Hot Sub Sandwiches

Inspired by Dominicks, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1960s. According to local lore, the Moynihan brothers who jointly ran this place bitterly fought on the issue of pizza delivery. Tom split to found Domino's®. The other brother stayed behind to make the best sub sandwiches I ever ate. A Proustian memory. Recorded June 14, 2008, after decades of making these. The hard part is finding good bread but thankfully it's getting easier.
 
Hot

narrow loaf of crusty Italian bread, cut lengthwise 
sliced boiled ham
Genoa salami
shredded mozzarella cheese 
Parmesan cheese

Cold 

shredded iceberg lettuce
sliced ripe tomatoes
red onion, thinly sliced into rounds
pepperoncini, shredded
Italian herbs

Place rack about 8 inches below broiler. Place bread cut side up on cookie sheet. Layer ham and salami generously on both halves. Top with cheeses. Broil open face until cheese melts and browns and the meats begin to crisp. Cover the bottom half generously with lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pepperoncini. Sprinkle lightly with herbs and dress with vinaigrette. Cover with top half, press down firmly, cut, and serve. Serves 2 to 4 depending on size of loaf. Cabbage salad makes an ideal side.