Cooperative Living February 2019 - 30

DiningWithDan | Story and photos by Daniel M. Walker, Contributing Columnist
Honor with a Side of Hope
W
hat better way to bring in the New Year than to
honor our military personnel and veterans who
have sacrificed ― some making the ultimate
SFC Chris Souza
1.
sacrifice ― to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day?
With this new year, I also like to believe and hope that
as a caring country, we will support these brave men and
women and their families in their transition from military
to civilian life. Unfortunately, the transition sometimes
involves dealing with PTSD (post-traumatic stress
disorder), which can be debilitating and require
treatment beyond the resources of individuals or families.
One soldier who suffered and died as a result of PTSD
was SFC Chris Souza of Montpelier, Virginia. Chris
was a career soldier, earning over 30
commendations and medals, including the
Bronze Star, from multiple combat missions
in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was, without
question, a true American hero.
THE RESTAURANT
2.
3.
Amanda Souza, Chris' wife, wanted to do
something for their community and other
victims of PTSD. She decided to honor Chris
and other returning soldiers for their sacrifice by
opening a restaurant and establishing a
foundation to help soldiers suffering from PTSD.
After a year of planning and construction,
Amanda opened Lunchbox 22. Lunchbox was
Chris' call sign on his combat missions. She
wanted a restaurant that served New York-style
deli fare, featuring wholesome and top-quality
meats and ingredients. Amanda comments, " I wanted to serve meals as if I were cooking for Chris. "
My first visit to Lunchbox 22, located on State Route 33 in Montpelier, Virginia, I ordered a
Reuben sandwich. One of my favorite food writers, the late Anthony Bourdain, described the
Reuben as " having a complex bundle of tastes and difficult to construct properly. " Anthony
would have been proud of Amanda's Reuben. It's great, with
piles of Boar's Head corned beef thinly sliced, well-drained
sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and the best Russian dressing I've
tasted in a long time. And of course, a Reuben would not be a
Reuben without rye bread grilled in butter. For dessert, I had a
gourmet ice cream sandwich called " Nightingale. " This treat is
handmade by Richmond executive chef, Hannah Pollack.
The menu at Lunchbox 22 has delights for everyone, with
From top: Amanda Souza,
Chris Souza's widow. Outside of
Lunchbox 22 in Montpellier, Virginia, on Rt. 33.
4.
more than a dozen signature sandwiches and 10 different types
of burgers. All of the sandwiches and burgers can be
customized to suit your individual taste.
1. Reuben sandwich. 2. The " Nightingale " handmade ice cream sandwich. 3. Turkey club sandwich. 4. Sarah Jayne, Amanda's and Chris' daughter,
delivering a Philly cheese steak sandwich.
28 | Cooperative Living | February 2019
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Cooperative Living February 2019

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