Superb Sandwich and Salad Servings

Me-times are just about the most enjoyable indulgence I could ever grant myself and this is what I really look forward to during the weekends. Though it comes in different forms, my most favorite are the ones that would involve me outside on the streets aboard a bus to wherever. I like the adventure of not knowing where I'm actually heading deciding last minute where to get off and then starting my discovering from there. In the context of discovering, I always get giddy on the idea of exciting food trips to uncover great food finds. This particular me-time, though, saw me closer to home. The weather was a bitch again so I opted for the most convenient jaunt. A trip to the nearest shopping haunt.

Malls do have a lot of food stops to offer. But  what really floats my boat are the small, itty-bitty joints I happen to come across that are huge in ideas, servings and most of all, flavor. This me-time led me to an experience I found surprisingly pleasing not only because of the warm and efficient service I was given, but because of how their simple food concept was creatively presented, fulfilling you not only aesthetically but gastronomically as well. Say hello to The Sandwich Guy.

I found this tiny, intimate dining dive at the first floor of Robinson's Galleria amidst all the tech shops and clothing stalls. Though it was right smack in the middle of it all, I nearly missed it because of how oddly it was placed, passing it twice before actually seeing it. Since I haven't had lunch yet at 4 pm, I decided on something light like a sandwich or salad  or both in case I decide to fill in at night and The Sandwich Guy seemed like a great idea to me for my required serving but was I totally wrong about it. Checking their menu, I saw that they had a little bit of everything from sandwiches, which was their main feature, obviously, hence their name, to pasta, salads, desserts and even potato dishes. 

 Since I couldn't have any other meat but fish and since I was heavy into veggies, I decided to go for their version of Caesar's Salad and the Country Tuna sandwich. This is what I got:

A neatly wrapped sandwich in brown paper that opened up to

a humongous treat. Hexagonal in shape, their huge wheat bread sandwich was literally oozing with sinful goodness comprised of tuna, tomato and potato bathed in their lemon aoili dressing on a bed of lettuce. It proved overwhelming to me at first glance, what with all the dressing, but what's good about their restaurant is you could customize your sandwich by asking them to lessen or remove whatever ingredient you didn't see fit for your diet. In my case, it was their rich dressing. But of course, a snap of it's actual serving had to be done and this is how it is normally served.

It tasted whoppingly good because everything went together excellently. There was a bit of every flavor and texture: sweetness from the tomato, slight saltiness from the tuna, a little of tang from the dressing and the velvety feel of soft potato. A definite bite of delight.

The salad was a wonderful mix of romaine lettuce, tuna, tomatoes and cucumber presented topped with squares of melted cheese that, in my case, I had to do without, and served with, as per my request, a little of their very own special salad dressing that complemented well with the juicy crunch of their fresh vegetables. A mouthful of this healthy edible garden promises a party for the palate one will find definitely hard to resist. Having had this meal left me full and happily satisfied.

I placed an order for their Veggie Delight to be taken out but forgot to take a pic of it since it was devoured the minute I got home so you could check the menu for details on it. But I do have to say, it's perfect for vegetarians because it only holds lettuce, tomato, cucumber and cheese with a light brush of their very own dressing. Mine without the cheese still proved very filling and really is the perfect close to a busy day, with it being light and healthy.

Nowadays, in looking for food stops, you not only take note of what kind of food they serve. You also take notice of how it is served and what new innovations are added to make what we are traditionally used to look more interesting, both in sight and in taste. The Sandwich Guy has definitely revolutionized what we normally pass off as just a filler to tide you over to lunch or dinner. Now your once simple, ordinary sandwich isn't as simple and ordinary anymore. It can also pack you up good just as well as your typical everyday meal can. It's good to have options and this is one for the list of even the most ravenous of eaters, hands down guaranteed.

Homemade Veggie Goodness: My Ultimate Comfort Food

The weather outside is dark and overcast again, sign of impending rain and we all know better than to stay indoors and keep safe. So, what's a girl to do when she's given only the limited corners of a two-story condo unit to play in? Well, there really is a hundred and one you can come up with but in my case, I knew just the thing. Opening up the fridge and doing a double on my pantry, I check to see what I can find to come up with the  perfect partner that would compliment a good DVD. Lucky for me, I stock up well, compliments right there to my mom who taught me to always save for a rainy day, excuse the pun. Here's what I found and finally came up with: 

Pretty obvious now, isn't it? Yes, spaghetti is my ultimate comfort food. Just thinking about a plateful of this yummy slightly sweet, slightly tangy goodness brings a smile to my face. So I have the basics. But it needs a little more. Being part vegetarian, though, I realize I can't have meat. So, what do I pull out? This handy replacement that may not be as tasty as our farm-bred friends, but is a very good stand-in for what we may know to be as just veggies. 

I got this pack from monks I met in the past. They make these special veggie meat products to sustain their diet of pure vegetable and fruit and recently have introduced it to a very limited market. I was lucky enough to be one of the few to get some home. These tasty meat substitutes are bought already flavored so you get more than just vegetables in a bag. Saute them with a main dish or make them the star of your veggie creation. The possibilities are limitless. I made them the meat in my delectable treat

and I just can't wait to get it in my mouth.

Veggie meat isn't as scarce as it used to be. In fact, it can already be found in different specialty stores around the metro. Not only does it provide a healthy alternative to meat, it also discards that feeling of guilt whenever you take an extra bite or two of your favorite culinary work.

It's a weekend and rainy days may prove to be a party pooper but think about the party you can create if you will only look within your space. There's a downpour now outside and I'm sitting in front of the TV with a plateful of scrumptious meat-free spaghetti and  a bottle of iced tea on the side. Now who needs a party elsewhere? Definitely not me. Yum!