What's your favourite sandwich?

[grandgourmand]

Not sure if this topic's been covered before. I'm obsessed (obsessed) with sandwiches. Some of my personal favourites:
Fish sandwich at Fish Store on College
Fish sandwich at Buster's Cove at SLM
Chicken Sandwich at portuguese place in SLM (dark meat)
Caplansky's (a recent addition)
California veal sandwich
Gyro with fries from some butcher shop on s. side of Danforth just w. of Logan
Jerk chicken sandwich at Ackee Tree

Given my obsession, I'm looking for more ideas, which are bound to annoy poor Ms. GG, as I drag her around the city to satisfy my cravings (in the long run, she'll appreciate it, I'm sure).

I've heard good things about the Cubano sandwich at Delux and will try at some point. Like Banh Mi, but always find the bread a bit lacking. I would count wraps, such as a shawarma or a gyro, on a list. I have yet to find a top notch shawarma in TO. Any good smoked salmon sandwiches out there?

[jcarlton]

If you get a chance to get our of the city go to Oakville's Stoney's Bakery. They have the worlds best sandwiches. My fav if the shaved lamb. A bit on the pricey side but very large portions. I recommend taking a friend and ordering 2 different sandwiches and sharing.

[gastrojunkie]

Here are some of my favourites:

Artisano: Chicken, Goat Cheese and Grilled Veggies on Cheese Foccaccia (Grilled)

Belly Busters: Turkey Bacon Sub

Safari on Avenue Rd.: Chicken Wrap

Quick Pita: Chicken Shawarma

Negril (I believe thats what it is called at Steeles and Middlefield): Jerk Pork Sandwich

[topbanana]

As mentioned upthread, the Brick Street Bakery in the Distillery District does amazing sandwiches. I love the brasied lamb with chutney.

Another vote for Caplansky's smoked meat from me too. Great mustard.

I also love the chicken and tuna (non-mayo-based) sandwiches at Aroma on Bloor, which both come with arugula. The bread and fillings are always fresh and the portions are large, although a tad pricy.

I'm also very fond of the falafel and shawarma at Sababa on Steeles. They bake their pitas on site and have a wonderfully zesty hot sauce.

[jamesm]

Definitely the Fish Store on College and Caplansky's for smoked meat. I also had a fish sandwich from Lou Dawgs on the weekend that was really very good. Hot, well battered with a crunch, seasoned well. For an extra buck you can make any sandwich a Po Boy which basically means they add a remoulade. Very tasty. Only negative is it was a nice day and it would have been great to have been able to sit outside rather than in a dark basement. Oh, and there were three versions of Frank's Red Hot on the table which is fine but a couple of more interesting hot sauces would be nice.

[iceman1662]

The Collosal sandwich at the corned beef house is amazing. A pound of corned beef or montreal smoked meat lots of mustard a sliced pickle in the sandwich layered on silverstiens rye is my pick for the best sandwich in T.O.

[OTFOODIE]

My list:
Toronto Smoked Meat - Caplanski's
Montreal Smoked Meat (Hand Sliced) - Centre Street Deli
Montreal Smoked Meat (Machine Sliced) - Wolfie's
Gyro - Messini
Shawarma - Anoush & Shawarma Max (tie)
Veal - Panini (Note: I've never tried the original California location, but I have tried several others)
Fish Sandwich - Panini
Roast Beef - Mano's Deli (SLM)

There used to be a panini place in the Jane Finch Mall that had a great steak on a bun - thin slices grilled and piled high - but they went out of business.

My biggest disappointment in the past year or so has been peameal sandwiches at the SLM. For me it used to be a toss-up between two very different styles at Carousel and Paddington. Carousel's was softer with juicy meat on a wonderful light bun, while Paddington's meat was cooked crisper on a standard Kaiser bun. I would often order the latter well-done to get the meat even more browned an crisp. A while back I found the quality at Paddington had become highly variable with the bacon sometimes terribly salty and often they had used so much prep that the sandwich had a greasy flavour. Carousel's was often a bit too greasy for me, even in the past, but now I don't enjoy it at all.

[grandgourmand]

I had the Carousel the other day. I really am not into it.

which one is Mano's Deli at SLM?

[OTFOODIE]

Mano's is across the aisle from both Paddington and Carousel about half way between them. They have rare roast beef that they soak in the juices after slicing and pile it high on a bun.

[Googs]

gg, another good alternative to the peameal sandwiches from the Carousel (not) Bakery is the bifana with the works from Churrasco. Tasty, juicy pork cutlet made fresh when you order it.

[duckdown]

where is shawarma max and anoush? i'm always looking for the best chicken shawarmas and haven't found anywhere great yet (compared to MTL)

[grandgourmand]

Might not be convenient for you, but Medina uses white meat only. They're in the Scotia Plaza food court. it's a pretty good sandwich.

[duckdown]

hey awesome, you remembered about my white meat rant... i definitely will look that place up when i'm in the area

cheers :)

[OTFOODIE]

Shawarma Max is on the East side of Yonge (4969 Yonge Street) near Hollywood.

Anoush is north of there, a few blocks south of Steeles, in the strip plaza that is almost 100% Persian, in the block south of the Khorak Market.

Both usually have beef and chicken Shawarma.

[chow14]

there's a new 24 hour 'old fashioned' sandwich shop at king and portland. it rules! fresh roasted turkey, home made fries. yum!

