The server at Elm Café puts fried pork sausage on one side of a bun, slathers curried ketchup on the other side, and puts potato chips in the middle. It’s the restaurant’s take on a German fast food in sandwich form.
While Elm’s small menu changes every few days, and you never know what’s on offer unless you check Twitter or come to its tiny downtown space, one thing remains constant – it will always have at least one eyebrow-raising option.
This time, it’s the Currywurst that raises our brows but the risk is worth the reward; the sausage and potato chips are the perfect pair. The textures are opposite, but the salty, subtle flavours are complementary, and the curried ketchup gives an added zing.
For three years, Elm Caf has been serving an ever-revolving selection of sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as offering catering for special events. Along with the adventurous choices at the take-out restaurant, you’ll find classics, such as the Reuben. Soft marbled rye bread is filled with slices of corned beef, Dijon and Russian dressing. The seasoned meat gets a kick from the horseradish in the Russian dressing, and it’s complemented by the sweetness of the Dijon.
The chicken cacciatore sandwich is unique but the flavours are subtle. The chicken goes well with the creamy sauce, and the lemon mayonnaise gives a distinctive freshness to each bite. The antipasti sandwich has the biggest flavour of any of the others on that day. Artichokes, bell peppers, tomato and basil are mixed with ricotta, creating a refreshing blend of creamy and salty flavours.
While the menu’s always changing, the options are always unique – no boring ham-and-processed-cheese sandwiches for lunch here.
