Victory Sandwich Bar

Oh, Victory Sandwich Bar, how much I want to love you.  You have so much going for you.  Cool neighborhood - check!  Trendy, industrial space - check!  Bar - check!  Relaxed atmosphere - check!  Ping-pong table - check!   One great veggie sandwich - uh, no.

The idea of some small, slider-type sandwiches sounded perfect for a quick lunch one weekday.  It was raining, so unfortunately we couldn't sit on the patio.  Inside was just fine though and the random punching bag was an interesting decorative touch.  I knew going in that the menu was limited and just one vegetarian sandwich was available.  Hummus was available as an appetizer but it is such a staid option.  As much as I like hummus, I eat enough on a regular basis and was not tempted to try their version.  So I ordered the 'hand salad' sandwich and it was quickly delivered.  The sandwich consisted of arugula, mozzarella, an avocado aioli-type spread and hummus.  The sandwich was mostly good.  The bread was soft (but not wonder bread soft) and the aioli went well with the cheese and arugula.  Then they ruined it with hummus.  The hummus did not belong and overwhelmed the other, better flavors.  The sandwich was small but some chips helped placate my hunger.  I really would have liked another sandwich but a different one. 

Victory Sandwich Bar may be fun later in the evening for a drink and to play some ping-pong.  But until they get a new vegetarian sandwich, I won't be eating there again.

Highland Bakery

Highland Bakery in Old Fourth Ward is a popular place.  I went there on a Wednesday around 11.30am for an early lunch since I hadn't had much of a breakfast.  There were still lots of people in there finishing up breakfast and without a lull, the lunch crowd moved in.  The lunch menu had a lot of vegetarian sandwich options but the breakfast menu sounded more fun.  The options ranged from pancakes and eggs to black eyed peas and grits.  I didn't want something sweet - for now at least - so I decided to go with the 'Cilantro Corn Pancakes.'

Soon, a lot of food arrived in front of me - sour cream and salsa sat on top of two fried eggs, on top of a corn pancake, on top of a pile of black beans, on top of another corn pancake.  Even though I was starving, I never did get to the pancake on the bottom.  The salsa on egg was my favorite part - so simple yet I never manage to make this at home.  The corn pancake tasted of corn but was dry on its own and just became mushy when eaten with the beans.  If I made this dish, I'd make a crisper, crunchier type of corn cake.  All of the elements on the plate were too similar in texture.  My other gripe with this dish is that the beans were fairly bland on their own.  I love black beans but these really need a lot of salsa mixed in to add some flavor. 

In the end, I was happily full but would try something else when I go back.  And I will go back because the place has a welcoming vibe.  It's a modern bakery with a sunny, open dining area - which can also get quite loud.  There are some tables outside on the sidewalk of Highland Ave. as well.  If you just want a little treat , you can pick something from the bakery counter.  I am not into cupcakes topped with frosting piled inches high so I went for an oatmeal, raisin cookie.  That might sound boring but it was chewy, not too sweet and added sunflower seeds were a nice twist.  Yes, I might have to go back very soon.