The Day After Thanksgiving from Lola is everything you could want in a "leftover" turkey sandwich, even in the dead of summer.
There are certain undisputed kings of the sandwich world: the bánh mì, the rueben, the po' boy, the grilled cheese and others. But the absolute crowning achievement in sandwich bliss when it comes to something you can make at home is the leftover turkey sandwich, which is why the Day After Thanksgiving at Lola (1102 Yale Street) in the Heights is such a joy.
This retro-ish diner at the corner of Yale and 11th Street is owned by Delicious Concepts, the same folks who run Pink's Pizza, Ritual and, most recently, Blackbird Izakaya, among others. It's classic diner comfort food, which is why the Day After nestles perfectly into the menu (right at the very top of the sandwich board, in fact).
There are places that attempt the leftover turkey sandwich, but Lola is one of the few that truly succeeds. Even more importantly, it's not a seasonal offering. After all, you can make your own come November, but what if you want that feeling in the dead of summer?
Thick slices of roasted turkey are served with a generous helping of dressing (or stuffing, depending on what your momma called it) and cranberry sauce on a light, toasted bun. On the side is a serving of thick, brown gravy for dipping (or pouring, if you are like me). In fact, the gravy is really the key because it adds not only a hearty richness, but a balance to the rest of the drier ingredients (not the turkey, which is moist and savory).
I like to add just a squeeze of mayo to blend with the sweet and tart cranberry sauce, but it is perfectly good without. And I know how many of you feel about mayonnaise.
All put together, it really does taste like what you imagine a leftover turkey sandwich tastes like months removed from the holidays. Of course, your turkey might not be this succulent and your bread is unlikely to be this delightful. So, in fact, it's probably better if you just eat here on Black Friday this year...or any other Friday for that matter.