My friend Oswaldo called the other morning and asked me to help him finish his Christmas shopping. "You have such good taste," he coaxed, noting that he needed to buy a few more gifts for his sisters. "I like shopping at the malls, but I'm looking for some unusual gifts," he continued. "Why don't we head over to Thayer Street and look in some of the small shops and boutiques?"

After an hour and a half of browsing at colorful scarfs, aromatic candles, distinctive jewelry and hand-thrown pottery, Oswaldo sighed. "I need a break," he begged. "Let's head over to Geoff's for some lunch. I've heard some great things about their sandwiches, so it's time to try one."

Needless to say, our eyes widened as we perused Geoff's expansive and interesting menu. Many of its offerings are named for Rhode Island celebrities, including members of the media as well as prominent judges, politicians and entertainers. "I just love watching Barbara Morse Silva on Channel 10," Oswaldo declared. "She always has a great health tip to share. Keeping that in mind, I'll order the vegetarian sandwich named in her honor. I've got to stay healthy to get through the holidays."

Oswaldo's sandwich ($6.29) consisted of a wrap abundantly filled of smooth hummus, fresh spinach, sliced cucumbers, tomato, onions, topped with a gentle sprinkle of vinegar. "This hummus is absolutely delicious," my friend declared, adding that the pureed chickpeas were nicely seasoned with "just the right amount of garlic to make it interesting." We both ordered a Nantucket Nectar iced tea ($1.99) to accompany our lunch.

While almost all of the menu selections caught my roving eye (except for the sandwich that features sardines!), I settled on the Golden Arch ($6.29), which included hot sliced roast beef, American cheese, catsup, French's bright yellow mustard and chopped onion. What a delicious take on a national icon - only without the burger. "I can't believe the size of these sandwiches," Oswaldo proclaimed, noting the generous portions. All sandwiches are served on a variety of breads, including wraps, seeded rye, pumpernickel bread or a fresh bulky roll, which was my choice.

Once our sandwiches were prepared and delivered to the counter, the friendly sandwich maker invited us to visit the pickle barrel and to help ourselves to some wonderful cucumber spears. "Oswaldo, please don't dive into the barrel," I protested. "I know that you love pickles, but please save a couple for me."

While Geoff's offers many of the usual sandwiches that you'd find in most eateries - peanut butter and jelly ($4.00); grilled cheese ($5.79); and the classic bacon, lettuce and tomato ($5.79), it was the more "exotic combinations" that caught our attention and will serve as the impetus for our return visit to one of the two branches of this well-known, highly regarded sandwich shop. "The next time we visit, I am going to try the Albuquerque Turkey ($6.29)," Oswaldo announced, adding that the combination of hot turkey and melted Muenster cheese topped with chili and chive cream cheese really would send him over the edge. "That sandwich really appeals to my Latin taste buds," he added.

Being a great fan of nightly news weather segments and holding local forecasters in high esteem for the great work that they do, I might select the "R.J. Heim" ($6.29), a generous serving of hot turkey, Canadian bacon, melted Swiss, cranberry sauce and spicy Dijon mustard. "No wonder they named that combination for a weather man," he said. "It sounds like the perfect sandwich to have on a cold, frigid day when Providence is covered with snow."

In addition to its regular menu, which boasts several vegetarian delights, Geoff's also offers several sandwiches where Kosher meats can be substituted. "I can't wait to bring Sally here to see if she thinks if the chopped liver ($5.79) is as good as her bubbi's (grandmother)," Oswaldo noted, impressing me with his basic knowledge of Yiddish.

Geoff's also serves homemade chicken soup (great on a cold day!), chili and a soup of the day ($3.89), all of which are a fine accompaniment to a hearty sandwich. In addition, there are salads and salad plates, such the one featuring sliced egg ($5.29).

"This has been a wonderful lunch," my good friend announced, munching on yet another pickle. "Now I have the energy to resume my shopping. Let's go check out that pottery again. My sister wants "Santa" to bring her a new vase."

Geoff's Superlative Sandwiches is located on 163 Benefit Street in Providence and 235 Thayer Street in Providence.  Geoff's is open daily from 9:30 am.-9 pm.  For the Benefit Street location call 751-2248 and for the Thayer Street location call 751-9214.

Brian Lowney is a journalist for the Providence Visitor and for the New Bedford Standard Times. He enjoys the wonderful Rhode Island restaurant scene and writing about the cornucopia of outstanding dining and retail food establishments we have been blessed with throughout the region.