Too-cool sandwiches
By Amy Fisher |
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The Brown Bag may not be reinventing the wheel, but if they had one on their menu, I would order it and expect it to be delicious. The casual, neighborhoody, and understated kitsch of the dining room lends a comfortable feel to the small soup-salad-sandwich menu with homemade desserts.
Ben's Black and Blue
Photo: Christopher Atwood
Studying the large chalkboard listing the specials on the back wall made me feel like I was in an adult classroom. All of the sandwich ingredients were high-caliber, including the often-overlooked-but-critical component, the bread. I enjoyed the Ben's Black and Blue ($7.25), a roast beef sandwich on marble rye with Gorgonzola and Swiss cheese. The two cheeses mellowed each other into a gooey and delicious adhesive between the meat and bread. Don't pass up the texturally pleasing and mild coleslaw ($2.50), neither too sweet, nor too vinegary. Most of their sandwiches are offered as prepackaged meals next door for the busy lunch crowd. What I was most impressed with was that the specials listed online were actually the ones offered that day. On my way out I grabbed a lemon blueberry cupcake ($2) and I was ready for recess.
The Brown Bag
898 Mohawk St.
(614) 443-4214
Phat Wraps sandwiches are fat. Yes, with an 'F.' They are fat because they don't skimp on the meat portions and then you get to load up your sandwich with a number of interesting toppings and condiments. Try as I might, my sandwich is always a messy exercise in biting off more than I can chew.
A Phat Wraps wrap
Photo: Christopher Atwood
The first step is the easy decision with the small menu. There are only three choices in meat: steak (my usual), chicken, and vegetarian. Then onto the toppings - here you get plenty of options such as fresh jalapenos, onions, tomatoes, thai basil, cilantro, cabbage, sprouts, and so on. It's kind of like an Asian-style Chipotle, only you don't have to lobby for more toppings. I suggest trying some or all of the mouth numbing house sauces. The prices will be less intense than the spice ($7) and as a member of The Columbus Green Spot, so will your environmental impact.
Phat Wraps
10 E 12th Ave.
(614) 754-1711
Rather get something on the go? See read up on Street Meats
Originally Published: September 1, 2009
