I Went To Philly      416.927.9090       open daily lunch and dinner

This family run business is parked on the busy Yonge Street, and the interior reflects the commercial environs – harsh light, low ceilings and décor that could be described as high-end fastfood.  But the cooking is good, particularly the American style Philadelphia cheese steak sandwiches.

First up is “The Works” with provolone cheese, onions, mushrooms, green peppers and whiz (cheese whiz) $8.65.  Properly seasoned and peppery moist and the addition of the whiz it really makes the sandwich.  The bun itself is spongy with a soft interior and a light crust; like a cross between a hotdog and a Kaiser bun.

The lightly battered Blooming Onion at $8.25 is thinly sliced, served with a “housemade 1000 island dressing” which normally I’m not a big fan of but really enjoyed.  Fries are freshly cut, however, a little on the dry side.

Overall this place seems like it could be featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners Drive-Ins and Dives.  I thought the cheese steak was delicious and it didn’t break the bank. And they sell YOO-HOO, one of the few places in Toronto that sell the liquid chocolate delight.

Click me: Hackepeter for lunch !

Panino & Co.         Mon to Fri 11am-6pm  https://www.facebook.com/PaninoCo/info

Small, simple Panino & Co.  is one of the most outstanding sandwich shops in the city.  Rita Rutigliano heads the kitchen, while brother Mike manages the front of the house.  The family comes from a long line of espresso bars and restaurants.  The menu is inspired by southern Italian family recipes handed down from generations.  There are a few options at Panino, but the basic [insert your choice of meat] on a pillowy white bun is sandwich perfection.  Most afternoons there is a lineup out the door, the room holds 30 and by noon it’s full. 

Porchetta with rapini is first to appear at my table.  Simply put together with the rapini being star.  It’s perfectly tender, not a hint of bitterness and when one takes a bite the sandwich doesn’t slide apart.  Lightly breaded veal is thinly layered with sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions and hot peppers for a satisfying sandwich.  Homemade peppery meatballs topped with gooey melted mozzarella and hot peppers are one of the best in the city – if you’re a connoisseur you have to check it out!  The homemade sausage is sweet and the texture uniquely moist with a bite. 

I normally pass on chicken,  but I’ve heard this sandwich is the most popular.   The breast is sliced thin, breaded, fried crisp, and then layered with a flavourful tomato sauce – secret family reciepe.  The steak sandwich is not what I expected, sliced thin (imagine a well done roast beef) but still tasty.   For a post lunch boost I recommend a cappuccino; is properly awakening,  and dusted with cinnamon.

No sauces or spreads or thousand extra toppings to choose from.  These sandwiches are serious, simple and made with love. 

Banh Mi Boys     http://www.banhmiboys.com    closed Sunday    416.363.0588

This tiny Vietnamese sandwich shop is really that good.  Though lineups can sometimes go right out the door, the kitchen staff makes sure one moves quickly along.  The minimalist interior keeps ones focus on the fresh, carefully prepared sandwiches. 

The five spiced pork belly Banh Mi is sublime.  Tender juicy pork rests snug inside a baguette, along with pickled carrots, cucumber and cilantro, seasoned with spices and housemade mayo. The Kalbi beef is buttery smooth, layered with Kimchi, carrots, cilantro and purple cabbage slaw, wrapped in a lightly charcoaled, chewy taco reaps deliciousness. 

Come and Get It    647.344.3416      Mon to Sat 11am-8pm      www.facebook.com/comeandgetit416

When the signage is graffitied above the wall of their restaurant, you know you’re in for a treat .  Inside it’s fun meets trendy, decked out with a Nintendo 64, bright colours, and even a pair of retro basketball shoes.  The menu is simple and straightforward cleverly written on a chalkboard beside a shellacked particle board countertop.  Currently the running menu centre’s around four dishes (chipotle beef, Hawaiian pork belly, granny Smith’s chicken Caesar, and herbed crunchy green beans)  cleverly integrated into 4 types of sandwiches, salads or poutines.  The kitchen is lighting fast, and they have to be when hungry Queen streeters come in for lunch.

 Wishing I could try it all, I decided to share a few items with a friend.   First, a perfectly seasoned Chipotle beef short rib sandwich with a smoky chipotle aioli, ancho chili BBQ sauce, dangerously addictive crispy fried onions, sweet and sour coleslaw all on a beautiful, fluffy milk bun – wooohyaaa.   Next I ordered a fresh, not to mention huge, herbed crunchy green bean salad with fluffed quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber, and nutty sunflower seeds on peppery arugula and other greens – coated with a delightful tomato vinaigrette.  And, of course, I had to try a house-cut French fried poutine with slow roasted Hawaiian pork belly -  sliced thinly –  glazed with hoisin sauce, mozzarella, cheddar cheese curds, rich gravy and unbelievably good:  salty crispy cracklings; I’m wondering why I haven’t been here sooner. 

The best part about eating here, after I’m finished my meal I can throw my containers, serviettes, cutlery, and straws into my composter, there is absolutely no waste.  It feels good to be green.