[duckdown]

I think thats the new Reggies place...mixed opinions so far...surprisingly lots of negatives

[shiskabob]

It's got to be San Francesco's on Clinton St - I loved the veal sandwiches when I lived in TO over 30 years ago, and whenever I pass through the area, I still make a point of going there (I now live in Michigan, but go to either Toronto, Ottawa or Merrickville on a regular basis).

[duckdown]

I must be missing something... because i found the sandwich extremely average

[juliewong]

If you venture out to Mississauga there is a really good Italian place on lakeshore west of cawthra called Lino's. They have a great veggie cheese sandwich for under $5 that we order as take out quite often in the summer.

[tjr]

Lino's is great; the veggie cheese sandwich is good, their meatball sandwich is good too. Nice people as well.

[Colonel78]

Grilled Cheese at The Swan on Queen W comes with delicious spiced chutney.

[OnDaGo]

My all time fav was at Focaccia.. it was a grilled chicken breast on an open face Focaccia bread with Bruscetta on top.. very healthy and very refreshing clean taste...

[Zengarden]

I really like the PK sandwich from Pulp Kitchen. It''s the kind of sandwich that would convince me to go vegan: tomato, avocado, coriander spread (?) and tofu. All on a multigrain bread.

Wholesome and heavenly.

[duckdown]

and the name of the place is?

[always_eating]

I have to agree with the Fish Store's sandwiches. My hairdresser introduced me to the Black Cod Sandwich one day, when I was starving, and it was totally delicious. Melt-in-your-mouth fish and I love their buns. Plus, the owners are very nice & friendly. Definitely my favourite sandwich right now in TO.

[Delish]

FYI - the buns they use come from Golden Wheat Bakery across the road from The Fish Store. We call them smooshie buns in my house.

[always_eating]

Thanks, Delish! I'm going to have to buy me some of those "smooshie" buns. :)

[danthediner]

I love the Pulled Pork Sandwich from the Black Camel (Rosedale subway station)! :)

[ribboy]

i have gone past that place many a time and will now stop and try the sandwich..

[sugarcube]

I enjoy OliverBonacini grill's pulled pork sandwhich; really hits the spot: tender pulled pork, some good old cheddar cheese, topped with cool and creamy coleslaw all nestled in crusty ciabata bread.

[torontofoodiegirl]

"The Harlem" sandwich from Harlem.

As described by them: “a grilled three layer sammy of black forest ham, jerked chicken salad, avocado, mango mustard & cheese on challah bread".

Mmm mmm good. Harlem (which I recently tried for the first time after reading positive reviews on this board) is definitely worth a visit.

[Googs]

I can't believe Harlem can make that combination work, but I'm salivating at the very thought of it. Must have sammy.

[idnas]

I had "The Harlem" today and honestly it's the first thing I've ever had at Harlem that I didn't like. It was really salty without much other flavour. Very bland.

Everything else I've had there for dinner or brunch has been amazing, so I highly recommend the restaurant, just not that sandwich. Go for the "Nice Lady" instead. Very tasty.

Today was also the first time I'd ordered the fried plantains. I was skeptical about ketchup with plantains but since it was their guava ketchup I gave it a try. It was *really* good. Not sure what the spice was in the sauce but it really went nicely with the plantains. Great alternative when you're not quite up to the candied yams (which are over-the-top amazing but can overwhelm the rest of your meal).

[emmalee]

Tried the pulled pork sandwich at Mitzi's Sister a few weeks ago and it was glorious.
Also another vote for the cubano at Delux.
Now I'm going to have to try all of the other sandwich suggestions listed here!

[Pincus]

So far, the eggplant sandwich at Quattro Ragazze and the smoked meat at Caplansky's. There are a lot of other recommendations from this thread I want to try, though.

[BokChoi]

Fave of mine for many-a-years: The Breakfast Special at St Lawrence Market (at Carousel's). Hits the spot when I want something nice, greasy and hearty. Not very refined, but an old favourite. Good ol' comfort food. Too bad they changed the bread... haven't tried it since (yet)....

[Jar]

When talking about the best, I put it into context. There are many sandwiches I love, Vietnamese, would love falafel more if thinner and less bread, more fillings and salad, etc. My favourite sandwich is pretty simple in that it has been 100% dependable over decades period!! If hungry and looking for something, an Italian sandwich is always a long shot, not enough meat, soaking sauce, starting to stale bun, etc. Problem becomes more acute when the same location has differing degrees of performance!! So, the best simply becomes the never ending dependable sandwich provided with caring service, at the San Francesco location on Finch West at Alness, 1 light west of Dufferin. I usually order the veal, always good quality and quantity meat, little sauce and thank heavens I don't get that wet soaking feeling, extra hot and this is always well provided. So the best sandwich can never be the best tasting for the moment or a short period of time, but the sandwich that excels in all respects over decades! Bravo, San Francesco, Finch West at Alness!!! Super Bravo!!!!!!

[domesticgodess]

sandwiccio...yonge/lawrence
new york subway..queen west
sandwich box
mustachio's..st. lawrence market
olson bakery..port dalhousie
a panini place at the corner of hwy 7 and 401.(red sign..nw corner)
fusaro's...spadina
fish sandwich store...college
leslieville cheese market...queen east
cheese emporium ...mt. pleasant

Love sandwiches..always searching for good ones!!

[happycamper]

Can you elaborate a little more on Sandwiccio?
What kind of sandwichhes do they serve and what are their prices?

[Yongeman]

I haven't eaten there, but did look in shortly after it opened. It's an Italian sandwich joint--here's a previous link about it: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/105219

[duckdown]

great, but you forgot to tell us what kind of sandwiches

[pinkskittles]

I'm a fan of Sandwich Box, then again I don't really eat sandwiches, but they're pretty good, I enjoy them.

