There's a lot to love about the humble sandwich when it's made well: it contains protein, carbs, some vegetables, and you only need a pair of hands to eat it. It is easy to make your own (hubby reckons I make the best sandwiches) but there's a special place in my tummy for gourmet sandwiches that cost a little bit more than the usual ready-made ones, but taste so much better.
EARL Canteen was opened up by a husband-and-wife team who were waiters at fancy restaurants, where they watched chefs make informal staff snacks using ingredients from the restaurant kitchens and two pieces of bread. The 'canteen' has a clean and minimalist design, and we got great service from a guy who was more than willing to help us with allergy enquiries. EARL is where you can get restaurant-quality sandwiches, like the Pork Belly Sandwich, Corned Wagyu Sandwich and Harissa Lamb Sandwich. There is also a range of takeaway sandwiches, wraps and salads, but we were there for the pricier made-to-order gourmet sandwiches.
Hubby's Duck Confit Sandwich - confit duck, caramelised fig, walnuts, onion jam, radicchio, watercress. The duck was so soft and tender, contrasted by the crunchy walnuts and crispy vegetables, and I loved the slight sweetness from the fig and onion jam:
I got the Ocean Trout Sandwich - poached ocean trout, artichoke, saffron braised fennel, baby spinach and dill vinaigrette. This one was easily my favourite of the two, and our 3-year-old heartily agreed:
The ocean trout sandwich cross-section, where you can see the fennel:
It was a quick lunch, but we were well-fueled for our tasks ahead that day.
EARL Canteen
500 Bourke Street (enter via Lt Bourke St)
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Australia
Tel. +61 3 9600 1995
No comments:
Post a Comment