Freedman's Jersey Shore Pork Roll Egg and Cheese

When I'm down the shore and it's raining, I like to head over to Freedman's bakery in Belmar. The old-school awning captures the pitter patter of raindrops, the 70s vintage booths bring you back to a simpler time, and the coffee can't be beat. Today I indulged in chocolate-raspberry brew with half and half. Yes, another fine institution allowing me to consume fat in the liquid form. This already allows me to give one thumb up.

The real reason though, that I head to Freedman's, is because when you're in Jersey, you have to get down and dirty with your food. For me, this normally means sitting at the Parker House dissecting a lobster with my bare hands (one of my all-time favorite pastimes), but in the late fall, it means splattering ketchup all over some greasy pork roll, fried egg, and melted American cheese squares.

Let's start with the roll. The roll is the ideal sandwich foundation. It doesn't get soggy, it's easy to grip, and it's large enough to house all your sandwich condiments. Freedman's is a bakery, so the rolls are always fresh and soft. Next, add some grease-laden pork roll. For those of you outside of Jersey, this is taylor ham. Still don't know what I'm talking about? Ask anyone from Jersey... it's one of the food groups. Usually round, kind of looks like a cross between spam and bologna. Salty and satisfying. Next, add a fried egg right off the grill. Edges all crispy from excessive amounts of butter... Mmm. Then, top it off with some good old-fashioned American cheese. If any state does it all-American, it's Jersey. Add some ketchup for good measure, and consume your heart attack on a roll, using the excuse that it's cold and rainy and there's a Nor'easter outside, so you might as well pack on a few pounds to stay warm. Clog those arteries, grab a newspaper, and know that you won't need an umbrella when you head back outside, because the rain will slide right off your greasy skin.