[air621]

I work within spitting distance of the orig. Sandwich Box. Yes, for a while, I would shell out the $8 for one their sammies happily. But here is why I haven't been there for at least a year.
They don't do anything that any of us couldn't do ourselves. I've packed much better sandwiches to work myself.
Having said that, their pre-made ham and cheese was very good last time I had it, and that's less than $5

[Marimba]

Big fan of the box...when they opened two years ago, the combo was $5.50...now it's $7.50...not quite the bargain...drifting off...Marimba!

[wickalicious]

The Brick Oven Bakery in the Distillery District makes some great sandwiches - I am particularly partial to their club, which was amazing (and as big as my head). Nice, warm roasted chicken, crispy bacon and cool tomato...and everything so juicy that it ran all over my face. Fantastic. I also liked their curried lamb sandwich, but it really wasn't in the same league.

I also really like the meatloaf sandwich at Marvellous Edibles on Laird, and am a stalwart supporter of Rose Cafe (I don't think the 'traditional' cold cut banh mi is so great there, but I haven't found anything that matches their meatball one).

[pinstripeprincess]

it's brick street bakery is it not? agreed that they make some great sandwiches there though on the expensive side.

had another sandwich at pasquale bros a couple days back (only open M-F during the summer) plus a limonata as part of their $6 combo special. nothing short of amazing! i forgot entirely about them but there's a new level of perfection they give to deli ingredients. no fresh produce here but the switch to loaf was inspired and fillings of prosciutto cotto, prosciutto, spicy salami, roasted red peppers, honey mustard, chili oil and a little extra olive oil with some provolone was fantastic. stacked high too so that half of one was quite satiating.

[air621]

A co-worker once worked with someone who didn't like sandwiches. I could never be kind to someone with such poor taste. I love sandwiches. Love them. love them.
Here's my list of the city's best sandwiches.
Messini for gyros. With those awesome round fries...Heaven
Chicken satay wrap from New York Subway
the Healthy Tuna sandwich from St. Patrick Convenience on Queen near John.
North Pole Bakery for the veal with mushrooms and hot peppers.
Falafel, Armenian Kitchen
Flank steak wrap from Ravisoups
Brisket sandwich from New Yorker Deli
Brisket sandwich from the Tulip

Now, onto the club. Most decent diners make fine clubs. My beef is that too many places try to improve and ruin the club. How does one ruin a club? Peameal bacon, chicken breast, rye bread, sundried tomatoes, cheese, all of which I have seen or eaten.

[duckdown]

I just tried the Messini gyro's the other night, amazing.

I'm actually going to make a detour there on the way to a friends tonight..

I've only tried the chicken gyro's though, and thats what I'm sticking with

[Marimba]

The grilled veggie version at Messini's is fantastic...Love those fries...Marimba!

[itryalot]

Gyros finally! I was waiting for a rec.
I may get my wrists slapped, but I do love Mustachio in SLm for Chicken and Eggplant. Add sauce, peppers and onions, hot sauce. yum.

[Humbucker]

The roasted pork wrap at Ravisoups is also incredible.

[Davedigger]

My suggestion is a Falafel World chicken warma sandwich on Bloor, 1 block east of Jane. Have them put on some hummus and eggplant and it's heaven in a pita.

[duckdown]

I love this place too

[callitasicit]

The Cubano sandwich at Sweet Smoke in Oakville. Too bad it is so damn far!!

[duckdown]

Ohhhh definitely!

How could I forget sweet smoke

I love their regular pulled pork too... that orange-y bbq sauce they use... yum

Good call ;) and yeah it is WAY too damn far, what a terrible location

[Humbucker]

I don't understand the recs for Falafel World. I've had their chicken shawarma sandwich and it was quite small and mediocre for the price. Their vegetables were just boring iceberg and tomato.

[duckdown]

they're anything but small

its not iceberg and tomato, it's their house slaw

it's a pickled cabbage with bits of tomato in it

not sure what happened when you were there.

[Humbucker]

I may have to give it another try, but when I went, the sandwich was about the size of a can of soda. The sandwich for the same price at A La Turque was probably twice as large. I did a shawarma comparison about a month ago where I visited several shawarma shops and Falafel World left me very unimpressed.

[Ron M]

I tried the Jerk Sandwich at Ackee Tree and found it quite good with one reservation. They served a decent portion of Jerk Chicken with their sandwich, which is delicious and spiced just right, and I liked the addition of the sweet potato, however I find the bread it's served on doesn't appeal to me. A little too light and too sweet.

[visualhornet]

The coco bread at Ackee Tree is what makes the sandwich. Slight grilled and the sweetness is perfect with the jerk Sauce.
Best Veal Sandwich Vinny's Panini on Dupont
Best Egg Salad Calfutti across from Trinity Bellwood Park

Does anyone know where they make a Good CLUB sandwich everywhere same problem the meat is always to dry and tomatoes too juicy.

[lovefoodtoomuch]

Here is a photo of the veal sandwich from Vinny's Panini (well half - I couldn't eat the massive thing in one sitting). Might be a little less pretty here than when I picked it up as the picture is post transportation. It's made fresh so call (maybe 20 mins) before to have it ready when you get there. If you get it with the green peppers and like spice I would opt for the hot rather than the medium, which barely registered on my heat radar. Tasty, filling, and a bargain at just over 8$ taxes in.

[Full tummy]

I love the Cuban sandwich at Marvellous Edibles. Pickle, pork loin, cheese, etc. all grilled. Yum.

