From casual counters to waterfront tables, Patrick “Starvin Marvin, Jr.” Ferris reveals his five favorite local sandwiches
Longtime Darien resident and insurance industry road warrior Patrick “Starvin Marvin, Jr.” Ferris found himself spending a lot more time at home during the pandemic. Passionate about food, his kids began filming him in the kitchen, turning a casual cooking habit into something much bigger
His Instagram account, @starvinmarvinjr, started gaining followers when those early cooking videos were posted. But when COVID restrictions eased and he began traveling again for work, he pivoted the page into a go-to source for sandwich lovers across Fairfield County and beyond. Whether he’s tracking down an old-school breakfast sandwich at a neighborhood diner, reviewing an Italian combo from a local deli or discovering hidden gems during business trips across the approaches every sandwich with equal parts enthusiasm, humor and genuine appreciation for small businesses.
Part of his appeal is his personality. Friendly, self-deprecating and unassuming, Ferris doesn’t take his growing social media following too seriously. His easygoing authenticity comes through in his reviews, making followers feel less like they’re watching an influencer and more like they’re getting recommendations from a friend. While his reviews have earned him a loyal audience—and occasional public recognition—his children, he says, remain firmly unimpressed, often finding his sandwich “fame” more embarrassing than noteworthy.
For Ferris, it’s never been about the notoriety. It’s about supporting local businesses, connecting with the community and celebrating the simple pleasure of a great sandwich. In fact, he swears by a rule passed down from his father: If the parking lot is filled with landscapers, contractors and work trucks, you’re probably about to have a great meal. It’s a philosophy that has guided many of his favorite discoveries—and one that reflects his appreciation for unpretentious places that focus on doing simple food well.
We asked Ferris to share his five favorite sandwiches in the New Canaan, Darien and Rowayton area—and, unsurprisingly, he had plenty to say.
Lightning Round with Starvin Marvin, jr.
Hot or cold sandwiches? Hot
Chips or fries? Fries
Mayo: yes or no? Absolutely (and lots of it)
Favorite bread? Semolina bread with sesame seeds
Least favorite bread? Ciabatta, by a mile
Breakfast sandwich or Italian combo? Italian combo
Death-row sandwich? Chicken Parmigiana
Best hangover sandwich? Bacon, egg and cheese with a hash brown and hot sauce
Biggest sandwich pet peeve? Too much bread
Most overrated sandwich? Chef’s Club
Most controversial sandwich opinion? Skipping a sandwich entirely if it’s served on ciabatta
JAKE’S PLACE
Bacon, Egg & Cheese
(with a side cup of chili)
“Small in size, huge in heart. Jake’s is the kind of old-school greasy spoon that reminds you why simple food done right never goes out of style. The bacon, egg and cheese hits every time, but the small cup of chili on the side is the pro tip you don’t want to miss. Owner Jeff, along with Sylvia and Linda, make this place feel less like a breakfast stop and more like part of the neighborhood.”
4 Ledge Road, Darien
jakesplacect.com
DARIEN BUTCHER SHOP
Turkey Club
“Every great sandwich list needs a classic turkey club, and Darien Butcher Shop delivers one worth talking about. This is the kind of sandwich that reminds you why classics became classics in the first place—stacked properly, balanced perfectly and somehow even better after the first bite. Skip the ciabatta and order it on toasted bread instead—that’s a personal bias,
not theirs—and focus on what DBS does best: simple food executed at a seriously high level.”
13 Grove Street, Darien
darienbutchershop.com
UNCORKED
Philly Cheesesteak
“A cheesesteak might not be the first thing you’d expect to order in New Canaan, but Uncorked absolutely nails it. Thinly sliced ribeye, perfectly caramelized onions and American cheese that comes together nicely on a buttery, toasted roll. It’s messy, rich and ridiculously satisfying—the kind of sandwich where you take one bite and immediately know you made a great decision.”
15 Elm Street, New Canaan
uncorkedrestaurants.com/new-canaan
TONY’S DELI
Ram’s Chicken Cutlet
(chicken, bacon, melted cheddar, lettuce, tomato and Russian dressing on a wedge)
“Everything Tony Gencarelli touches turns into deli gold. From Tony’s Corner Deli to Village Table and Mama Carmella’s—plus the original Vavala’s—his legacy in the local sandwich game speaks for itself. The Ram’s Chicken Cutlet is the perfect combination of savory, crispy and heart—all built around some of the best chicken cutlets in town. A sandwich here is made by deli royalty.”
75 Pine Street, New Canaan
tonysdeli-newcanaan.com
ROWAYTON SEAFOOD
Barramundi Milanese Club (off menu)
“This isn’t a place most people think of for sandwiches, but that’s part of the charm. One of the best meals in Fairfield County becomes one of the best sandwiches around when the Barramundi Milanese gets tucked between bread. It’s technically off-menu, but if you ask your server nicely—or tell owner Kevin Conroy that Starvin Marvin sent you—you just might get lucky to get your hands on this decadent masterpiece!”
89 Rowayton Avenue, Rowayton
rowaytonseafood.com