The American CheeseSteak Co. - Surviving Sedlack

I've been impatiently waiting for this place to open since the spring. Perfect example of why you simpy put "COMING SOON" in your window, verses "OPENING SPRING 2011". Spring was 7 months ago, either we've waited a really long time for something amazing, or you couldn't get your shit together.


Anyways. After bailing on the Corner Suite Bistro De Luxe project Anthony Sedlack hasn't really done anything noteworthy. Que 'The American CheeseSteak Co'. Situated on Davie near Howe, this venue houses a medium-sized communal table and is heavy on the brick and subway tile deco.


It's easy to hate a couple things right from the get-go, the oddly infantile artwork (crayon? pencil crayon?), the verbose menu, and most of all the 20 min wait. But when it comes down to taste the Philly CheeseSteak redeems itself.  I've had The Philly with American cheese and The Classic with provolone, both with onions and both tasted remarkable. It's unlike anything I've had in Vancouver to date. Made to order; the meat is well seasoned, the cheese is gooey goodness, and it all comes together in a flavor explosion in your mouth.
This isn't something you'll soon forget, it will linger on your tastebuds and in your subconscious for days.

Random fact - apparently 85% of Americans have Cheese Whiz on their CheeseSteak. Gross.


This place is another great concept to jump aboard the Vancouver sammich train. If The American CheeseSteak Co. can survive the self-destructive Sedlack ego and doesn't sell out, it seems original enough to make it.

Streetmeat: La Brasserie Street

Sometimes it's one key component that makes a sandwich, one single thing perfected; the freshly baked bun or the slow-roasted meat. The chicken sandwich from La Brasserie Street cart brings it all together. The rotisserie chicken combined with the gravy, balanced with the crispy onions and topped with a deliciously soft bun from Tartine Bakery is handheld heaven. Can't really expect anything less from La Brass. 

Big Man + Small Cart = Good Food.

I'd Eat That.

Apparently Davie & Howe is getting a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich shop. Way to take over a crappy Mr. Sub location.

Meat & Bread Update.

The meatball sandwich! A little bit of spice, a little bit of parmesan, a little bit of sauce, a little bit of crumbled meatball action. Take it. Take it, and go.

Meat & Bread: A Man-Made Sandwich Shop.

Pointing out that I am blatantly bias, enjoy my skewed opinion!
Jumping right into all the things I hate about this place:

I hate that the space is designed way cooler than my appartment. Kudos to Craig Stanghetta and the team for pulling off a man-cave feel without it being harsh and bat-cave like. There are so many great details but my favorites include the punching bag (for obvious reasons), the terrible taxidermy, and the herringbone walnut bartop.

I hate that it's so conveniently located across the street from my gym at Cambie and Hastings, kiddy-corner to Victory Square Park.  The level of sexy Man-Meat in Gastown just skyrocketed with the arrival of Mr. Jarvie and Mr. Harrington.

I hate that this isn't a sandwich you can find anywhere else. Fuck cold cuts. Fuck deli meats. Fuck re-heated bacon. Fuck toasted subs. And Fuck You subway secret sauce. The talents of Chef Joe Sartor are evident as the insightful and full flavors follow-through with the the man-made theme. Those hands know how handle a big-ol' hunk'a meat in it's journey from freshly butchered-to the carving station-to a mouth near you.

I hate to admit that porchetta beats bacon. One can argue that bacon beats all, but porchetta is pork belly wrapped around loin with herbs, slow-cooked to deliciousness. Crackling is the new crack-cocaine.

I hate that even vegetarians can enjoy the Meat & Bread experience. With the grilled cheese sammich and daily soup and solid salad options (heck yes chickpea + onion + ovenroasted tomato) herbivors don't have to feel like the social outcasts they are. Vegans; you're fucked.
I hate the entire hearty experience, everything from the design to the details to the delivery.  I predict that boys are gonna flock for their fill of Man-Meat and girls are gonna clammor for their view of Man-Candy.



Ps. The good-quality photos I have pilfered from pkmedia.ca

Meat & Bread

Coming soon to Victory Square. So Stoked.