[juno]

I'm partial to the Charles sandwich, one of several good-tasting sandwiches on the menu of Ferro, a lively Italian spot on St. Clair Ave. West, a few blocks west of Christie St. It's essentially a grilled chicken sandwich with a number of extra goodies between chunks of a pressed Calabrese baguette. I've never actually investigated what else is in the sandwich, what spread, what veggies and such. I just hoover it down, and have been doing so for years. About $10, which is the price of most of the other sandwiches on the list. But since I first tasted the Charles, I've never bothered with the others, which I'm confident are just as delicious.

[piggywiggy]

No mention of Montreal smoked meat yet? Ok, we're not in Montreal and there's no Schwarz's or Ben's or even Reuben's, but Dunn's is a pretty good spot for your MSM fix. The key is hand slicing. If it goes through a slicer it just doesn't match up.

Where does one go for a good Reuben? It's my old skool favourite!

[jsolish]

The one true place in Toronto to get MSM is Centre Street Deli in Thornhill (Centre and Dufferin), all others are poseurs.

[thebutcher]

Love all the sandwiches at Ferro!
The Club Sandwich at Mildred Pierce was delicious! When are they reopening?

[Westwardho]

Great thread! I can make anything into a sandwich!
-California's I can only say the Claremont and Queensway locations are pretty consistent
-I love the plastic wrapped "spicy chicken sandwich" from the guy at SLM just as you go in on the left. I think it is even better if you get a RISSOIS or two which are nuggets of heartstopping goodness
-Messini for me on Danforth makes the best gyro and a steal for less than $5
-If I am downtown and desperate for a sandwich, the Pumpernickel's schnitzel on a bun with their sauteed onions in 1st Canadian Place food court is actually pretty good

[pearlD]

A really good toasted BLT or toasted Western from just about all of the 'diner-type' resto's ...I think it's one of the better choices in most Diner's! What comes to mind right now is The Avenue , The Vesta & The Superiour ...I make it a point to go to the Superior anytime I 'm in the St. Mike's Hospital neighbourhood!!! (Yah, and a chocolate milkshake in the metal cup!!)

[thenurse]

Superior? Really? On Yonge? Or perhaps you mean the Senator, on Victoria?

[pearlD]

No, not the Senator...the SE..corner restaurant at Queen & Victoria..almost directly across from St. Mike's... maybe I have the restaurant name wrong (but close I think)....also in that neighbourhood is the 're-invented' Fran's...EXCELLENT milkshakes in a frosty cold metal cup....other food ehh!

[Minnow]

I think that's the Victoria Restaurant, and I concur. Solid diner type sandwiches - nothing fancy, but always tasty.

[pearlD]

Thank you Minnow... Some days I do think I'm losing it...but I still remember where I live and that's a good thing!
One of the other places for down to earth sandwiches etc is now only a memory and that was called BROTHERS on Yonge Street just south of Charles Street....Man...it was good in its day!

[Wiley]

Something I noticed in Europe and the UK is a proliferation of baguette sandwiches with really crisp crusts and soft interior...something I wish would catch on a little more here.

[Jar]

Wiley, you hit the nail right on the head!! I do like crispy bread, I will bake an onion bun, split a bagel and toast it, etc. Speaking of toasting it, I commnd you on postings NW of TO! I see you recently had a Tropical Joe experience on Albion Rd., man they go through trays and trays of Jerk Chicken! And the post in south Bramalea a wonderful Indian buffet, so great! And you have a photo I recall of the chalkboard menu at the fantabulous Macedonian restaurant Geneva!!! Of course topic is enjoying a crusty bread. At the Geneva, that was the bread we got, crusty exterior, incredible softness within! It is said that bread is best twice baked, which means the delicious freshly baked breads slathered with butter, so delicious are a bad choice! I wonder why there is the thick Texas toast slices,, I'd want thin Hollywood style toast that I can hear breaking apart! You are correct freshly baked bread with a firm, hard exterior are terrific!!

[KevinB]

Up until the late 80's, there was a sub shop on College, just around the corner from the El Mocambo called "Mother's". They made typical subs like Mr. Sub (assorted cold cuts, etc.), but also made a great veal sub with melted cheese. But what really set them apart was the bun - a really crisp, crusty exterior, with a soft, chewy interior. Why none of the sub chains - Mr. Sub, Quizno, Subway - can't make ONE single crusty roll instead of the mush they serve is beyond me.

[Wiley]

To quote Kris Kristofferson, you been reading my mail (Beat the Devil)..another poster recently mentioned the best fish and chips at the late lamented Crown on Broadview, a place I frequented between Geneva visits.

[happycamper]

Osogood on College has many nice cold sandwiches.
The owner is always so generous with the fillings.
My favorites are the apple & brie sandwich, and the spicy crab salad wrap.

[mariecollins]

The eggplant sandwich at Quattro Ragazze - it's huge, cheap and covered with delish tomato sauce and melted cheese. I used to really like the cubano at Bar Italia too but I don't know if they still make it.

[duckdown]

What exactly is this "Fish sandwich" from the fish store? What kind of fish?

Do they sell crab cakes there

[grandgourmand]

Here's a picture from some dude's flickr account.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/themkt/5...

There are a variety of fish selections. Wild salmon is pretty popular. Grouper, cod, trout, halibut...etc. Scallop too.

The crab cakes, I don't know.

Ok, lamb satay, must eat soon. And the jerk pork on coco bread sounds really good, too.

