During the height of the pandemic, Manchester Square felt like a place that was waiting to happen. There were the shiny, new “It’s a Small World” storefronts… the majority of them for lease.
But, as we begin to enter the world that is the “new normal,” the development is finally starting to fill out. “For Lease” signs are replaced by “Open” signs.
One of those new additions is Western Sandwich Co., which had established itself with a kiosk at the Bountiful Farmers’ Market on the south side, but has opened its first true restaurant location on the square. (By the way, is Manchester famous for squares? I’ve been to Manchester once in my life, it was for an England-Sweden match at Old Trafford, and don’t recall seeing anything that looked like our Manchester Square).
I walked into Western Sandwich Co., already knowing what I was going to order. There are poutines and breakfast bowls on the menu, but if you’re going to call yourself a full-fledged Sandwich Company, it’s all about what goes between the bread. I went with the Pulled Pork Grilled Cheese — which is more about the pork than it is the cheese. The filling is substantial, but the star is the house-made focaccia bread, with plenty of rosemary. You’d think the rosemary would be overpowered by the richness of the pulled pork, but it isn’t. It comes through, and the bread makes sure the sandwich holds together nicely despite the sloppy filling.
It comes with a choice of side, and I went with the Cream of Roasted Tomato Soup, because of course you have grilled cheese with tomato soup. We’re civilized people, right? It’s thick, and, yes, there is a bit of smokiness to it. It’s comfort food to the max.
Satisfied, I walked out to the Manchester Square parking lot, and polka music was playing through the loudspeakers. Folks, this is Manchester Square. Next time, it’s the Smiths or Joy Division or the Stone Roses, right?
Western Sandwich Co.
Queen Mary Park | Manchester Square, 12032 107 Ave NW, Edmonton | 780.234.4948
Strathcona Industrial Park | Bountiful Farmers’ Market, 3696 97 St NW, Edmonton | 780.893.8933
westernsandwich.com
