Metro Diner's BLT: So nice we named it twice
Metro Diner’s BLT is not your average BLT – it’s piled high with TWO LAYERS of bacon, separated by a toasted piece of white bread. Yes, that’s three slices of bread holding together a load of bacon plus lettuce, tomato, and mayo. It’s a “Big A** Sandwich” according to it’s namesake, Mike.
Today, if you’re looking for the Big Mike BLT, you’ll find it under a different name: the Double Decker BLT. But more on that later…
Who the heck is “Mike” of Metro’s Big Mike BLT?
A big man hungry for a big sandwich.
As Jacksonville locals, Mike Italia and his wife Shannon ate at the original Metro Diner 5 days a week. One day, Big Mike was craving a classic BLT but was hungry for *more.* He asked Chef and Metro Diner Founder, Mark Davoli, for a BLT but in a “big man size.”
“Big Mike” was not an ironic nickname; in fact, he stood 6’8 to be exact. So, Mark took one look (up) at that towering, hungry man and decided to make him a towering, double decker BLT. When Mark put the Double Decker in front of Big Mike, the hungry man exclaimed “That’s a Big A** BLT!”
For months, when Big Mike and Shannon came in, Big Mike would ask for a “Big A** BLT.” Every server and cook knew exactly what he meant. By the time Metro’s twist on the classic sandwich made it to the menu full-time, it was only right for it to be named after its muse. Giving it it’s official name, Big Mike’s BLT.
Call it what it is
“A Big A** Sandwich”
You may have noticed our menu is full of straight-forward food with straight-forward names. Apparently, we take the idiom “call it like we see it” fairly literal. And, in the case of Big Mike’s BLT, it was no different. Since “Big A** BLT” isn’t a description for polite company, our team members began describing this impressive sandwich the Double Decker BLT. And the self-explanatory name stuck.
So today, if you are in a Metro Diner, especially in our hometown of Jacksonville, and you ask for a Big Mike’s BLT, everyone will know you’re an original loyal guest and greet you with the secret handshake (just kidding ((or are we… (the first rule of the Metro Diner handshake…)))
National BLT Day 🍞🥓🥬🍅🍞
A holiday Big Mike can get behind
Fun Fact: Every summer, on July 22nd, the Internet celebrates the simple-yet-delicious BLT on National BLT Day. And why not!? People love bacon. People love sandwiches. Such a classic, comfort food option. Such a summery, picnic-friendly choice!