[magic]

Nah man, they don't do crabcakes. They grill seafood, and that's that pretty much it. People seem to love the salmon. Personally, the grouper is my fave. And amongst the cheapest!

Yes, I might finally have to try New York Subs tomorrow.

[tbonetak]

Hey, that dude is me! Glad the shots are being put to good use. Of the three I've had at the Fish Store - wild salmon, black cod, scallop - the wild salmon stood up best to the way they prepare their stuff, I thought. It's kind of a shame, though, they use the same preparation for each fish. I'd love to see some variety in the way the different fish are treated.

[grandgourmand]

I was googling stuff on Caplansky's and came upon your pics. Nice stuff.

I see your point on the lack of variety, but if they tried to add too much differentiation, they might end up screwing with the original formula.

As a side note, i'm going to give Black Camel another shot. I had the pulled pork. It was ok, but I found it tasted to crockpot-ish and the sauce was too sweet. Didn't put the coleslaw on it though, d-uh.

Some really good suggestions today. Decisions, decisions.

[peppermint pate]

Definitely give the Camel another shot. When I get the brisket (IMO, the best sandwich), I often ask for just a bit of bbq sauce - in addition to the chipotle mayo - so it doesn't overpower. The roast veggie sandwich is also great as is the steak sandwich with charamoula mayo.

Fun thread!

[magic]

I gotta say I agree with your comments on The Fish Store sticking to a simple formula. To my knowledge the sweet people that run it aren’t chefs but they have a great recipe that works with all the seafood they grill (which in my experiences are grilled perfectly). I see tbonetak’s point, and I think it’s valid, but for the The Fish Store, I’m happy with the way they do things there.

Hey, Black Camel might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it oughta be most people’s! Give the pulled pork another try. I’ve never found it too sweet, and I’m always sensitive to things that are overly sweet. I like mine with the BBQ sauce, chipotle mayo, and chili roasted red onions. Their brisket is wicked too.

[tbonetak]

I see the points you're making entirely, magic and gg, and they're well taken. The Fish Store is great at what they do and it would be a shame to mess it up. (I must say, I feel kind of spoiled that we've got a place wherein our only point of disagreement is whether it could be even better. )

[magic]

I'll lift a glass to that!

[acd123]

I will definitely give the black camel another try too because of all the great things I've read and heard. But the time I tried a pulled pork sandwich there, the sauce was so sweet that it tasted like dessert.

[magic]

I guess different people have different palates. What is sweet to one, might not be as sweet to another. I can certainly see why people might find the pulled pork there sweet, but I’ve just never found that. All I’ve found are succulent mouthfuls of savory goodness. Give it another shot! If you still think it’s sweet then at least you know you’ve given it more than a fair shake. Maybe add a condiment to offset any sweetness you detect, or hold off on the BBQ sauce…

[grandgourmand]

Ok, I went back to black camel. Had the pulled pork again. It was much better this time. I had them add the coleslaw to the sandwich, which made it much better. Will try the brisket with horseradish or something.

However, with the condiment, the sandwich was almost $9. I find that a bit much for what I think is braised pork shoulder (they don't smoke it, I don't think). But hey, it's in Rosedale.

[magic]

Nice! I’m so glad you gave it another try and enjoyed it! That’s great. I guess when you add toppings it is on the slightly pricey side sure, but I don’t find it all that much more than when I add toppings to say, a veal sandwich. Maybe a dollar and change more - if that. And after I’ve eaten at Black Camel I always have a big smile on my face so to me it’s worth it. Plus, yeah, it’s Rosedale. Glad you went back though.

[duckdown]

I like scallops -- how was that scallop sandwich? Looks nice

[pinstripeprincess]

the fish store is this shallow tiny brightly coloured shop with the tiniest seating for 4 and probably not the best place to go in the winter because the only "waiting room" is outdoors.

for all it's cuteness, i love that they have a cooler section with a nice variety of fish laid out facing you when you walk in. each variety is listed with a price per pound and you can take it away for your own means. otherwise, you can pick whatever is there and they'll make a sandwich out of it. prices of each type of sandwich/combo/what have you are on posters right beside the entrance and on the chalkboard hanging just over the register... if i remember correctly.

in short, it's like walking into a fish market and pointing at what you want cooked for you.

[duckdown]

Sweet, I was googling it and it turns out they have shrimp, lobster, and calimari also

I can't wait to try a shrimp sandwich or a lobster sandwich, even if it is $12 !

Thanks for the info :-) Will add this to my "must try" list for when I'm downtown next

Oh, does anyone know what time they close?

[grandgourmand]

Hey, at $12, it's less than the $16 or whatever for the Subway lobster version, and better.

Not exactly sure on the closing time, but it's not too late. I think around 8pm. I recall going there once when it was dark out.

Oh, and there's a dress code. Just kidding.

[tbonetak]

So many great ones have already been named, I feel like I'm not adding much. Still...

- Caplansky's absolutely tops the list
- wild salmon from The Fish Store
- love the chicken sandwich from SLM, but never thought to ask for dark meat. Definitely will next time.
- for those looking for better Banh Mi bread, I would recommend Ba Le, just west of Spadina on Dundas. The baguette they use is nice and crusty. Have a look:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/themkt/9...

- My favourite very standard iteration of a classic is the club at the Avenue Open Kitchen on Camden (1 south of Richmond off Spadina). The chicken they use has a very nice rotisserie-type flavour you never get it a club. Also, and this has nothing to do with taste, I get a kick out of how they jam the lid of the clamshell takeout container down on the toothpicks.

