La Grotta del Formaggio

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting Commercial Drive. Now that my familial commitments prevent me from traveling to far-flung places like the Oregon coast, Santa Fe, New Mexico or Texas, Commercial Drive is the most exciting place that I can visit. On my most recent visit I lunched at La Grotta del Formaggio.

Walking into the store/deli feels like walking into the Old Country. Of course I do not have an Old Country and even I did have one, I have not yet been to visit it. However, this is much like what I would expect it to be like.

The aromas of assorted cheeses and breads fill the air. The shelves along the wall are lined with exotic foods like 25 year old balsamic vinegar and oil olives of unusual (to me) vintages or processes. Behind the glass showcase is the sandwich making materials. You walk up to the counter and someone will quickly come and ask what they can do for you.

I requested the veggie sandwich on a half focaccia bread with “everything” on it. A squirt of Dijon mustard, some mayo and then the layers of Edam and jalapeno Havarti were applied.

Once the sandwich was created, she asked if I wanted it toasted. Well, toasted tastes better, so on the grill it goes. The flavours of the sun dried tomatoes, the pickled artichoke hearts and the Edam cheese all blended together into a delicious mass. A quick slice in half and outside we went to sit at a little table where we could enjoy this sandwich creation and sip our coffee from the coffee shop next door. A very pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Indeed.