Gaztro-Wagon vs. Simple Sandwich
Well, not "versus," exactly – it's not as if two trucks enter, one truck leave. But aside from one of the founders of Chicago's emerging food truck scene (Flirty Cupcakes), other entries like Happy Bodega and the, um, Meatyballs Mobile haven't hit the Merchandise Mart where I work, so these two get the review.
While they share basically the same business model (follow 'em on Facebook/Twitter and hope they're not sold out by the time you get to the street) these two trucks have very different culinary approaches. Gaztro-Wagon is upscale on wheels; their signature creation is the "naan-wich," a flatbread sandwich inspired by the Indian street bread, stuffed with exotic ingredients like wild board belly or lobster and pancetta. Simple Sandwiches still have some flair, but the focus is on natural, organic and local ingredients.
So which mobile meal is worth lining up for? If you had to pick one, go with Gaztro-Wagon and their "haute car-sine." My Simple Sandwich was certainly tasty (prosciutto with pear jam and arugula), but overall their offerings are a bit too, well, simple. There were four options (roast beef, turkey and veggie filled out the menu) plus potato chips and a cookie. At Gaztro, however, they pair a wider range of naan-wiches with plantain chips that are so good they could merit their own truck. Plus, it's far more appetizing to have a specialty sandwich wheel up to your office – while Simple's sandwiches are tasty, so far they're on par with the Au Bon Pains or Paneras of the world.
Fortunately, you don't have to pick one – and hopefully we'll have even more options soon. Several proprietors are working to overturn the city's ban on preparing food on-site in attempts to cook up a food truck scene to rival established ones in LA, NY, Seattle, etc. So far so good, and in the case of Gaztro-Wagon... so far, so great.
Okay, maybe I have chosen unwisely, but have so not been impressed with Gaztro-Wagon. While I applaud their attempts, it always feels like it misses the mark. Maybe I shouldn't be critical because it is in essence fast food. There was so much fanfare though I expected a well balanced delicious sandwich. Perhaps I should lower my expectations, but I expect the brie not to be rancid and a reasonable amount of condiment (in their case a salsa or chutney,) but I have had both toooo much and not enough.
ReplyDeleteLove the owner of Simple Sandwiches. He did a great job selling and I will definitely use them as an alternative to the same sandwiches as ABP or Panera.
Admittedly has been nice to have the variety.
Rancid brie. Yikes. Rest assured, had I encountered anything like that in either of my visits, I'd've been less positive about the place.
ReplyDeleteAnd I also enjoyed the service at Simple Sandwiches; the owner was very personable and helpful. I'll certainly be back, just wish there was a little more 'wich to choose from.