Las Tortas Mexican Gourmet Sandwiches
3353 Cambie Street
Vancouver, BC
Since the Canada Line opened (which opening I blogged here), I have meant to visit the Cambie area. For reference purposes, businesses on this street were severely impacted because of its construction and I am hoping it returns to its former glory. So, to check how things are going, I went to the area between Broadway and King Edward Street. The one place that caught my attention between these two streets? A new shop: Las Tortas Mexican Gourmet Sandwiches (which I will just call Las Tortas).
If you have read my previous entries on Mexican food, I have mentioned my bias against Mexican food here, part because most served here tends to be stereotypical and it does not really represent Latin American food. However, there was something different about this place…
Ordering process here is quite different from your ordering at the counter type; instead, as seen in the picture above, you grab a brown bag, write down your name and check the sandwich (and options you want). Then take that bag to the counter to pay and wait… Now, that work both ways: since there are only that many seats (the place isn’t that big), that might be relatively easy for takeout but, if you choose to eat in, it might be chaos, as they will call your name rather than take it to your table (or at least that’s what happened the day I was there).
Are they creating a stereotype or do Mexican really love their movies?
In my case, after making my order, fortunately, the last table opened. On that note, all the tables are on one side so, again, it might be a pain to move around. Did I mention it is a small place? While checking other customers, I noticed they were really enjoying their sandwiches so I was looking forward to receive my order… And here it is:
This really bring memories… Brown bag lunch anybody?! Nah, actually I wasn’t of the brown bag lunch type, as I usually went to the school cafeteria for empanadas or similar goodies. It was chaotic, though but, at least, it was a break from my almost-all-Chinese food during my school days. And, oddly, I was looking forward for this sandwich…
When I grabbed it out of the bag, I thought… That’s it?! OK, let me back-trace a little bit: In my previous visits to sandwich shops, it was something of a decent size; however, here, it looked… Small. Or was it an instance of my eyes fooling me? Or was it because of the size:cost proportion? Wait, didn’t I mention the price? If you look at the brown bag picture again, this sandwich cost almost $10! But, wait, let’s make that judgment later…
According to the menu, the sandwich I ordered, the Mexican club has jamon, pierna, chorizo y Monterrey Jack (jamon being ham and pierna translates literally to leg (here referring to the pork’s let, of course, where ham is usually made of) but it refers rather to roasted version instead. So, there were slices of jamon (which seemed to be cooked ham, oddly) and pierna. As for the chorizo, and this is a disappointment from a personal perspective, is that it is the un-cured version and crumbled. Think almost ground seasoned pork… The cheese was not spread evenly, again, as you can see, it slided all to one side. And then there is your usual veggies. But one component that I am not sure about was the purple layer at the bottom. I couldn’t make up what that was. I didn’t ask much but ate it anyway! ^_^;;; My best guess would have been either a bean or corn spread (think guacamole) but that would be just a guess.
Going now back to size of the sandwich. I will have to say it was really filling given its size. And tasty on top of it. So, in a way, the first instance of Mexican food here in Vancouver that I can say I like without hesitation. However, the question is, was it worth the $$$? If I have to answer the question, I will be in a really tight spot. If it would have been slightly cheaper, I would have hit a sweet spot. I guess if I decide to come back, it will not be on a frequent basis…
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Kim, we’re going to the same places… I went to Las Tortas last week and I have the same feelings you did. I liked the sandwich, but it should be really $2 cheaper. So what’s the next place we’ll both go to next???
Sherman, hey, that’s what I have been saying! Great minds think alike?
Business should pick up for the restaurants along Cambie. I think I’ll venture out there since there isn’t anymore construction.
Look at you guys. I was just following the Chowhound thread on this, and you put pictures to all those words.
That does sound like an expansive sandwich…but you can’t argue with fresh bread and pork goodies all sandwiched together with guacamole! Delish.
Danny, indeed, I hope more good eat spots will open in this area!
Raidar, a picture is worth a thousand words?
The problem is that there are other good sandwiches (not Mexican tortas, of course), not to mention they are expensive. Oh, well…
Not inexpensive.
It somewhat strikes me as a prototype for a franchise concept, if it isn’t already? Too uniform for an owner operated hole in the wall?
Hey!
I’ve just found a great new option for real Mexican food. I was walking down Davie St. near Thurlow and I found this place called Calli. Prices are great, portions are generous and it was pretty tasty. You have to try the salsa, it’s a whole challenge! I’ll definitely go back
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