- dying to try the lamb satay at NY Sub as well. Can't believe I hadn't heard of it until NOW pointed it out.

[smr714]

the Avenue Open kitchen also has a good corned beef sandwich.

[tbonetak]

I'm surprised the Avenue doesn't get more Chowhound love, actually. They do a lot of things well. When I can't make it all the way to Caplansky's (I work at King & Spadina) and I need a hot, cured beef fix, I'll definitely go to the AOK for a corned beef. I like theirs more than the Corned Beef House, even. Not as good a Caplansky's, but still pretty good.

(On a side note, the 'off' pick for me in the latest NOW is the CBH's reuben, which I find very underwhelming).

[smr714]

I used to work in 401 Richmond, would get the sandwiches to bring home from Avenue. And their short ribs special is also very good, Does Avenue still get line-ups? Between there fusario's I ate very well at lunch.

[tbonetak]

You still usually have to wait, but it's not like the insane lineups over at Fusaro's.

[pinstripeprincess]

the lamb satay is THE wrap to get at new york subs. sometimes i get a little eggplant put in there too.

i still really like nguyen houng but it's best when their bread is fresh and they haven't been filling the sandwiches all day long. best bet is to just bring it home and giver a little bit of time in the toaster oven. often drag these things cross town for work lunch and some crisping in the oven makes them perfection.

ba le seemed expensive and definitely more unusual though less satisfying and i just can't wrap my head around how roses' gets such props... they just weren't doing it for me and nguyen houng tastes fresh!

vote for a non halifax doner from house of doner and kebab between dundas and gerrard on the east side of yonge st. delicious with everything made in house. easily better than pretty much all the shaved meat on a spit sandwiches i've had around the whole gta.

[NovoCuisine]

I have a ridiculous love of the curried potato burrito at NYS so I've never tried their satay ones.. but this lamb is getting a lot of praise here; I just might be able to get over my potato craving next time I'm on Queen West.

[Wahooty]

PSP, I'm with you regarding Rose's banh mi - they're good, but they just don't quite do it for me either (no idea why). I just don't get why they have such a rabid following. There are things I love about Ba Le - the bread IS good, you get slightly more variety in the way of veggies, and I like that the chilis are chopped up and thus spread more evenly throughout the sandwich - but Nguyen Huong, when they're on, is the most craveable for me. I do have to love any sandwich where $2.25 can "seem expensive." :)

[peppermint pate]

Now that's an inspiration for a whole other thread - best club sandwich in the city...I remember having one ordered up from room service at the Four Seasons that was quite fab but that was years ago (and any club sandwich tastes better when it's served on a silver-domed tray in a room with a view with the tv on...).

[Brain of J]

I had the club at The Abbot last night---excellent. This place has all around great food; far better than your average pub. I had a bite of my sister's chicken burger---very, very good.

-----
The Abbot
3343 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4N, CA

[KevinB]

At the late, lamented Canary, I used to order their club sandwich with chicken salad instead of turkey. It might not make the traditional definition of a club, but it's d*mn good.

[grandgourmand]

I finally had the lamb satay at NY sub...it's a very good sandwich. I had the wrap version, possibly the sub would have been better. Asked for spicy sauce, which delivered some really nice flavour. The lamb, though, lacked its distinct flavour and IMO, would have been better shredded, but that's not critical. Other sandwiches, veggie ones such as cauliflower, seem really interesting and for $4, it's a steal. Going back, for sure.

[Yongeman]

I also enjoyed a lamb satay wrap recently at New York Subway. Delicious!

[Dr Butcher]

Jerk Pork on coco bread - Nun Such Jerk at Kennedy/Lawrence get it with the plantains.

Felafel - Pita Deli at Thickson/Consumers in Whitby, the felafel isn't cooked to order which is disappointing but their fatoosh, toum and tahini are excellent. It's massive to boot!

Shawarma - Ibrahim Pizza & BBQ at Lawrence/Wayne, has the most flavour out of the shawarmas I've tried in Toronto.

Banh mi - Rose Cafe on Broadview.

Veal - I stand by Mustachio's at the SLM, I know it gets a lot of hate here but I like it.

Most cold cut sandwiches I eat I make myself and have ingredients purchased at Highland Farms. They have very competitive prices and their buns (Open Window bakery?) are excellent, especially their onion buns.

[hungry_pangolin]

How, in the name of God, could I have forgotten Black Camel (Crescent Road across from Rosedale Stn)? Their pulled pork is superb. A wonderful selection of condiments and toppings.

[magic]

Ditto on Black Camel. It would absolutely be near the top my list.

[NovoCuisine]

Great call. Had my first BC pulled pork sandwich a few weeks ago. I crave it, but am never in that area of the city...

[Julie McCoy]

My absolute addictive favourites are the Butter Chicken Paratha Wrap from Eastern Twist (St Clair and Bathurst or Passmore at Markham Rd in Scarborough) and the Curried Beef Wrap from Ravisoups (Adelaide west of John). Both are excellent examples of attention to detail and flavour. Fresh, fresh, fresh and very filling.

[grandgourmand]

Ok, we're off to a grrrrreat start.
I've added Fusaro's and Centro Formaggio for meatball sandwiches (I've got a definite weakness for meatballs, mamma mia).
Chicken sub @ ginger
NY Sub jumbo lamb satay, sounds irresistible
One of the shawarma suggestions. Some strong arguments on a a few different places.

