I'm back from a monster illness that kept me out of the SoundLife pod for the last several days. I ate copious amounts of soup while I was down for the count. So what pairs well with soup? Try sandwiches.

Yes, for you dear readers, I scouted sandwiches at four new sandwich joints in Tacoma and Bonney Lake. I'll post over the next several days what I found

The sched:
Today: Jimmy John's in Tacoma
Monday: Jersey Mike's in Bonney Lake
Tuesday: Puccini's Venetian Subs in Bonney Lake
Thursday: Midtown Deli & Espresso

Now for today's offering: Jimmy John's

The scoop: A loud, cavernous chain concept sandwich shop with OK-slash-decent sandwiches. It feels like they're trying too hard with the quippy little signs and peppy staff. But it's pleasant, very clean (spotless!) and the TNT Sports department swears it's their favorite place for sandwiches. And we trust their gullets. They know a bargain.

Bread choices: French bread or 7-grain bread.

Pork! Pork lover alert. They like their porky products here. The J.J.B.L.T. sounds meaty delish. The Club Lulu comes with sliced turkey breast and bacon. The Pepe comes with applewood smoked ham. Can't go wrong with ham or bacon. Right?

We ate: I dragged Craig Sailor, our A&E editor, along for the sandwich run. He ate a Beach Club ($5.85), a turkey breast sandwich on 7-grain bread with avocado spread, sliced cucumber, sprouts, lettuce, tomato. He smartly held the mayo.

I had the Pepe ($4.85), an applewood smoked ham sandwich on French bread with provolone cheese, tomato, lettuce and WAY WAY WAY too much mayo. Smartly so, ask for a light smear of mayo or get it on the side. Unless you like a mayo bath. Not like I'm judging or anything... some people appreciate a slop of mayo. Edited to add: Would it kill them to put an extra slice of ham on the sandwich? The fillings weren't quite ... filling. Get yourself there if you're on a budget and you aren't overly hungry. If you are, you'll need two sandwiches.

The verdict: Decent sandwiches for a pretty good price. This is a cheap lunch.

Best thing: They're fast. Super fast.

How fast is fast? So fast you may get your food before you finish paying. You'll spend more time navigating the parking lot than waiting for your sandwich.

Most surprising moment: On my visit, the manager was standing outside with a bag of sandwiches for some lucky customer who had phoned in an order. Now that is speedy and quality service.

Menu highlights: Low carb lettuce wraps help carb-avoiders navigate their lunch hour. The big John ($4.85) looks like a must-try with medium rare roast beef, mayo, lettuce and tomato. Vegetarians will love their two choices of sandwiches, a regular veggie and a veggie club. Prices for sandwiches range from $3.85-$5.85. Cheap!

Next time: I'll try the Club Tuna on 7-grain. But I would only go there if I was in the neighborhood. Midtown Espresso and Deli (review coming next Thursday) is worth the extra drive.

Jimmy John's
Where: 4027 Tacoma Mall Blvd, Tacoma; 253-471-3000
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Know of a new sandwich shop we should scout out? Something that's been open less than a year? Let us know at tntdiner@thenewstribune.com