menu a few years back. Brought back memories when I saw them, but I'm too old (and fat) to enjoy them now.

Or did.

In comment 14904447 Justlurking said:

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In comment 14904313 CRinCA said: Quote: I wonder if this one of the northern NJ things like "Taylor Ham" and Tomato Pie. No disrespect intended . Tomato Pie is a Trenton thing.

I know that they call Pizza a Tomato Pie around Trenton, but my Grandfather from Newark (born in Italy) always called pizza Tomato Pie. Also not Trenton, but central Jersey Vic's in Bradley Beach, has a huge neon sign that says 'Tomato Pies'.
Vic's - ( New Window )

Fat cats were good followed by a Rice Krispy treats the size of a cinder block for $1.

Good times.

Hoagie Haven in Princeton still better though. Dirty Sanchez all the way

Cheesesteak and Gyro.

Born and raised in Morris County NJ since 1985 and never came across one of these

In comment 14904391 AcesUp said:

Quote:

But they're popping up everywhere now. I've seen a few Jersey places well outside New Brunswikc specializing in them. I also saw an episode of Triple D where Turtle from Entourage opened up a Fat Sandwich place in LA. What was infuriating about that episode is that his buddy that was running the place was acting like he came up with the idea.

I saw that ep also and had the same feeling.

Fat sandwiches are amazing.

circa 1983. They also had those greasy, disgusting, loaded up delicious sandwiches we ate at 2am

In comment 14904500 Route 9 said:

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Or did.

Cheggggggg oh yeah, love that spot.

Hoagie Heaven is also amazing, as the other poster said. My Dad moved to Kendall Park so when I visit him, I head a little further south just to grab a sandwich from there.

Another Rutgers favorite, although it might be too recent for some of you older guys, is Handel n Griddle. I think it opened in like 2001, or 97 or something. They had a location in Hoboken that I swore would be super successful, but closed down for some reason.

Gettin that wisful, nostalgic feeling. For all the shit I gave Rutgers at the time, it really was such an awesome time

In comment 14904381 10thAve said:

Quote:

In comment 14904365 Sonic Youth said: Quote: In comment 14904310 10thAve said: Quote: Which now may be actual storefronts - haven’t been there in almost 20 years. My favorite was the Fat Darrell - chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, marinara sauce. The Fat Cat was the most famous - two cheeseburgers, lettuce, tomato, french fries, mayo, ketchup. They used to be flagship drunk-at-2am sandwiches at Rutgers but not sure if they’re still a thing. Fat Darrell was awesome! And the trucks were definitely there up until 2013. I graduated in 2011 and lived around there till 13, I think they were moved for good in 14. No wonder you liked punk shows, sounds like youre a fellow basement show/court tavern vet haha 100%. And I agree with you on Central NJ, have been a Central NJ person my whole life. This is a great book written about the 1990s punk/hardcore scene in New Brunswick, which definitely hit home for me. Though I’m not sure why it’s $150 on Amazon right now. Link - ( New Window )

I was at Lifetime's last show (at the time), at the Troc in Philly. I didn't really know the band well at the time. I was just tagging along with some college friends from NJ.

Had my first and only Fat Sandwich. I want to say it was a Fat Elbow.
It had mozzarella sticks in it if I recall correctly.

Oh ok. The Chegg's menu item is the "The Fat Chegg" it says. It's a wrap but it does have mozzarella sticks, tenders fries all on it. I think you there's the option to alter your order into a sandwich if you want to. 

God damn, so many good memories in that building. I remember in Fall of 2004 my senior year in high school, this one genius decided that the way he was going to attack the "Ludicrous wing" challenge was all at once. Then, he spent almost an hour puking in the bathroom. 

In comment 14904489 Reb8thVA said:

Quote:

When I was at Rutgers and when there wasn’t the bevy of grease trucks concentrated in that single parking lot. There was a solitary truck in front of Scott Hall. He was only there at night and he created the First “Fat Cat” which was a double burger with all kinds of shit on it. It was Delicious. After a while of increasing success, the rival Sunrise truck started copying it but it wasn’t the same. Any one else remember Greasy Tony’s and the White Rose system in Highland Park.

Thanks for being in my generation. Mr C’s and one other truck were on College Ave. Greasy Tony’s was great. We also went to the White E
Rose the Taylor Ham and Egg and Cheese. Spoiled punks w all the Choices lol.

