Baked Goods
Artisano Bakery Cafe
Artisano Bakery Cafe on Islington offers more than just freshly baked breads. I stopped in with a friend this week after hearing him rave about their lunch offerings, and was delighted to find they offer a huge selection of "gourmet sandwiches" and soups for all tastes.
The cafe counter sits in front of a wall of boards with all the specials and standard sandwich offerings staring you down. It's a heck of a lot to process, but mostly because I kind of want to try everything.
I buy some time as my friend orders up his reason to be there: The Turkey, Brie & Green Apple sandwich. I wind up going with the Grilled Vegetable, Portobello & Arugula toasted panino, myself. Both sandwiches come with a slice of pickle and choice of chips or an apple. With our bills comes a buzzer device. We're told to find a seat in the cafe -- we'll get a vibrating notification when our lunches are ready.
Moments later, he's buzzing and the Turkey, Brie & Green Apple is ready. Pictured at the top, this is a non-toasted sandwich on a fresh bun. The blend of tart apple with creamy brie, along with a cranberry mayo makes this one work of sensory art and he loves every minute of it. My buzzer goes off just as I take the photo, and most of his sandwich is gone before I return.
My toasted sandwich arrives hot and stuffed with big chunks of portobello, zucchini, onions and eggplant all held together with pesto and provolone cheese. The bun is an onion focaccia that compliments the dark rich veggies within.
The only thing I would have asked for more of is arugula. There were surprisingly few leaves of it considering it's a title ingredient. Still, this was a quality sandwich and a really filling one too. I considered just packing up the second half for later, but the smell of those fresh ingredients did me in.
Both sandwiches were about $8 + tax, including chips/apple side and well worth it. If I'm ever in the area around lunch again, I know exactly where to stop.
Food photos by Tanja-Tiziana.
Discussion
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are you the owner?
if so then it CHARGES TOO MUCH FOR A FREAKIN $1 SANDWICH!
I'd rather kill myself at a Subway Sandwich rather than get gouged that much from a "gourmet" sandwich place that will sink in 3 years time.
To be fair, I wouldn't pay $8 for a 100% veggie sandwich. Needs some meat.
If you haven't had their pizzas bring your couch -- you'll need it! LOADS of toppings and just delicious! They're not delicate and they mean business!
i also like the high prices to a small extent
because it keeps the trash out
Oh, and the food is excellent. There's a Subway franchise 40 paces away and it's always empty.
Artisano has good quality food at an average price. They're not actually gouging you.
If you're just eating to fill your stomach, there's a Subway and McDonald's within walking distance.
What kind of an oven do you use to bake your bread?
Do you know which oven works the best?
The ordering system is excellent. I would rather walk the 40ft to pick up my own meal, than pay someone else 15% or more for a server to do it for me.
I loved that it was quick. We came in had a nice dinner with a glass of wine and dessert with-in 30 min. We could have been faster or taken longer. It was our option, making Artisano's a great replacement for fast food joints and expensive sit down and spend a fortune restaurants.
This is the concept the restaurant industry has been missing.
Food was great, Dessert was amazing!
Loved it! Going back again and again- be sure to snag a loaf to take home!