I'm also surprised at the Fish Store comment by stapler. Twice. Maybe mention that you want it underdone or something. If you like Baja tacos, even though it's not at all the same concept, the Buster's Cove sandwich is lightly breaded and fried. Moist fish. And they changed the bun, not too long ago. For the better. It used to be, consistency-wise, like those "italian-style" sausage buns at the grocery store. Now it's closer to a portuguese-style, legit, bun.

What's a halifax donair?

Torontonians, myself included, complain about a lot of the stuff we lack (mexican food, poutine, smoked meat pre-caplansky's)...but we do live in a top notch sandwich city.

One I forgot to mention, was the catfish sandwich at Cajun Corner. I had it back when it was on Queen St. I found it tough to eat and it could have used more sauce, but overall a very nice fish sandwich.

[Kasia]

my SO also has a sandwich obssession so i feel mrs. GG's pain:)

besides many already mentioned, some of our favourites are lamb sandwich at Thuet Atelier, smoked salmon on black bread at the beaver, and the lamb wrap at banu (forgot the name).

[Recyclor]

The Halifax Donair is distinctive with it's sweet garlic sauce, there are fierce debates over what other toppings must/must not be on it -- pickled radish, onions...I like mine quite spicy so the sweet sauce is a nice contrast along with cold crisp veggies and crusted hot donair meat...yum!

[Yongeman]

The Cajun Corner sandwich that you had was probably a po' boy. Delicious--I guess you could have asked for extra remoulade sauce. I also love their shrimp po' boy and their authentic (?) New Orleans muffaletta. Great olive salad on that muffaletta.

[Alacrity59]

I'd describe the donair to be very close to a Greek gyro. Ground beef and oregano, garlic, and onion meat loaf served sliced on a pita. Instead of a garlic yogurt sauce they serve it with a garlicy sugary milk sauce.

[stapler]

OK wait, I've been at the cottage...but the Busters Cove sand is at the Fish Store? And yes, it is indeed Baja I'm reminiscing about...La Paz, the boardwalk, and the man in the cart saying to me "Camarones?". With a 7 up in a glass bottle, old school!

[grandgourmand]

Buster's Cover is at SLM. Nothing close to a fish taco, but the difference between it and Fish STore, is that there's a light breading on the fish at Buster's. Just making the parralel between breading there and on Baja fish tacos. That, and I've never had a dried out sandwich at Busters.

Yeah, we're lacking in the fish taco dept. Sad.

[Recyclor]

Can be an aquired taste, but my gf has me hooked on Halifax donair's, best (and only one I know of) is at College Falafel (Ossington & College), and I'd add Bitondo's calzone (across from the Monarch/Caplansky's) -- I know it's bending the sandwich parameters but it's on the list when I want a sandie...on Queen W: NY Sub jumbo lamb satay, always a winner...Le Gourmand makes good roast beef and curry chicken wraps and across Spadina at Fusarro's the grilled chicken wrap is a favorite of a few people in my office...

[stapler]

Woah, Halifax donair, I remember the first time I had it in Halifax, it was late at night (ahem) and I ordered it and took one bite and was v. surprised to be eating sugar on my meat. It was v. weird! Still find it to be weird! But Haligonians swear by it. Each to their own, hey?

[Recyclor]

Ya, the girl grew up in the east so she craves them because of that...I gotta agree that it's a little out there, but I like 'em...

[magic]

Wow, I'm surprised you've had bad experiences at the Fish Store. I've been a couple dozen times and every time I've been it's been nothing less than brilliant, never ever overcooked. Totally deserving of NOW's inclusion.

[peppermint pate]

I keep meaning to try the Fish Store on College - it's been on my list for way too long. Thanks for yet another reminder.

I'd definitely suggest the brisket sandwich from Black Camel, to which I add chipotle mayo, caramelized onions and arugula.

Did you happen to catch last week's Now Magazine - cover story was on the 20 best sandwiches in Toronto. I was actually quite impressed with the list - it included Caplansky's, Black Camel (pulled pork), Carousel's peameal bacon in SLM, salmon sandwich from Fish Store, Mustachio's eggplant sandwich in SLM, Ackee's jerk chicken and Rose Cafe's banh mi. The chicken sandwich from Red Tea Box looks amazing - also on my "must try" list. Here's the link: http://nowtoronto.com/food/story.cfm?...

[Food Tourist]

Loved the recent issue of Now even if some "bests" are debatable. Heading to SLM today - will be sure to try Busters Cove fish sandwich and portugese chicken sandwich along with the usual suspects.

My fave sandwich has got to be the patty melt at The Pilot on Cumberland...tender, juicy hamburger sandwiched between marbled rye with caramelized onions and melted cheddar. Yum. (The fries are awful, though, limp and greasy).

[grandgourmand]

If you're getting the portuguese chicken sandwich, make sure to ask for the dark meat. Otherwise, it's a bit dry.

[snackboy]

Hey Food Tourist,

I had my first patty melt at the pilot last week and it was great!!! . . . I'll definitely be back for another one . . . I had the sweet potato fries (instead of the regular) which were very crisp and well seasoned . . . as far as my other faves go here's my list..
Belly Busters Bacon combo w/ extra bacon
California Hot Veal
Fish Shop's Grilled Salmon
Ghandi's buttered chicken roti
a la turque's Falafel and swarma
Ali's Goat Roti or spinach roti with xtra hot sauce
sneaky dees western sandwich

I'm going to try Caplansky's this weekend as it does sound great . . . any must haves while I'm there?

SB

[Yongeman]

Oh yeah! Belly Buster for a great sub, as long as it includes bacon.

