Sandwich Shop - The Hungry Nomad

Bakery, Breakfast, Brunch, Coffee Shop, French food, New Orleans, Sandwich Shop

Breakfast at Tartine- Audubon Park (New Orleans)

May 28, 2014 2 Comments

Deep inside the green and lush neighborhood of Audubon Park lies a tiny little restaurant which locals flock to: Tartine. It’s a place where quality, substance and good wholesome cooking are the main ingredients to success. Ever since discovering this gem a few months ago we have been back every time we visit New Orleans (which tends to be a lot since we lack good food in Lafayette).

Tartine serves delicious home made breads and sweets, sandwiches, salads and of course tartines. In France, a tartine is a piece of toasted bread smothered with different ingredients. Simple but so satisfying.

Simplicity and freshness is what makes Tartine so special. For example, the baguette served with a side of strawberry jam, butter and a big slice of brie cheese is one of the most amazing things I’ve tasted. The Croque Madame was large and very filling and did not fail to impress our guest.

The salmon tartine is the Count’s favorite, featuring generous amounts of salmon, eggs, capers and what I believe to be pickled cabbage. We always order an extra loaf of bread because once you start eating you just can’t get enough.

The salads and sandwiches are also to die for. On our last trip, one of the chefs was busy grilling flank steak covered in chimichurri sauce for their special of the day, steak salad and steak sandwich.

Philadelphia, Sandwich Shop

DiNic’s Roast Pork and Beef- Chinatown (Philadelphia, USA)

September 27, 2012 No Comments

“You have to go to Terminal Reading Market” said every other Philadelphean when we asked for recommendations of must-do’s in Philadelphia. So one hot summer day I headed to the Market to see what the fuss was all about. Before I begin I have to say that like all things involving food, I am quite spoiled when it comes to markets, having one of the most beautiful in my hometown of Vancouver: Granville Island.

I expected to find a similar market with lots of fresh fruit, vegetable and meat stands. Although those stands are present I would say the market is mostly filled with food stands. Not so bad for a foodie like me. So I wandered around deciding what I should eat and write about. There were many choices but Tommy Dinic’s Sandwich stand seemed to stand out. There was a simple menu and crowds were surrounding it like bees to a flower. I wasn’t aware that it was also featured on Man v. Food on the food network until just now as I prepared to write this review. I guess that explains the line-up.

So I waited in line deciding which of the two offered meats to have: pork or beef. I went with the beef brisket topped with provolone cheese and collard greens. The sandwich came in a large hoagie bun and generous amounts of hand carved beef brisket.

I added banana pepper for that extra spicy and tangy flavor. The result: a great, juicy, flavorful sandwich. The meat was carved perfectly, ever so juicy filled with flavor. I don’t know if I would vote it as the best sandwich in America but I would definitely rate it as one of the best sandwiches I have had. It has its own unique character and flavors. The toppings were not typical to sandwiches I am used to having, but it only added to the uniqueness. The combination of flavors, however, worked perfectly!

DiNic's Roast Pork and Beef on Urbanspoon

Italian food, Philadelphia, Sandwich Shop

Sarcone’s Deli- Italian Market (Philadelphia, USA)

September 19, 2012 1 Comment

Walking down 9th Street to the Italian Market I smelled the perfume of fresh baked bread. Following my nose I arrived at Sarcone’s Deli “It’s all about the Bread!” I read as I walked in through the doors. A small bright yellow deli and friendly staff greeted me. I was the last person in the store and they only had one roll left, especially for me. So the young girl at the counter walked me through the most popular sandwiches and made several recommendations.

I ordered the Old Fashion Italian. While waiting I was offered a bag of bread to take home. Never one to deny food, I happily accepted and took a big bag of cut bread and sat outside.

My sandwich was ready after less than 5 minutes. I fell in love at first bite. The bread was absolutely amazing. Crunchy on the outside with generous amounts of sesame seeds spread through out yet soft on the inside. The sandwich consisted of proscuitto, capicolla and sopresetta. All that meat was topped with crisp lettuce, onions, tasty tomatoes, oil, vinegar sprinkled with loads of oregano.

It was a pretty large sandwich so make sure you go with a big appetite or split in two. That being said I am sure I could have finished the whole thing if I tried.

Later on that evening, the family and I enjoyed eating the bag of bread with all my cheese finds from Claudio’s.

