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| - I write this review during the Jewish holiday of Passover, when observant Members of the Tribe refrain from the consumption of leavened bread (otherwise known as 'bread'), and eat only Matzo; an unleavened bread made solely of flour and water. It is justifiably known as the "bread of affliction" although it seems to be pretty popular with non-Jews--I suspect because they only ever eat it by choice, rather than out of a sense of religious duty.
Off to top of my head, I can't think of anything that would be eligible for consumption over Passover at California Sandwiches. Other than spiced olives, which are delish (meaty, briny, spicy, salty), but hardly a balanced meal...mind you, most of the menu errs on the side of 'delicious' rather than 'balanced'.
And delicious it is. If you're coming to California Sandwiches, chances are you're coming for a Sandwich. A giant sandwich packed with pounded and breaded and fried meat, sloppy with homemade marinara sauce, on a giant puffy kaiser.
Veal and chicken versions arrive piping hot, the meat occupying multiple points along the chewy-tender spectrum, even within the same piece. No matter; it's all crispy golden and bathed in chunky sauce that deserves it's own review. Chunky and homemade and bright, unlike others that are drowned in sugar. Vegetarians and meatheads alike will enjoy the eggplant parm version. definitely tender and subject to the same crustification as the meat versions, it's a heck of a sandwich in it's own right. Be warned, any of these options are a race against time: fresh and airy kaiser buns don't hold out for long against the saucy assault.
Cheese (provolone) and most other veggies (e.g. mushrooms, onions, sweet peppers) are added on at a premium. I resent this policy, since it inflates my reasonable $8 sandwich to an ungodly $10 plus bacchanal if i add more than one. A tough row to hoe for a cheap local lunch. Damage can be mitigated by ordering the smaller version of the sandwich-about $4, and let's face it, already more than enough food from your dietician's perspective.
California sandwiches aren't about perspective. They're about abondanza, so let those toppings fly (still, 50 cents for a tablespoon of sauteed mushrooms? It is to laugh). Jalapenos are free, so there's that. I like Jalapenos, so I often order my sandwich "hot", over the objections of my digestive tract. I also go for the provolone and the broccoli rabe; the bitterness cuts nicely through the richness of the other ingredients, and I can make believe I'm eating healthy since it's a vegetable. Eating my greens, yo!
Side dishes are good...the aforementioned olives, and surprisingly crunchy onion rings of doubtful provenance are worth sharing (you'll never finish an order yourself). Standard sodas plus italian versions (San Pellegrino Limone or GTFO), and strong-brewed Illy coffee close out the meal. There are cute desserts in Mason jars, but I don't want to fall asleep when I get back to work.
Service is great! Warm and friendly and attentive...I'm duly impressed. Even more duly impressed by the washrooms, which are modern and clean and private (a rarity downtown these days).
Today is the second-last day of passover. Anyone wanna guess where I'm headed once it's finished?
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