Sunday Sandwiches: Big Front Door

I'd been wanting to try, ahem, BFD, since Dennis posted on the place nearly a year and a half ago. Recently, I finally had a couple of chances to check them out.

I like the concept, good bread, everything made in house, a nice wide open dining area.

The nice woman working the cash register is a favorite of mine....she is friendly and welcoming. And strangely, has remembered my name from my first visit.

The sandwiches here are not cheap; most are priced north of $9.50, but you have to understand.....this ain't Subway...you'll find no "formed meat products" here. The amount of meat on the sandwich is generous. In fact, I better watch it, if I eat too many of the b.g.p. ($10.50) which is much more than a roast beef sandwich, my TMJ might return.

The roast beef was mildly rare, just enough to keep it moist. I loved the cracked pepper which, in addition to the red onions added a nice pungency to the sandwich. The sourdough held out well...I ate half of this at the shop and the other half for dinner. Crisp and fresh lettuce, tomato and pepperocini added that acid-pickled touch, a chipotle mayo which perhaps was a bit too much, not in the spicy way, but in that it nullified the flavor of the smoked gouda, which I thought was too mild. I know most folks like a lot of meat; but I thought this was a bit too much protein....I'm more of a proportion/balance kind of guy. Still, there's nothing here to really complain about - this turned out to be two meals for me.

My other sandwiches were ordered to go and eaten at my desk.

The "Loin of Fire" ($10.25), was good. I enjoyed the roasted poblano, pickled onion, cilantro, garlic aioli combo. The pork was a bit too dry, even with everything else in the sandwich. I found that I enjoyed the Torpedo Roll more than the sourdough. It held up real well and the texture was quite nice.

The other sandwich I tried was the "Turkey Day" ($9.50). One of my guilty pleasures is a nice open face turkey sandwich. This didn't quite do it for me.

I really enjoyed the bread. The stuffing was a bit dry as was the turkey (which is predictable), I think a bit more gravy would have done the trick. I found that there was too much cranberry relish, making the sandwich too sweet for me; though if you like that flavor you'll love this. It was not until later that I saw the "o.f.t." which was a hot sandwich featuring turkey, gravy, and mashed potato....now that seem like something I'd like.

Which gives me reason to return. Yes the prices are on the high side, though you get better quality and even quantity....and after all don't you pay more for ramen than you pay for pho?

Big Front Door
4135 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92103
Open Daily 11am - 8pm

Comments

[nhbilly]

Good looking sandwich.
Really? Just wait until I open my pho shop. I think the going price will be ~$10. Prime bones, prime round of eye or fillet mignon and fresh made rice noodles. ;-)
I will make sure I will have culantro.

[Kirk]

I'll be waiting for that Billy!

[kat]

nice looking sandwiches:)

[Kirk]

They were pretty good Kat!