Foiled no more - Drift

As summer comes to a close and we stick our heads out in public again, we've been trying to hit some 'spots' that we've missed in the passed little while. Specifically Nomad, Drift and Battista's Calzone Co. Prior to today's outing, all of our attempts to enjoy any offerings from the above had been foiled.

After riding by around 10:45 this morning and seeing 'closed' written the board in front of the truck, I went home and arranged to reconvene with Charles at Drift's 108th Street local about noon. Finally everything aligned and our sandwich eating was meant to be.

By noon they had already sold out of the Duck Confit (port soaked cranberries and cabbage), and just after we placed our orders, the Pork and Leek Sausage (egg, aged cheddar, fries). In the end Charles decided on the Roast Beef (gherkins, horseradish mayo, mustard and greens) and I went for the Jerk Chicken (grilled pineapple and slaw) with a lychee drink and fennel/cumin fries on the side. The entire order came to $20 even, and five minutes later everything was packaged in a paper bag and we were ready to go.

The chosen eating spot

My Jerk Chicken sandwich was moist and the pineapple provided a lovely sweetness and the slaw a rich base. A bit more flavour from the chicken would have been welcome, but overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable sandwich. Charles noted that the Roast Beef was well rounded flavour wise, and like me he also appreciated the warm, toasty ciabatta bun everything sat on. Along with the sandwiches the shared order of fries was the perfect size. On a bit of a blustery, cool day the warm spices were well placed, and Charles walked back to work happily finishing the last few.

Jerk Chicken

Roast Beef

Although there are plenty of spots offering sandwiches downtown, Drift provides a well thought out selection that will definitely have us heading back to 108th Street.

Drift
108 Street and 100 Avenue
Check out hours and any change in local via Twitter

A post on Elm Café

I've been to Elm Café quite a few times since they opened last summer. Surprisingly enough I've never really posted on any of their creations. So when a co-worker and I grabbed a sandwich last week I made sure I had the camera ready.

As per most days I've been there was a choice between a cold sandwich and two hot sandwiches. Of the latter, one with bacon, chevre, roasted beets, arugula and pesto sounded amazing, but by the time we arrived (around 1pm) they had sold out. So both of us went for the falafel sandwich with cucumber salsa, tahini, yogurt and greens wrapped in pita.

We took our sandwiches back to the office to continue our computer bound afternoon and later convened to discuss the excellence of Elm's take on falafel. The falafels and tahini combined to make and incredibly creamy, well spiced filling, while radishes and cucumber salsa provided a fresh bite.

In addition to our sandwiches we each grabbed a blondie muffin. Really the fillings (nuts, caramel, white chocolate) led us each to refer to them as dessert (ie. cake), but the batter itself was all muffin - not too sweet, lovely and airy and crisp on the top. Whatever their classification, they were excellent and propelled us through a lengthy Friday afternoon.

I'm looking forward to many more sandwich creations this summer, hopefully followed by more cake-muffins.

Elm Café
#100, 10140 117 Street
780.756.3356
Daily sandwich creations (and muffin flavours) for both breakfast and lunch can be found on Twitter.

V Sandwiches

A few months ago Cathy posted on V Sandwiches, and more specifically on their Signature Sandwiches - 9" toasty baguettes topped with pickled carrots, lettuce, cucumber, onion, cilantro, house mayo and your choice of various preparations of chicken, beef or pork. I made a mental note to check the place out and proceeded to forget about it.

Last Wednesday though, things fell into place. I neglected to pack a lunch and decided to take the walk up Bellamy Hill from the office to grab a cup of Soul Soup. On the way I (re)found V Sandwiches.

By the time I arrived last Wednesday around 1pm they were sold out of chicken and beef options, so I went for the BBQ Pork. A few minutes after ordering the warm sandwich was wrapped in parchment, an elastic was placed around it and I was off.

Without a doubt the walk up the hill was worth it. As Cathy noted the balance of flavours and textures is incredibly satisfying - rich pork, toasty bread, tangy carrots, savory mayo and the perfect amount of cilantro. I raved about the sandwich to Charles that evening and we decided a dinner stop at some point this week was necessary.

So last night I pre-ordered a half-dozen sandwiches for Charles, myself and some of the other office staff, and we indulged before a box office crew meeting. When I called around 2pm yesterday we had our choice of the entire menu, nevertheless there ended up being four Lemongrass Chicken and two Sate Beef.

Once again the subs hit the spot. There were many raves about the crusty bread, the mayo and the overall enjoyment of the sandwich. The price was also very agreeable, with Signature Sandwiches ranging from $6.75 (chicken and pork) to $6.95 (beef). Though I ordered a Lemongrass Chicken last night, I think my go-to will definitely be the Sate Beef - the slight spiciness is excellent with the cooling cucumber, cilantro and tangy carrots.

With a sandwich like that at the end, the trudge up Bellamy Hill or even the stair climb is made much more enjoyable. And there will surely be more of these enjoyed around the office as the summer progresses.

V Sandwiches
10135 100A Street
780.426.1888
Hours: M-F (11am - 6pm), Sa (11am - 5pm), Closed Sundays


*If you can't eat your sandwich straight away, have no fear. Just unwrap and place in the oven/toaster oven for a few minutes and you're good to go. The office toaster oven allowed for some much enjoyed leftovers for lunch today.

The view on the way back down to the office. Just two and a half months and there will be a Festival where that snow is!