Morrow Discovers Thai Subs at Jack’s on Broadway

Eating Thai subs and making memories with my friend, Morrow, in Long Beach.

My friend Morrow loved going off the beaten path.

These beaten paths usually lead into dark and dangerous territories where I, in my ignorance, would follow. These included bike rides down dark alleys in L.A.’s very well known dangerous skid row. In fact, that’s exactly the phrase I said while on that bike ride, “This is a very well-known dangerous area!” He loved jumping off cliffs into shallow pools of water or sliding down the rocky side of a hiking trail. I personally like jumping into my bed and sliding down the cursor on my Netflix queue. Of course none of this concerned Morrow. He was an adventurer and me, wanting to be one of the cool kids, his reluctant sidekick.

One of his favorite things to do was to force me to expand my food palate. Chicken feet, snails, cow tongue. All things that would have turned my dark skin green with just the thought, before I met Morrow. I drew the line at horse though. Morrow was all about pushing the boundaries and forcing those around him to have a new experience. So, it was always brought me such joy when I could introduce Morrow to something he hadn’t experienced. But this often involved the latest TV show I was engrossed in.

There was one time that I introduced Morrow to something he hadn’t tried: Thai subs. Here is the story. My roommates had just gotten married and were away on their honeymoon. Side note: If you have never had your friend meet your roommate, move-in, and then marry your roommate, well, you’re missing out on a life. But I digress. While my roommates were away, Morrow invited himself to fill their void, deciding to spend the week at our place. I lived in Long Beach, CA and Morrow said he hadn’t really explored the area. This really meant ‘I haven’t done any dangerous things in this neighborhood yet’. The first night I made it my goal to preempt him from finding something terrible to eat.

“Umm hey why don’t we just go to the Cafe on the corner? The sandwiches are good and cheap,” I said.

“What type of sandwiches,” he asked.

“Thai.”

”Oh I don’t really eat those,” he said.

What!?! This is the guy who basically digs up and eats worms from the backyard and he’s not into Thai sandwiches! Luckily he was into being cheap so I was able to persuade him to take the 4 minute walk to Jack’s. Jack’s on Broadway is ran by the sweetest nicest husband and wife duo I have ever met. Well, Jack is really nice, his wife is usually working herself to the bone making subs and other great meals. Jack is usually in the front greeting every one with a good day and a smile. Jack’s menu is constantly changing. Their subs are always hot and fresh and they also have the best smoothies I’ve ever had. Jack also makes it a point to learn repeat visitors by name. And Lyandre is not an easy name to remember. It has THREE whole syllables! Most people’s limit is two. We ordered subs and smoothies which Jack has a mid-day special for. Of course Morrow wanted to eat at the cafe. I personally like to grab my food and run back into the darkness to consume it, the way it’s meant to be.

I got my usual, a Thai sub and a blueberry banana smoothie. I don’t remember what Morrow ordered but I’m sure it was the oddest thing on the menu. Whatever it was he enjoyed it very much. Making audible noises while he ate and loudly exclaiming, “This so good!” I could tell he was really surprised. He liked it so much that he went back home and befriended Jack on Facebook. We basically ate at Jack’s that whole week. For months afterwards Morrow would bring up Jack’s which he referred to as an Asian cafe and anytime he visited me in Long Beach he just had to go. My favorite place became our favorite place.

My friend Morrow passed away last year from cancer. I have many memories from our friendship but one of the best memories is the week we spent eating cheap subs at Jack’s on Broadway and exploring Long Beach. It was a simple and easy time made better by Jack’s great food and great hospitality.

Jack’s On Broadway
3350 E Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90803