A good sandwich is underrated as a meal, in my opinion. I'm not talking about the sad-looking imitations wrapped in cellophane that have been sitting for lord knows how long in the display cases of your local corner grocery store.

No, I'm talking about a REALLY GOOD SANDWICH, with thick-cut bread and fresh ingredients, prepared while you wait. One of my favourites: the turkey sandwich at Jake's Sandwiches (a.k.a. Jake's Specialty Sandwiches). I ordered a half sandwich on my choice of bread for $4.19 (see photo at top) along with a vegetable soup ($1.99 with the sandwich).

The sign doesn't lie: the turkey sandwich was pretty amazing, with the cranberry sauce a brilliant addition.

I'm going to try their Escalavida sandwich next ($6.99 whole, $4.19 half), with its goat cheese, grilled eggplant, zucchini and red peppers. Post City Magazines proclaimed it the best of North York last year .

Jake's also has regular specials listed on a blackboard hanging in the restaurant. When I visited, you could get a falafel wrap (with cucumber, tomato, onion, lettuce and baba ghanjoui) for $5.99, or a toasted focaccia sandwich with breaded chicken or veal (with tomato sauce, roasted peppers, mushrooms and swiss cheese) for $6.99.

In addition to soups ($2.99-$3.99) and salads ($4.79-6.99), there's also a kids' menu ($2.99-3.99) and a breakfast menu ($1.69-4.69, served until 11 am).

Hours: 9-5, 7 days a week. Patio seating available.