It's funny how things seem to come full circle. More than a few years ago; I attended a lunch meeting, lunch was provided. Sandwiches. Which were not bad. They were from a place called the Gourmet Bagger. As you know; I have a soft spot for all those little, mom and pop sandwich shops, many of which are hidden away sometimes in industrial parks or business buildings, some of which are pretty darn popular. I was told that the Gourmet Bagger was a shop on Miramar Road. So after we moved offices; I went looking for it....it's now LouZiana Food (which is in my backlog of posts). Forward the calendar a few months and after my last Cheesesteak Post (yes, I know I need to check out Calozzi's), I received an email telling me a shop in the Midway area made a decent cheesesteak. The name? The Gourmet Bagger.
I'm not sure why I never noticed the place. It's in the same parking lot as the new 85C, Guahan Grill, and basically across the street from Pho Point Loma.
The place was fairly empty when I visited; but it sure got packed fast. The folks running the front seem to be on the younger side and the older folks work the back of house.
The menu is quite varied, with at least 25 different "gourmet type" sandwiches along with the regular deli sandwiches, salads, and similar stuffs.
Because "ST" mentioned the cheesesteak here; I ordered the Bagger Cheesesteak ($7.49).
A standard issue, fairly yeast French Roll is used for this; which really wasn't up to the task. The rib eye steak was a bit more chewy than I prefer, and the jury is out on whether I like pickles or tomatoes on a cheesesteak. The cheese; white American cheese did fine. Though this isn't something I'd order again.
A few weeks later; I was in the area after doing some grocery shopping at TJ's. It was 1030 on a Saturday and I recalled the Gourmet Bagger opens at around 1030 on that day. So, I stopped by. This was when the temps were really high so nothing hot for me. I was pretty hungry so I ordered the "Killer Klub" ($7.99) with Swiss cheese (70-cent upcharge).
This is my favorite of the three sandwiches I had at the Gourmet Bagger. I have mentioned before; that I have a special place in my heart for Club Sandwiches....or as my late Mom (and most of my relatives); a "Clubhouse". The bacon was really nice and crisp, there wasn't too much mayo, which was evenly spread, the tomatoes were nice and sweet-tart, the turkey and ham were fine. I'm glad I got Swiss Cheese as it added a nice milky component and that whole grain bread was nicely toasted, rustic, and almost nutty. For me; a very nice example of a "Clubhouse".....
A few weeks ago, I found myself on the way back from shopping and decided to stop by for a sandwich. This time, I got the Gourmet Grinder ($7.49); basically your typical Italian style sandwich.
It didn't look like much, but when split in half; you can see the decent proportion of ingredients. I liked the fact that it wasn't over-dressed; though having pickles, Italian Dressing and "sweet" peppers made this tend toward the sour end of the flavor spectrum. I enjoyed the salt that the capacolla and salami brought to the sandwich.
I like the folks working here. They are very pleasant, though you may have to wait a while for your sandwiches. I forgot to mention one last touch.....they always include a cookie and a piece of hard candy with your order.
So, I'll probably be back again. It's a nice, well priced, unpretentious sandwich spot.
The Gourmet Bagger
3357 Rosecrans St
San Diego, CA 92110
Hours:
Mon - Thurs 1030am - 530pm
Fri - Sat 1030am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm
nice!
Posted by: kat | Monday, 24 September 2018 at 03:14 AM
I thought the sandwiches were done pretty well and were a good value Kat!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 24 September 2018 at 06:49 AM
Too bad you did not like the cheesesteak. Thanks for reviewing.
Posted by: Som Tommy | Monday, 24 September 2018 at 09:47 AM
That's good you found a new sandwich shop to eat at!
Posted by: Soo | Monday, 24 September 2018 at 12:08 PM
It just didn't "do it for me" ST. Though I did enjoy that club sandwich.
Yep, another one out there Soo.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 24 September 2018 at 04:28 PM
Their calamari sandwich is pretty solid - pounded and breaded and lightly pan fried. Cheesesteak is better without the lettuce, tomato, pickle etc, there's a turkey cream cheese thing that's good, and then I'm a personal fan of their thanksgiving sandwich (turkey and stuffing + cranberry sauce). Always have to get extra cookies too!
Posted by: Derek R | Monday, 24 September 2018 at 09:29 PM
That Thanksgiving sandwich sounds good Derek....though I'm usually not a big fan of sweet things in my sandwich....I'm thinknig the stuffing would counter balance that. Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 25 September 2018 at 07:12 AM
Most of these places are only open on weekdays during lunch. A true workers lunch spot. Man I miss Chez Nous and their spicy chicken sandwich. Used to work down the street and went there weekly.
Posted by: Junichi | Tuesday, 25 September 2018 at 03:01 PM
Yeah...so I lucked out with this one Junichi. It's fun to get to check out places like this.
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 25 September 2018 at 06:28 PM