Sheltered Girl Meets World

Sandwich Thursday: Spicy #14 @ Dirienzo's

(My favorite, a spicy #14 with sundried tomatoes)

The locally famous Dirienzo's is what first inspired Sandwich Thursday.  I would phone the boyfriend, take his order and make a mad dash from work to Dirienzo's in Little Italy where I would impatiently stand in line, pick the perfect buns and order two sandwich masterpieces.  When I got back to work I would attempt to eat lunch discreetly, trying not to draw attention to my spicy #14 but I couldn't hide the saran wrapped sandwich monster from my coworkers and they wanted in on my Thursday treat.  My two sandwich trip eventually turned into 30 sandwich pilgrimages.  I don't do the large orders anymore but I still drop in for the occasional #14 and to chat with the guys behind the counter.

(It's Sandwich Thursday, why not have a cannoli for dessert?)

Dirienzo's is fresh, cheap ($5.00!) and also pretty fast.  Yes, the line curls around the grocery shelves and may seem a little intimidating but these are sandwich professionals who have mastered the art of the sandwich lunch rush.  At the peak of lunch hour you won't be in line for long unless you're behind someone like me who must examine every bun in the bin before picking the one destined to be made into a sandwich.  Besides cold deli sandwiches they have a selection of hot sandwiches (chicken parm is a favorite), fresh pastas, tarts and the occasional cannoli.  If you drop by on the weekend save room for some of the great Italian desserts that come from a bakery in Montreal - my favorite is the tiramisu and of course, cannolis!

Sandwich Thursday: Coffee and a Panini @ Morning Owl AND a CONTEST!

(Morning Owl Coffeehouse on Rochester Street close to Carling)

Morning Owl is my go to coffeehouse when I'm at work.  It is directly behind the massive government complex I work at and serves fair trade organic coffee that beats both the basement cafeteria and the local Tim Horton's.  I am routinely there before shift ordering a large dark or, if I feel special,  an Australian Flat White - a thicker, creamier version of a latte.  When I don't bring my lunch to work (often!) I join the long line of ggovernment workers, sometimes stretching out the door, waiting to order a freshly pressed panini.

(Spicy Crispy Chicken on Art-is-in panini @ Morning Owl)

The panini's are made in house and cover a wide variety of tastes.  If you want deli meat you can have the Italian trio.  Vegetarian?  You can try the tofu or roasted vegetables.  For the meat lover you can have the signature BLTG (guacamole), turkey or any of their specials which include pulled pork, meatball, or crispy chicken.  For the bread they, of course, use Art-is-in paninis.  I wonder, who doesn't use Art-is-in bread for their sandwiches?  And where do they get their bread?  Anyway, I've sampled most of their sandwich menu and the biggest complaint I've had is that the pulled pork needed more sauce.  For my sandwich thursday treat I chose the spicy crispy chicken and loaded up with vegetables, more hot sauce and a touch of mayo.  Panini's are $7.00 and well worth it as they fill you up and brighten your day.

(Contest time!  Cute owls!)

My first ever contest!  To win $10 towards lunch or great coffee (an Australian Flat White perhaps?) at Morning Owl Coffeehouse leave a comment on this post and tell me what you're having or had for lunch today.  I will use random.org to pick a winner on Tuesday, June 7 - hopefully in time for you to enjoy your Sandwich Thursday!

Sandwich Thursday: Deli Panini's @ Brian's Butchery

(Plenty of classic deli sandwich offerings at Brian's Butchery)

Last week I enjoyed a vegan Sandwich Thursday, this week I take it to the other extreme and go to a butcher for my weekly indulgence.  Brian's Butchery is a little known shop on Cobden Road off of Iris Street in Ottawa's west end - better described as being behind IKEA, close to the Ottawa Citizen offices.  They are known in the food community for their attention to detail, incredible passion and their (special request only) 35 day dry aged steaks but they should also be known for their simple but delicious deli sandwiches.

 

Sandwich Thursday: Vegan Grab 'n Go @ Cafe My House

(Menu board @ Cafe My House)

Everyone who has read this site or follows me on Twitter knows I like meat, I like meat a lot.  I like meat on it's own, I like meat on top of meat and I like meat with vegetables.  That doesn't mean that I eat meat for every meal or even everyday - I will often go vegetarian and on occasion have a carefully prepared vegan meal or sweet.  When I saw Cafe My House post their lunch special, a Tempeh Cheeseburger with Vegan Miso Gravy, I thought it sounded interesting and very yummy.  With Auntie Loo and Brad from B. Good's recommending it,  I treked to the south end of Bank St. from my west end apartment in search of a great lunch.