The Veal Thing
When I heard that there was a long-standing rivalry in the city that I'd yet to take sides on, I decided that it was time to add my views to the debate.
Oh yes, there's nothing like a meaty controversy over veal sandwiches. Which are better? Nearly neighbours, the small, humble San Francesco's and the since franchised California Sandwiches have been competing in Little Italy for years. Each has a dedicated following who swears their purveyor of yummy goodness has an edge over the competition.
But before I could contribute to the discussion, I knew I had some research to do. It was tough work: a messy, heavy, and sometimes spicy job, but someone's got to do it. And after much deliberation, I think I've reached a verdict.
First of all, I'd like to remind you that we're all winners here. Both belly-fillers were delcious, no doubt about it. But, truth be told, somehow San Francesco's nudged its way above California.
Maybe it was the underdog appeal - I like the little, cramped deli style better than the take-a-number, assembly line feel. Sure, the latter is more of a restaurant: there's seating, decor, and friendly cashiers. San Francesco's has a heavily accented fellow working the cash, and a bench outside. And somehow, I liked that more.
This difference carried over into the sandwiches themselves: California offered more, but I still found that simpler was better. The California sandwich is more expensive ($6.50 compared to $5.00) but it's also bigger. As well, the "medium" was considerably spicer than their counterpart, and the flavouring of the sauce more complex - there was a pleasant smoky taste and smell in this one.
Yet, while California's was perfectly good, San Francesco's was somehow more satisfying. The sauce was delicately spiced, and the peppers were sliced (not chopped as in California's), making it less spicy and more savoury, with a gentle kick remaining. There was more sauce, which seemed to increase the goodness of the overall sandwich. I also noticed that the veal cutlets were not as crispy - something that I would have expected to find fault with, but in fact enjoyed over the crunchier breading of California's.
Finally, this sandwich came on a smaller bun, which means less bread detracting from the flavour of the filling. The end result was a sandwich that wasn't overwhelming in size or flavour, but satisfying in a devour-the-whole-thing-in-minutes-and-then-lick-your-fingers kinda way.
But don't take my word for it - taste them for yourself, and then exercise your right to vote (or at least express your opinion, anyway.)
San Francesco Foods, 10 Clinton, 416 534 7867
California Sandwiches, 244 Claremont, 416 603 3317
Comments (18)
Once franchised it would seem Californiia Sandwiches just started dunking their sandwiches in OIL. Maybe good olive oil, but my 2nd bite and last was a greasily gross. They opened up 2 streets down from me in Corso Italia (St. Clair W) and it became the one place you could always find an empty seat 'cause no one really liked what they were up to... luckily they scored a patio.
San Francesco's? Bah ... I spit on them! Go across the street to Bitondo's for the best veal sandwiches.
Did anyone ever try Tony and Nick`s Place on Dundas and Dufferin? I love their Veal Sandwiches, let me know what you think. I think they are better than California at least.
San Francesco's? Bah ... I spit on them! Go across the street to Bitondo's for the best veal sandwiches.
This guy knows what he's talking about, you walk into Bitondo's, get a veal sandhwhich, medium, with mushrooms and cheese. The best.
San Francesco's is and will always be my favourite place in Toronto to get a great veal sandwichee!!
I must have been to 8 different veal sandwich places across the GTA - I don't know about the 'other' California Sandwiches - but the Sheppard & Chesswood location makes THE sandwich I compare all others to. So far - none have been better.
I find San Francesco's sandwiches to be too soggy and lacking in flavour.
California claims to not be franchised -- just a family business with more locations:
Bitondo's. I live on the west coast. If I was to fly into TO tomorrow, it would be my first place to go. Read my comment on 'torontoslop' /paul
SAN FRANCESCO'S MAKES THE BEST VEALS IN THE WORLD!
TRY AND SPIT ON THEM AGAIN YOU LOSERS...YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT....THEY'VE BEEN AROUND THE LONGEST...
Yes, i agree, i've been going to san francesco's since i was 4.
I absolutley love them. i go at least once a week. They are deffinitly number 1.
whoever said they "spit" on them....your a disgrace! have some respect for the best veal place in the world!
San Francesco's is porcaria. The only people who like this place are dumb cakers who think they know about Italian food because they eat Delissio pizza and drink "expresso" lol Bitondo's is ok but the owner is a surly ignorante.
I've been for veal sangweeges at both San Francescos and California at the Winston Churchill area. San Francesco wins hands down. Luv those hot olives too.
San Francesco Foods Britania and Credit View rd. This place is the real thing......a must try..............................................................WAY BETTER THAN CALIFORNIA"S
I haven't had a San Francesco Veal in almost 30 years (since my grandfather owned it) but I can still remember how the thinly cut fried to perfection, pieces of veal drenched in sauce used to melt in my mouth. If you know what I mean and you want a real veal sandwich, try San Antonio Foods at Martingrove & Hwy 7 in Woodbridge. It is run by the grandchildren of the original owner of San Francesco Foods on Clinton. If you like California Sandwiches then you must be a cake because that has to be the worst porcaria I ever tasted. The sauce is raw and bitter and the veal looks like a slab of meat. (are the owners really italian?) (If I were them I wouldn't admit it) I wouldn't eat it if they were giving them away!
BUNK... San Francesco is the one and only true veal sandwich. It is the best..I've been to New York, Chicago, Montreal and more...there is no better. THERE IS NO BETTER than San Francesco.
California Sandwiches at Chesswood and Sheppard is nothing special. I don't know why people make such a big deal about them and San Fran's at Alness and Finch is way to greasy and all you taste is bread crumbs and bread. To me the best veal is the one's my mother makes. Nothing better than a home cooked veal from mom.
So we are going to open our own veal sandwich and ice cream shop on Yonge St. just north of Sheppard Ave. and show the people of Toronto what a real Italian Veal Sandwich tastes like. So look for us to be open in the New Year and you won't be dissapointed.
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