Elm Cafe, Edmonton

Standing no bigger than a service counter in a storefront, Elm Cafe in downtown Edmonton always feel busy, even if it's just the two people behind the counter. Serving pretty good coffee, the draw has been their extensive sandwich list, from morning to noon specials and even muffulettas.

Now they've been boasting that they serve the best sandwich in town, and so naturally I had to check this out.

Stopping one bright and early a.m. for a morning sandwich, the special that day was free run organic egg and with brie and herbs. Served on a sizable whole wheat baguette that was a bit dry, there was something missing from each bite that prevented this sandwich from being awesome. Was it seasoning? Perhaps. The egg mixture was a bit bland, and could have really benefited from some colour and flavour from some roasted vegetables or anything not in the white to beige spectrum. My companion had a more colourful salami and pesto sandwich, which was perhaps too early for me to enjoy (despite my namesake), but his sandwich was also missing something essential.

What I think these sandwiches are missing is a signature that separates this sandwich from something that can be made at home with the same basic three ingredients. I venture for sandwiches for combinations I wouldn't have in my fridge.

It's convenient sandwiching for now if I'm on the go, which a lot of their clientele seem to be doing, but why is this a sandwich I would venture out at 8 a.m. to devour?

I've returned to try their afternoon delights, and the same is true. They are satisfying, but they do not inspire cravings that lure me back for more, but the bread has gotten better. More updates to come, I'm sure.

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