Until a few days ago, I didn’t know June is National Turkey Lovers Month. (Who declares these things anyway?) I guess the timing makes sense, though. It’s just over the halfway point between last year’s Thanksgiving and this year’s. What better time to remind diners of the wonders of the bird that almost became the symbol of our country? To tide you over until November, here are my five favorite turkey sandwiches in the East Valley:

Chile Verde Birdie at Flancers: A few years ago, the Tribune enlisted a panel of reader-judges to find the best sandwich — of any type — in the East Valley. After nearly three months and 30 sandwiches, the Chile Verde Birdie ($7) emerged victorious. Hunks of roasted turkey pulled straight off the bone are topped with provolone, tomato, lettuce and Flancer’s homemade New Mexican green chile mayonnaise. You can add bacon and avocado for an extra $1.50. 610 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 926-9077; 1902 N. Higley Road, Mesa, (480) 396-0077.

Smoky Mountain at Dilly’s Deli: My personal favorite for more than a decade, the Smoky Mountain ($6.99) gets its name from the trio of smoked Pepper Mill turkey, smoked gouda and smoked bacon, all combined with red onions and spicy Russian mustard and served between thick slabs of freshly grilled foccacia bread. So filling, but so delicious. 3330 S. Price Road, Tempe, (480) 491-1196; 414 W. University Drive, Tempe, (480) 929-0111; 14202 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, (480) 596-3354; 2895 S. Alma School Road, Chandler, (480) 722-0645.

Picnic at Liberty Market: Although this downtown Gilbert market/eatery is less than a year old, the Picnic ($8 with side) is fast becoming the Smoky Mountain’s main rival for my turkey-related affections. A soft roll is filled with roasted turkey, mixed greens, gorgonzola, thin slices of green apple, caramelized pecans and a roasted red pepper aioli. Sharp and sweet, crunchy and smooth, warm and cool — all at the same time. It’s also available as a salad (also $8). 230 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 892-1900.

Turkey Sue-ben at Teakwoods Tavern & Grill: Named for one of Teakwoods owner’s best friends in college, the Sue-ben ($8.99 with side and pickle) is this popular neighborhood hangout’s  companion to its traditional Rueben sandwich. Nearly an inch of shaved turkey is covered with Swiss cheese, sautéed onions and jalapeno cole slaw on grilled sourdough bread. For my side, I always get the crunchy tater tots. 151 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, (480) 899-8325; 5965 W. Ray Road, Chandler, (480) 961-0945.

Blue 32 Turkey Rueben at Blue 32 Sports Grill: Another turkey version of the Rueben, the Blue 32 ($7.99 with side and pickle) comes with roasted turkey and Swiss cheese on grilled rye bread — but the extra special ingredient is the “black and blue” cole slaw infused with pungent blue cheese and little bits of Applewood Smoked Bacon. After all, doesn’t bacon make just about anything taste even better? I’m also a big fan of this 5-month-old sports bar’s flaky “pub-style” fries. 1524 E. Williams Field Road, Gilbert, (480) 963-0032.