La Grotta Del Formaggio, Vancouver

Since complaining about not having a decent sandwich deli around, I've been told to check out La Grotta Del Formaggio across town.

As I have a rule about not visiting delis if I can help it on a weekend and as I work a day job, La Grotta has eluded me, until now.

Breaking for the holidays a week early and going nowhere, I finally stopped into this deli on Commercial Drive between visits with a baby and out of town guests.

A healthy sized line up for a late Friday afternoon only encouraged me to join, even if I wasn't hungry at all. I opted for the small crusty bun rather than the long bun or round focaccia, and went with a medley of dijon, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, provolone, marinated eggplants, olives, purple onion, and salami. Non grilled.

The bun was a classic pagnotta, hard crusty shell with soft fluffy insides. Absorbed the vinegar and oil extremely well and one of my favorite sandwich breads always. This one holds up and they did not shy on the fillings, which were all flavourful and not too salty, not too bland.

My sandwich world has just opened up again, as I will be back, La Grotta, even if I have to break my no weekend rule or skip out for an extra long lunch meeting.

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