SPRINGFIELD – This week, I join my fellow news staff for week four featuring Milano Importing’s sandwiches.

When I was invited to take a day trip to downtown Springfield to enjoy a sandwich with my coworkers who have quickly become my friends, I of course accepted. Growing up in Springfield, I, oddly, had not heard of Milano Importing. I was curious to see if I had missed a gem nestled downtown all these years.

There are two key components that draw me to a food item typically, though they may be strangely specific: maple and honey mustard. Having a sweet and tangy element to lunch makes for the perfect meal to me. That’s what instantly drew me to Milano’s “She’s Sweet.”

“She’s Sweet” is a maple ham, maple turkey, swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and honey mustard sandwich. I enjoyed mine on a bulkie roll.

To be honest, I’m not a huge sandwich eater. For someone who likes to cook and bake, I always feel like I am cheating when I make a simple sandwich. After trying the “She’s Sweet” sandwich, I realized I’m not cheating; I’m just not putting enough time into making an amazing sandwich. It’s evident that Milano’s Importing is.

The honey mustard blended in perfect harmony with the maple flavoring of the ham and turkey. I don’t enjoy too much lettuce on a sandwich, and this wasn’t a problem for this one. There was just the right amount of lettuce and tomato garnishing it.

The sandwich was packed with meat and cheese, making it a satisfying option for a big appetite.

I did in fact miss a gem by overlooking Milano’s Importing during my time as a Springfield resident. I am rethinking the idea of sandwiches after seeing their full potential. I can’t wait to try out some of the other options on the menu in the future.