Meat and Bread

Michael had some errands to run around the Downtown area and got a little hungry. So he suggested we should go to Meat and Bread for a quick bite to eat. I was actually really surprised that Michael had come with that suggestion.

We had visited Meat and Bread a few years ago, and at the time we were quite disappointed with the sandwich joint, particularly Michael because we arrived to find out they'd run out of their signature dish. For myself I just got the grilled cheese, which was pretty mediocre. Ever since that day we had never been back until now..

Our sandwiches being made

It was such a hot day in Vancouver and it was brutal following Michael around in the heat. Since we were around the Gastown we were pretty close to one of the Meat and Bread locations at 370 Cambie Street in Vancouver. They have done pretty well over the years and have expanded to another location on Pender as well. Good thing there wasn't much people at the time, I was so hot I just wanted to sit down and enjoy a nice bottle of soda.

Inside the restaurant

Meat and Bread is laid out very simply. You order in the front and watch the sandwich team compose their works of art. We slide down to the end of the counter to pay after our order and our sandwich is at the end waiting for us. Just like a cafeteria. Up in the walls there are taxidermist-like animals hung up. Not my cup of tea but that's okay. Their theme is like modern day hip Brooklyn type of deli meets vintage butcher shop. There are pictures of cows lines drawn all over explaining the good cuts of the animal. Also not my cup of tea, but I try to go along with the theme.

Porchetta sandwich

Michael finally got his long awaited Porchetta sandwich ($8), first thing he said was when he took a bite was "delicious." There were bits of crispy pork skin and fat tucked into the buttery texture of the pork roast. It was literally one of the best sandwiches he's ever had. He thought each bite was super savoury, and even though it seemed like such a simple sandwich there was so much flavour. His enjoyment got me wondering how delicious it was and had to try it myself. I thought the meat was very soft and full of natural flavors that didn't take over one another.

Roasted chicken sandwich

For myself I got the roasted chicken ($9), it was such a pleasant sandwich. It was made out to be like a chicken ceasar sandwich but was much more tastefully done and had much more class. The chicken was roasted to perfection soft and tender. At first I thought there was a garlic taste somewhere in there, but it was actually capers.

It added a garlicy and salty taste to the sandwich. It was such a nice balance to the natural flavours and there was a light dressing to accompany the lettuce and the chicken as well. I liked that the dressing wasn't heavy and didn't have a overly strong taste that disrupted the garlic aroma of the capers. There were also croutons that came along in the sandwich to give it a more "ceasar" feel. I actually despise croutons because of the overly crunchiness, but the Meat and Bread version was soft and easy to chew but not in a stale kind of way. Fantastic.

Every sandwich that is served also comes a side of their mustard. Oh my gosh is it ever delicious! It doesn't matter what sandwich you order the mustard was absolutely yum together. It just adds an extra shot of tang in there.

I believe their menu does change day to day except for their porchetta. I am keen on returning to taste more of their sandwiches. Perhaps on a cold winter day, I can get myself a nice cup of tomato soup.


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