Coffee Shop, Philadelphia, Sandwich Shop

Rybread Cafe- Fairmount/Art Museum (Philadelphia, USA)

August 29, 2012 2 Comments

It all started with two laid off architects. The year: 2009. Ryan (the ‘R’ in RyBread) and his girlfriend found themselves unemployed and headed on a road trip of a lifetime. Over the course of the road trip a business idea would develop. Why not open a gourmet sandwich shop in a really neat space? This is exactly what they did when they returned. Rybread Cafe is in our neighborhood and our favorite gourmet sandwich shop. The choices are endless and all equally delicious.

I’m sure both were great architects but we are selfishly happy that they decided to open a sandwich shop instead. Nothing beats the joy of eating, not even architecture.

The hair salon turned cafe is small and intimate with only a few indoor seats and several on the outside. The wall is covered by a chalkboard listing their sandwiches in detail. I’ve only had occasion to try four on the list but have never been dissapointed.

There is also a variety of bagels, muffins, scones, salads, soups and paninis. Best part: it’s all made to order and exteremely fresh. (See Menu).

On my last trip, I had the Hollywood while the Count ordered the Philadelphia.

My Hollywood sandwich consisted of multi grain toast slabbed with a thick layer of hummus, cucumbers, red onion, shaved carrot, tomatoes and cheese. A great option for vegetarians.

The Philadelphia was packed with genoa salami, hot cappi, prosciutto, provolone, greens, tomatoes, onions and vinaigrette served on ciabatta bread. The Count seemed to enjoy it but we agreed that our favorites are the San Fran and the Napa.

If you enjoy gourmet sandwiches as much as we do you should definitely check out Rybread if you haven’t already done so.

Gourmand, New Orleans, Sandwich Shop

Muffuleta at Central Grocery- French Quarter (New Orleans, USA)

June 21, 2012 1 Comment

As the guests poured in to New Orleans for the wedding my tour guide duties grew. On another day in the french quarter after walking around with over ten family members everyone was hungry. Too hungry to sit in a restaurant and wait. So I suggested Central Grocery for their famous Muffuletta sandwich.

Many cities have their own ‘must have’ sandwich. While in Philadelphia, you must try the Philly Cheese steak, in Montreal, the Montreal smoked beef in Paris perhaps the Jambon-beurre (or the falafels in the Marais one could argue) and in New Orleans, the Muffuleta. Central Grocery is home of the first Muffuleta. In fact, this is the very place that the first Muffuleta was created. Many other shops would soon follow the trend and make their own version of the Muffuleta. Now many New Orleans restaurants carry it as a staple on their menu.

What is a Muffeleta you ask? It is a sandwich consisting of Sicilian sesame bread stuffed with layers of Genoa Salami, Ham, Pepperoni, Provolone, emmentaler and mortadella cheese followed by a big scoop of the special olive salad.

Once you enter the shop you may think that you have entered the wrong place. It is in most part an old Italian deli serving Muffuleta’s at the counter. To get your hands on one of these New Orlean’s wonders, you must form a line on the left side of the stand.

Once at the counter, you have very limited options: you can either get a whole Muffuleta for $14.50 or half a Muffuleta for $7.50. The sandwiches are all premade and sitting behind the counter. Once you order and pay you take your sandwich to the back of the deli where there are counter top seatings and a vending machine to buy a drink.

For a family of ten- 3 full muffuletas were more than enough. In fact we had left overs which we savoured for later.

The family all enjoyed the sandwich which was not only filling but cheap. I myself am not a big fan of the Muffuleta. I find it to be too oily and the olive dressing too salty. I can taste the oil with every bite. I have also tried the Muffuleta at other places in the New Orleans area and found it to be similar in taste and generally not to my liking. But don’t take my word for it. Most people love this New Orleans sandwich and I am sure Central Grocery takes pride in creating their very own famous sandwich.

Canada, Gourmand, Sandwich Shop, Vancouver

Finchs Tea & Coffee House (Vancouver, Canada)

March 26, 2012 1 Comment

There are sandwiches…and then there are Sandwiches. Some do a great job in filling you up others are a work of art.

Finch’s Tea & Coffee House serves delicious, mouth watering art on a platter. The sandwiches are all prepared with care and detail mixing flavours and ingredients which you wouldn’t normally imagine together but are happy they have, once you try. I’m ashamed to admit that I work a block away and have walked by many times yet I only got around to trying it this week. And oh my- when I discover little treasures like this its always bitter/sweet: sweet because I’ve discovered it and bitter because I waited so long to try.

Finch’s has been around forever and I’ve heard nothing but great things about it from each and every person that has had the chance to try it out. The must haves are the proscuitto, pear, baked blue brie, walnut sandwich which apparently is to die for. Others that we tried which were amazing were the proscuitto, blue brie and lettuce.

