Sandwiches: Many of us grew up eating them out of lunch boxes every day. From sweet to savory, breakfast, lunch or dinner — there's a sandwich (or wrap) for that. All handhelds are not created equal, but the Inland Northwest is home to some fantastic options full of flavor that will keep you full all day, while still being kind to your wallet. Here are a few sandwiches and wraps that range from stuffed with meat to vegan, cheesy to gluten-free.
Huckleberry's Ninth Street Bistro,
926 S. Monroe, 624-1349
Breakfast sandwiches top my list of reliable, quick and cheap meals. This waffle creation is a fun and fresh take on the classic breakfast sandwich. Fluffy scrambled egg topped with crispy bacon and covered in melty cheese of your choice, all between two waffles. The crunch of the waffles is the perfect accent to the soft eggs and cheese. It all comes together to form a delightful morning meal. While breakfast sandwiches are typically eaten while driving to work, this one is best enjoyed at a table, where each bite can be savored.
Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese,
1735 W. Kathleen, Coeur d'Alene, 208-664-1717
Grilled cheese gets a bad rap as one of those meals that 'anyone can make.' That does not apply to the elevated grilled cheese served at Meltz. Their 12 unique creations, starting at $6.95/half, and $10.95/full, aren't a bad deal for the amount of meat, cheese and other goodies stuffed between the slices of sourdough, wheat or gluten-free bread. The best bang for your buck is the build-your-own option, where a half-sandwich with one type of cheese starts at $2.95, and a full at $5.25. Each additional cheese is $1, nonmeat add-ons are $1 each, meats are $2.25, and sauce is $0.95. A food coma-inducing, made-to-order sandwich can be built for under $12, easily.
Garland Sandwich Shoppe,
3903 N. Madison, 326-2405
The homemade buffalo sauce is the star of this sandwich, no question. It soaks just enough into the soft Vienna bread without making it soggy — and somehow doesn't overpower the other elements. The kick of the sauce is balanced by the sweeter ranch dressing, shredded lettuce, tomato and thick, grilled chicken breast. The flavor explosion comes together with a crunch of the flaky panini-pressed bread. This sandwich is perfect if you're looking to tantalize your taste buds without breaking the bank.
Azar's Restaurant,
2501 N. Monroe, 326-7171
I hesitate to list this wrap under the 'handhelds' section, due to its sheer size. I certainly failed to hold it, and instead was forced to resort to using a knife and fork. The use of utensils, though, did not take away from the absolute tastiness of this Greek delight. The soft and flaky pita bread is topped with a small mountain of lightly seasoned, melt-in-your-mouth-tender strips of beef and lamb, smothered in tzatziki (a yogurt-based cucumber and garlic sauce) and topped with shredded lettuce and diced tomato. This Greek wrap is a welcome change of pace and flavor, as far as the world of sandwiches and handhelds go.
Forza Coffee Company,
325 S. Sullivan, Spokane Valley, 795-8194
Forza Coffee might not be the first place you think of to get a quality handheld, or a cheap beer, but this vegan wrap will change your mind. It features a copious amount of hummus, topped with red peppers, Kalamata olives, artichoke, onion and tomatoes — all held together within romaine lettuce leaves. Served with a cup of fresh fruit or mixed greens, this wrap is the perfect way to prove that low-carb can still be delicious. Pair it with a $3 craft or $2 domestic beer offered from 3-6 pm during daily happy hour, for a refreshingly light dinner. ♦
