The other day I was driving home and hearing my stomach rumbling because I hadn’t eaten lunch yet and got stuck at the office two hours longer than I was expecting.
I was so hungry, I was thinking quickly of where I could stop for a quick bite. I spotted one of those chain sandwich shops and was about to pull over because I was feeling desperate and hangry when I changed my mind.
I just couldn’t do it.
Why? Because of Big Star Sandwich on Canada Way in Burnaby. That place makes sandwiches that are so incredible it’s nearly ruined me for eating any others, except for what I make at home.
They’re that good.
But don’t take my word for it. Here’s how Big Star describes the process.
“Our sandwiches start with a fresh, rustic Filone – it’s like a cross between a ciabatta and a baguette. The Filone has great sauce absorption and retention, which allows us to add tons of our house-made sauces for maximum flavour. Next, we add our meat. We cook our roast beef in house, it’s slow roasted overnight for 13 hours. It’s sliced fresh and steamed to order. Our turkey is pulled fresh, so it’s always ready for your lunchtime cravings.”
OK, I might have to stop for a minute before I pass out. My head is dizzy and I’m jonesing as I write this.
That’s the difference between what Big Star does and most other places that feel more like you’re on an assembly line.
It’s that care and attention and patience that results in their sandwiches tasting fresh and unctuous.
Their breakfast menu is first class, including:
- Egg and cheddar
- Egg, ham and cheddar
- Egg sausage and cheddar
- Egg, corned beef and swiss
- Egg, bacon and cheddar
- Egg, capocollo and habanero jack
For lunch, my favourite is probably the No. 15, which has turkey, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and pesto mayo. And I always get large because they’re so good you want to have more.
But there are a few things to remember when you go to Big Star. Here is a posting on its website:
“As we continue to closely monitor the COVID-19 situation, we will be taking certain precautions to ensure the safety of our employees and guests. We will be implementing the following temporary changes until further notice.
- We request that customers please call in orders to avoid restaurant crowding. If the restaurant is crowded when you arrive, please wait outside and try to maintain distance from others.
- We will only by accepting Take-out and Delivery orders until further notice. Customers will not be permitted to Dine-in.
- We will not be accepting cash payment. Only card and contactless (tap) payments will be accepted.
- We will not be able to fill water bottles and cups or bring any personal items into our kitchens.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding and stay safe!”
So stay safe and eat well and don’t settle for eating on an assembly line.
DISCLAIMER: I have not been compensated for writing about this restaurant. They don’t even know I’m writing about it. I just like food.
Follow Chris Campbell on Twitter @shinebox44.