[Food Tourist]

I tried a friend's sweet potato fries at The Pilot and you're right, they were MUCH better than the regular fries - thinner, crispier, even spicier. I wasn't sure they were homemade, though.

I too enjoy A La Turque on Church just north of Wellesley.

At SLM yesterday, we split the Carousel peameal (ordered it plain and added the "hot hot" mustard) - bun gets crusty under the heat and reminded me of a hamburger bun. I think the bread was different last time. We also split the portugese chicken sandwich (pre-made) at the churrasqueria place - asked for "dark" meat but seemed to receive white meat! The BBQ sauce was a nice change from the ordinary. But the highlight was the Uno Mustachio's eggplant sandwich, piled high and crunchy as always. Didn't like the addition of lettuce and tomato on it which we didn't ask for. They were out of mushrooms, so we ordered onion, sauce, and sweet peppers (green)...and were surprised to find lettuce and tomato as well.

Checked out Busters fish sandwich but were too full to order it.

[snackboy]

Hey F T

I'm glad someone else is enjoying A La Turque as well as they are a really friendly family and I want to see them do well . . . as far as the sweet potato fries I'm not sure either if they are home made . . . I'll ask next time I'm in . . . either way they are pretty tasty...

SB

[Humbucker]

I love A La Turque and the SLM chicken sandwich as well.

[theslowcooker]

Californias has an awesome veal sandwich

[Googs]

Better yet, have the bifana sandwich at the SLM Churrasco, Food Tourist. Made when you order it so you have to wait a few minutes, but warm, juicy, and deelish upon arrival. Ask them to put "the works" on it. Oops. I guess I should have put the bifana on my fave list too.

[Food Tourist]

Thanks Googs! What is "bifana with the works" exactly? I will def. order it next time. I wasn't overly impressed with the white meat chicken sandwich though it was decent.

[Googs]

http://www.recipezaar.com/87600

Served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, grilled peppers, and piri piri sauce. You can just say "the works" and probably should since I may have forgotten something.

[magic]

Is the Bifana just like the wrapped sandwiches, only fresher? Or is it something altogether different from those yummy wrapped ones?

I love those wrapped chicken sammos, but if I could get it even fresher so much the better!

[grandgourmand]

Bifana is thinly sliced pork. And it doesn't get ordered too often, so they make it fresh.

Getting a freshly made chicken sandwich is a tougher task. I usually go when they're not as busy and when I say "dark meat only" they have more time to actually make a fresh one. I've gone during a busy midday lunch and asked for dark meat and have exactly what happened to Food Tourist.

[magic]

Ahhh - Thanks for clarifying! Will have to try the bifana.

Maybe you have to say 'dark meat' slowly. :)

I’m a fan of the premade chicken sandwiches. Yes, you do get the occasional dry piece of breast meat... predictably so. But the sauce is added in such a thoughtful proportion it usually mitigates occasional dryness, I find. That said, I want to get my claws on a dark meat version.

[Food Tourist]

It was after the midday rush, though as we got to the counter, a lineup formed behind us, so maybe he thought better of our request and just went for the quick buck! Honestly, it wasn't dried out, but I know it could have been juicier.

[Humbucker]

I just had a bifana today and was really disappointed. The pork was really tough and flavorless. I regret not trashing it halfway through and getting one Churrasco SLM chicken sandwiches, which are excellend.

[NovoCuisine]

Sorry to hear that.. sounds like a one-off kind of thing. Never had a tough bifana at SLM before.

Now, Amadeu's is another story...

[Googs]

Never had that experience with the bifana at Churrasco SLM. Always moist, tender, flavourful, and served warm. The premade chicken sandwiches are good, but I really prefer my sandwiches to be made when ordered. Sorry to hear about it Humbucker. Hope it isn't a sign of things to come.

[pinstripeprincess]

grabbed a bifana this past weekend and it was delicious. i could have gone for more seasoning on the pork but otherwise the thin cuts of meat were tender and quite juicy with a decent pork flavour. i had someone else try it out and they were very happy with it and while it's not a real "but".... i felt that it is definitely a sandwich that is greater than the sum of its parts. having "the works" is crucial in making it a really great sandwich... one missing element certainly would take away quite a bit.

[Food Tourist]

Enjoyed the patty melt again last night at the Pilot / Flight Deck. They may well offer the best hamburger in Toronto. The sweet potato fries are indeed the battered crispy kind. (By the way, AVOID the "Calgary Ginger Beef" at the Pilot - may be a contender for worst dish of 2008).

[hungry_pangolin]

I highly recommend the banh mi at Rose Cafe on the west side of Broadview just south of Gerrard. A very average bun, but great filling. $1.85, I think.

[magic]

Chicken Sub at Ginger, oh my (the Yonge/Bloor location makes my fave version of it, but all locations I've had it at are great)

Veal Sam at San Francesco
Meatball Sam at Fusaro's

Nice picks GG...

p.s. I enjoy smoked salmon sandwiches at Yonge/Eg What A Bagel

[Googs]

Personal favourite shawarma: Shawarma Empire, 1823 Lawrence Ave E on the south side of Lawrence just a bit east of Pharmacy. Clean resto, a nice couple that run it, and a shawarma that is 100% consistent. What I ask for this week will taste exactly as the next one I order. All hits, no misses.
http://www.thestar.com/article/192408

[Curlygrrl]

I have to say if Shawarma and Falfael sandwiches are what your craving MeVa Me is where you should be going..... that is if you can get to Thornhill.

I have also always enjoyed picking up a sandwich at Olliffe butcher shoppe.....that is if there are any left when I get there....they sell out of them so quickly...!!!!