In comment 14904778 LauderdaleMatty said:

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In comment 14904489 Reb8thVA said: Quote: When I was at Rutgers and when there wasn’t the bevy of grease trucks concentrated in that single parking lot. There was a solitary truck in front of Scott Hall. He was only there at night and he created the First “Fat Cat” which was a double burger with all kinds of shit on it. It was Delicious. After a while of increasing success, the rival Sunrise truck started copying it but it wasn’t the same. Any one else remember Greasy Tony’s and the White Rose system in Highland Park. Thanks for being in my generation. Mr C’s and one other truck were on College Ave. Greasy Tony’s was great. We also went to the White E Rose the Taylor Ham and Egg and Cheese. Spoiled punks w all the Choices lol.

Greasy Tony's every night, and twice on Sunday

We used to go there in college around 10 years ago

And watched as a whole leaning tower pisa stack of raw steak fell over into the floor. The cook gave me a look, I asked him if mine was coming from that pile he said not if you didn't just see this pile hit the floor.

Deal made. Good times.

In comment 14904781 PatersonPlank said:

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In comment 14904778 LauderdaleMatty said: Quote: In comment 14904489 Reb8thVA said: Quote: When I was at Rutgers and when there wasn’t the bevy of grease trucks concentrated in that single parking lot. There was a solitary truck in front of Scott Hall. He was only there at night and he created the First “Fat Cat” which was a double burger with all kinds of shit on it. It was Delicious. After a while of increasing success, the rival Sunrise truck started copying it but it wasn’t the same. Any one else remember Greasy Tony’s and the White Rose system in Highland Park. Thanks for being in my generation. Mr C’s and one other truck were on College Ave. Greasy Tony’s was great. We also went to the White E Rose the Taylor Ham and Egg and Cheese. Spoiled punks w all the Choices lol. Greasy Tony's every night, and twice on Sunday

This were the days. It’s all gone now. Like I said. We had 3 choices back then. Now I look at that type of food in sin 10 pounds. Man. I’m hungry now

In comment 14904784 Sonic Youth said:

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We used to go there in college around 10 years ago

Met some guys around 5 years ago when I was up from Florida. It much of a reason to go anymore before this. Sadly it looked like B Ball team football might not be an embarrassment w Schaino back I’d like to get up there this year. Rutgers was a great experience. You don’t always realize if at the time.

In Ithaca on Cornell Campus was the Hot Truck and it put the Grease Trucks to shame.

Only opened 10 pm thru the night

As the story goes Bob sold his recipe to Stouffers French Bread pizza, this stuff was so good
Hot Truck Menu - ( New Window )

In comment 14904313 CRinCA said:

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I wonder if this one of the northern NJ things like "Taylor Ham" and Tomato Pie. No disrespect intended .

It’s a Rutgers thing as others said. Wtf Is tomato pie?

In comment 14905033 cokeduplt said:

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In comment 14904313 CRinCA said: Quote: I wonder if this one of the northern NJ things like "Taylor Ham" and Tomato Pie. No disrespect intended . It’s a Rutgers thing as others said. Wtf Is tomato pie?

Tomato pie is NOT a North Jersey thing. It is a Trenton thing. Now depending on who you talk too, I have heard Trenton classified as North Jersey, Central Jersey, and South Jersey. Living in the area, I'd consider it Central Jersey (right on the border with South Jersey though). But the massive confusion is probably why some people claim Central Jersey does not exist.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trenton_tomato_pie - ( New Window )

In comment 14905185 Scyber said:

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In comment 14905033 cokeduplt said: Quote: In comment 14904313 CRinCA said: Quote: I wonder if this one of the northern NJ things like "Taylor Ham" and Tomato Pie. No disrespect intended . It’s a Rutgers thing as others said. Wtf Is tomato pie? Tomato pie is NOT a North Jersey thing. It is a Trenton thing. Now depending on who you talk too, I have heard Trenton classified as North Jersey, Central Jersey, and South Jersey. Living in the area, I'd consider it Central Jersey (right on the border with South Jersey though). But the massive confusion is probably why some people claim Central Jersey does not exist. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trenton_tomato_pie - ( New Window )

Its Central to me.

but the take out Chinese restaurant in Busch Campus center building was the best.

Oh and Cluck U on New Brunswick back in the day, that's where Cluck U started.

For the first time in months. This thread inspired me to take a detour into New Brunswick on the way back. Got an old college favorite of mine - PJ's breaded chicken chipotle panini - and damn, it felt so good to be on Easton Ave.

I said this before, but I said it again... as much as we bitched about the RU screw, having to take busses, or bars that actually carded (at least when I was there), I fucking love my school. NJ is a crazy diverse place, not just in terms of race/religion/ethnicity/orientation, but more importantly, in terms of the subcultures and interests. And I love how Rutgers was a microcosm of that. Miss those days.

is a Utica NY thing - I don't know how it got to Trenton

First time I heard of it was when I moved to the Philadelphia area. I would describe it as sicilian pizza without cheese on it besides parmesan. Definitely not what tomato pie in Trenton is.