After being twice referred to on this site (two different mentions in the Sandwich Times), I finally decided to take the time (as 'pseudo-productive procrastination' from exams) to review the damned place. The restaurant, named after Wilco's sixth album, snuck into Koreatown about 7-8 months ago.
Chad, the lovable nebbish of an owner, pours his heart out into every Sandwich he sells, and as we shall soon see this has both positive and negative effects.
Months ago when this curiosity of a themed sandwich shop opened, I visited the place with my girlfriend and there was nary a person in sight.
The menu has about 16 Signature Sandwiches and allows for customizable Sandwiches with choice of protein, condiments and bread (all of which is excellent and baked in-house!!!). Things looked EXTREMELY promising.
I ordered the Ham and Cheese, she ordered the Chicken Salad.
And then we waited... and waited...
After 20 mins, we were given some complimentary mushroom barley soup (which was tasty if a bit too salty) and were profusely apologized to for the wait.
Then another 10 minutes passed and Gabby received her sandwich.
While I only had a couple of bites, the Sandwich, the now off the menu "California Stars" was excellent with bug chunks of juicy chicken breast, celery green apple and a perfect level of mayo (a rarity in any "salad-type' Sandwiches) on served on, fresh Whole-wheat bread. It received a hearty two thumbs up from Gabby. In fact upon doing the research for this article, the sandwich was clearly so memorable that even 10 months after the fact she instantly recalled both the name and contents of the sandwich!!!!
After another 5 minutes or my order, a classic Ham & Cheese came (which I believe is no longer a featured sandwich and has been replaced with the seemingly superior I'm Always in love). The sandwich was simple, well executed and, completely proportional, a nice change for my usual heavy on the protein focus that this blog seems to take:
The ideal 50:50 meat/cheese/bread ratio???
While level of gooey cheddar made the sandwich reminiscent of a grilled cheese w/ ham, an extremely solid offering indeed.
More recently, I had "Were Just Friends", a Chicken Panini with roasted red peppers, red onions and Swiss.
The repeat visit confirmed two things: 1) they make a very good sandwich 2) it takes a really really long time for the sandwiches.
Between time of order and arrival, I waited approximately 40 minutes. While I am totally rooting for this guy and his Sandwich dreams, a Sandwich just can't take 40 minutes to prepare. Perhaps Chad is too loving in his Feng Shui arrangement sandwich prep and is often working the counter, baking bread, serving customers and assembling the Sandwiches but somethings gotta give.
The Sandwich, on the other hand was even better than my first visit:
The balance of the toppings was great, with the all of the flavors acting in a harmony reminiscent of the early Ruthless Records era Bone Thugs N Harmony.
Again, a great balance and structure to the sandwich, with consistent apportionment of meat/cheese/topping in nearly every bite. Clearly thought has been put into this Sandwich. The peppers added a great sweetness, and the bread was just as flawless as my first visit.
Judgment:
Really like the Sandwiches, Love the pro-Sandwich mantra and spirit of the place, Don't Love the wait.
8/10 Opas
No comments:
Post a Comment