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Blog Mon Jun 11 2012
Touring the States Through Sandwiches
Chicago design student Kelly Pratt can't afford to travel, so she's making her way around the country via a signature sandwich. Stately Sandwiches is the result. Each sandwich is carefully researched, made and consumed, and its component parts are artfully photographed and turned into a poster. I asked her a few questions about the project, which debuted on Fab.com over the weekend.
What inspired the project?
As an aspiring designer, I often hear about the importance of having a side project to inspire creativity, do something you love, and stay curious. Stately Sandwiches started a way for me to further my design skills, get back into cooking, share a meal with friends while hopefully meeting new ones, and of course eat as many sandwiches as possible. All of these have happened and so much more! I have connected with people from all around the globe, across all social networks, who love sandwiches and my project!
Are you a big fan of sandwiches?
Um, yes, absolutely. How can you not be a huge fan? Sandwiches are the greatest. There is a never-ending supply of ingredients to make a sandwich so I never tire of them.
How easy is it to find sandwiches to represent states? Have you found any states that are giving you trouble yet?
Some states more clear than others. There are good resources on the internet and a bit of an outdated book that serve as a good starting point to further my research. The hardest state, so far, has been Connecticut, and I grew up there! For Texas, I had the brisket down but figuring out the proper way to complete the sandwich was a little tricky. White bread or bun? Mustard or no mustard? What kind of pickles? I think you get the idea.
Specifically regarding the Illinois sandwich, how much research did you put into your Italian beef? Did you try multiple examples? Any favorites?
Illinois was the first state in the series so I was still figuring out how everything was going to work out. My sister and I had lunch at Portillo's before I made it myself. I've been to Al's Beef and while I know people have strong alliances towards one or the other, I think I need to do a few more taste tests before I can deem a winner.
Pratt's first 12 prints -- California, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia -- are on sale on Fab.com until Friday, June 15, after which they'll be available directly from the Stately Sandwiches website.