To finish off we had the house made cookies made from free range organic eggs. Their coffees and teas are all fair trade and organic. All in all- this place is amazing for sandwiches and its a definite must!

Finch's Tea & Coffee House on Urbanspoon

Gourmand, New Orleans, Sandwich Shop

Psycho Sandwiches at Milk Bar (New Orleans, USA)

February 22, 2012 1 Comment

The Milk Bar is hands down the best sandwich shop in New Orleans. It serves a variety of gourmet sandwiches, po boys and salads. The likes of Psycho Chicken, I Dream of Aubergine and Clooney’s choice are available- and are all delicious. The space is small and always full- conveniently located across from Touro hospital for the doctors amongst us who crave a sandwich here and there. The walls are pink covered in cow artwork and the delicious smells permeate the room. You order your sandwich and take a seat while its prepared by the team. The menu is extremely creative with sandwich combinations I’ve never tasted. We tend to order the psycho chicken and the Clooney. I’ve never tried the milkshakes but also hear that they are to die for. You also get a free lolly pop which always brings a smile to my face. If you are not from New Orleans you may have a hard time finding it since its tucked away into a small side street off of Saint Charles. Just follow your nose and stomach I am sure they will lead you there.

Canada, Gourmand, Sandwich Shop, Vancouver

Hubbub Sandwiches (Vancouver, Canada)

February 20, 2012 1 Comment

The quest to find the ultimate sandwich has resulted in a search through town for the best and tastiest. A few months back while walking back from the courthouse I discovered Hubbub Sandwiches: A small sandwich shop located conveniently for my sake across from the courthouse. It was love at first bite. Their sandwiches are each made with detail and love. You can feel it in every bite. I have only tried the turkey sausage and pulled pork which I love equally. However, the turkey sausage has carved a special place in my heart…or rather stomach. The sausage is made locally and tastes extremely fresh with the right amount of herbs and spices for that extra punch. The bread made in house is chewy and ever so delicious. Each sandwich comes with a long strip of onion and a delicious messy sauce. I am a big fan of adding chips to my sandwiches so you can imagine how delighted I was to find out that you have the option of ordering a side of house made chips, corn cob, quinoa salad or coleslaw.

Hubbub also makes delicious salads…although I am yet to try. I have gone in there with the intention of getting a salad but have succumbed to my stomach’s pressure and ordered their turkey sandwich on most occasions. In my humble opinion, Hubbub has created the perfect sandwich.

The Boys hard at work

House made chips

My favorite: Turkey Sausage Sandwich

The Killer Combo

Turkey Sausage Salad

Pulled pork sandwich

Hungry Nomad’s Must-Try Suggestion:

1- The Turkey Sausage Sandwich

2- House Made Chips

Canada, Food Truck, Gourmand, Sandwich Shop, Vancouver

La Brasserie Street Food Truck (Vancouver, Canada)

January 24, 2012 No Comments

What an amazing chicken sandwich. I have never tasted anything like it. I am really impressed with all the creative culinary dishes around town and feel inspired that I am a part of this amazing city.

This sandwich is itself a creative masterpiece: a combination of beer brined rotisserie chicken, fried crispy onions and chicken gravy. It is so heavenly…and ever so filling. The fried crispy onions mixed with the tasty gravy and juicy chicken…oh I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

I highly recommend this food truck to all of you out there who enjoy a good and tasty sandwich. These guys know how do it right. Also make sure to try their butter tarts for dessert. Amazingly fresh and delicious as well.

Word’s Best Butter Tarts

Mmm Crispy Onions

La Brasserie Street (West Georgia & Granville) on Urbanspoon

Breakfast, Gourmand, New Orleans, Sandwich Shop

Il Posto Cafe (New Orleans, USA)

January 16, 2012 No Comments

I am so happy I finally got a chance to try this amazing spot. Its nestled in on Dryades street away from street traffic and therefore hard to find if you don’t know about it.

Il Posto is definitely my new favorite sandwich shop in New Orleans. They have an amazing sandwich and salad selection. It is so refreshing to have some quality, delicious, tasty and healthy salads in New Orleans. Trust me I’ve searched around the city and can confirm that a healthy salad is hard to come by down here. There is also a wide selection of meats and cheeses served on your choice of bread either as a traditional sandwich or grilled panini (see menu).

The inside is a bit cramped (due to popularity) but its a great spot for a quick and healthy breakfast and/or lunch with friends.