By Kathy YL Chan

Andy's Sandwiches & Smoothies is a local favorite in the Manoa Valley of Honolulu, and for good reason. It's a family run business opened since 1977 where the owners know you by name, and the bread—a soft whole wheat number—is baked in-house daily. It's hard to pick a favorite among the myriad of sandwich offerings but everyone loves the Ahi Spread Sandwich ($5.85), which includes lettuce, tomatoes, slices of cheddar cheese, and mashed local avocados. The lightly salted ahi spread is housemade—imagine a tuna salad, only better. Right before the sandwich is finished with the top slice of bread, the woman behind the counter will take a plastic container (the Costco kind with a shaky lid) and sprinkle on a helping of Andy's secret spice mix. What's in it? Who knows! I can pick out paprika, pepper, and steak seasoning. The rest must be magic.

There’s a sandwich shop in Manoa called Andy’s. It’s tiny, it’s good, and just walking into the shop makes you happy. While Andy’s closes before dinner time, it’s a dandy breakfast/lunch go-to spot, and always the ideal place to pick up a meal before hiking up the nearby Manoa Falls. During weekday lunch hours you’re bound to run into Punahou students and teachers alike, along with residents in the neighborhood. Andy’s has that feel of utter and complete comfort. For previous posts on Andy’s click here and here.