Last weekend I had reason to get some takeout (sandwich and deli salad) from a Minneapolis restaurant. While I waited for my takeout, I watched a guy behind the counter making an asparagus sandwich. Here it was, Saturday at lunchtime, and the place was busy. But rather than the slapdash, Subway-assembly-line style of sandwich construction, the people behind the counter were moving quickly, but with a great amount of care. Watching the man make the asparagus sandwich was like watching an artist at work. He carefully made sure each ingredient, each stalk of asparagus, was just so, with the fromage spread from corner to corner of the focaccia rather than a knifeful hastily smeared just in the middle, and an exact amount of asparagus, evenly distributed across the bread. Then he carefully sprinkled just the right amount of something over it all before smoothing the top focaccia into place, then precisely rolling it in paper.
With that much care and concern for the sandwich, is it any wonder this is my all-time favorite place to get a sandwich?
Be'Wiched Deli raises the humble sandwich to an entirely different level. The menu isn't huge, but the meats are smoked cured onsite and combined with out-of-the-oven fresh breads and creative sandwich pairings.
It's pretty hard to beat the basic pastrami.
With pickled cabbage and coarse-grain mustard. If that's not enough pastrami for you, it's available New York-style too, with twice the meat.
If you go on Sundays, you can get it a third way:
The PPE: pastrami, peppers, and eggs. Oh yeah.
I love the presentation. Again: not a sandwich, but an artistic creation.
Smoked ham with Brie and apple mostarda.
The tuna was a pleasant surprise.
I'm not knocking tuna out of a can--love it, especially some good imported tuna in olive oil--but rather than going with that old-school sandwich, this tuna sandwich uses a tuna filet instead. Along with black olive, cucumber, and preserved lemon.
The piece de resistance for me:
I very rarely order egg salad out. I'm picky about my egg salad, and too often it's just a slimy mess of mayonnaise. This, however, used roasted sweet and hot peppers, leaving all bad mayo memories far behind.
The side salads are delightful too: a Moroccan couscous, herbed potato salad, chicken and white beans with hot mustard. As far as I can tell, the desserts are probably good--but I've been way too full (and way too happy) with the sandwiches to make it that far.
I'm struggling to not make the obvious "bewitched about Be'Wiched" joke. But oh, look--apparently I did it anyway. Don't blame them. Just go.
An asparagus sandwich, now that's different. Sorry, couldn't help it. That's the Minnesotan in me coming out in my speech. Seriously, I love asparagus, but I'm having a difficult time considering it in a sandwich. I really need to expand my culinary choices. When I read your posts, I realize what I've been missing in the not-so-creative dining options available locally.
Posted by: Audrey Kletscher Helbling | March 25, 2011 at 09:21 AM
I bet that shop has a glorious aroma to offer up, too. I'd order the asparagus sammie in a heartbeat, but think I'll pass on the egg salad.
What a clever name for this restaurant!
Posted by: rudee | March 25, 2011 at 10:48 AM
Heh, Audrey! Did you see this article in the Strib this week?
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/118521154.html
Be sure to read all the way to the end. :-)
Rudee, you're right--it does smell amazing. I didn't expect you to want the egg sandwich, but I'm sure you'd love the asparagus.
Posted by: Amy | March 26, 2011 at 01:42 PM
Hey, I love that we're mentioned, Amy. Fly-over country (land) and Minnesota (prairie) roots. :)
Seriously, what an event. Now wouldn't that have been fun to cover.
Posted by: Audrey Kletscher Helbling | March 27, 2011 at 11:20 AM