SANDWICH GARDEN

You might be tempted to bypass a place as innocuously named as Sandwich Garden, but this mom and pop dive has always offered hidden treats. While a prior incarnation offered traditional Korean fare, the latest version of the restaurant now offers a handful of Brazilian grub.

Sandwiches (naturally), hot dogs and other pedestrian eats still dominate the menu, but pao de queijo (cheese breads) are also offered ($1), sometimes stuffed with bacon, and at all times better than those found in the freezer aisle. Also present are coxinhas, best described as chicken croquettes shaped like a drumstick sans bone, stuffed with spices and onion inside a crispy potato shell. The occasional daily special features Brazilian home-cooking: arroz feijan carne (rice with beef and beans) is offered at least twice weekly, and a version with chicken at least once weekly, both of which are more soulful than they initially look. Other days are more run-of-the-mill (eg lasagna, stroganoff, etc). Stop in for a quick pao de queijo, ask if there's a Brazilian daily, and partake.

Joe.

Sandwich Garden
529 Pender Street (off Richards)
Vancouver, BC
604 681-4422