One man has blown the minds of an Auckland Subway by ordering a whopping footlong sandwich with, wait for it ... all the meats and all the cheeses - and no salad.
Checkpoint went to meet the man behind it all.
For the last 17 years James Collins had been ordering a record-breaking sandwich from Subway stores around the country. Today he went to Auckland's Hobson street store.
"Can I grab a roast garlic foot-long ... all the meats except the meatballs and tuna."
"And did you want any cheese on that as well?"
"Yeah, all of them."
It was no easy feat, but Subway designated "sandwich artist" Parin Patel was ready for the challenge.
A whopping 12 layers made up the 1.5kg monster meal.
First was bacon, then mozzarella, cheddar and smoked cheese. Then back to meats, ham, salami, roast beef, both three pepper and classic chicken and steak.
But just when Patel thought he was done Collins reminded him he had missed the pork riblet.
The 1.5kg monster sandwich is made up of 12 layers. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
James said there was a method to the madness to make it hold together, he steered clear of sloppy meatballs or salad and kept to just one sauce, barbecue.
The idea came about 17 years ago.
"I've always been a foodie forever, lived in America for a while, big portions, absolutely love it.
"I moved to New Zealand in 2005 and when I saw Subway ... as soon as I went in there and saw you could have whatever you want, this is my go-to."
The super-sized sandwich was the biggest one ever to be made in New Zealand back then. Collins even had a certificate to prove it.
This time the fillings were simply too much for the bread so it had to be split in two.
He said the sandwich usually lasted him for two meals and because he travelled around for work, he visited a new store each time, and was usually met with the same reaction.
"A lot of times people will just think I'm kidding and I'm just joking around and it's a prank until I say, 'look, I'm going to pay for it'.
"Let's pay for it first, and then you can make it because it it does get quite pricey."
All up it set him back about $60, reserved as a once-a-month treat.
Collins' sandwich creation includes 'all the meats', except for meatballs. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The taste ... meaty.
"Like a meatlovers pizza, yeah, it's everything all at once but you can taste each individual thing as well."
To those that turned up their nose, Collins said do not knock it until you have tried it.
As a dedicated carnivore, he did this at just about every restaurant, filling his plate with all the meats on offer.
While it shocked fellow customers, his family and friends were well used to it by now.
The concoction of flavours definitely caters to an acquired taste, but each to their own.
