These super sandwiches are fit for royalty

Grilled Mac & Cheese ($12.50)

Sometime in the 1700s, an English nobleman named John Montagu — reluctant to rise either from his work desk or from the gambling table, nobody’s quite sure — began asking his servants to bring him pieces of salt beef between two slices of toasted bread.

Montagu, who happened to be the 4th Earl of Sandwich, was immortalized forever when his friends began demanding similar treats. “Bring me the same as Sandwich!” they’d say.

(Coincidentally, Lord Sandwich was also a great supporter of Captain James Cook, who named the Hawaiian Islands for his patron.)

Hot Pastrami Classic ($11)

August is National Sandwich Month, and in celebration, Ferguson’s Irish Pub is spotlighting a couple of its tastiest examples. Located in the historical Dillingham Transportation Building at 729 Bishop St., Ferguson’s provides a convivial spot in which friends can gather and enjoy a beverage or two, accompanied by a delicious bit of true pub fare.

Check out the pub’s Hot Pastrami Classic ($11), served on toasted rye with plenty of melted Swiss and spicy mustard; it’s served with chips and a pickle spear. Other sandwiches to celebrate include the Turkey Sandwich, the Dublin Cheesesteak, the Italian Sandwich (salami, cappacola, mortadella), the traditional Grilled Cheese, and the Blue Ox, made with housemade roast beef, blue cheese, crispy onions, and horseradish mayo on sourdough bread.

Ferguson’s small pub menu, available from 11:30 a.m. till 8 p.m., includes treats like a chipotle chicken quesadilla, wedge salad, and the charcuterie cheese platter. The menu is regularly supplemented with dishes created by general manager Marco Salazar. “There’s always a special, always something off menu!” says Salazar.

CHEESY SPECIAL

Though it’s referred to as a Daily Special, the spectacular Grilled Mac & Cheese sandwich with jalapeno and bacon will be available to hungry guests at Ferguson’s Pub throughout the entire month of August. At $12.50, it’s a filling meal, made with Muenster cheese — simultaneously creamy, smoky, and spicy, served with chips and a pickle, and utterly delicious when accompanied by your favorite pint!