I have been called a sandwich snob. That accusation is false. However, I do believe in something called sandwich theory. This is my quest to find the greatest sandwiches in Madison. Send me your sandwich recommendations by email or on Twitter or Instagram.
This week I decided to get my brunch on at Bassett Street Brunch Club. Located on West Johnson and Bassett at the edge of campus, the diner has a vintage look with an old-school counter and booths. I decided to go with a sandwich that was kind of breakfast, but not exactly: the pot roast and egg with braised beef, Vermont white cheddar cheese, onion soubise, and a fried egg on toasted sourdough bread.
Bread: 3.5/5
The sourdough was flavorful and fresh, but I wanted it a little more toasted. It was also a bit on the greasy side, which I’m not sure was from the filling or the grill. Thicker slices would have been nice, too.
Makings: 4/5
The pot roast was braised so it was juicy and had plenty of flavor. The white cheddar was nice and melty and blended with the onion soubise (a smooth, creamy sauce made with sautéed onions). I would have liked the egg yolk to be runny in order to add a little creaminess to the beef.
Architecture: 3.75/5
The sandwich was served cut in half, and the first half I ate had good balance and structure. Things went a little south on the second half, though. The egg was gone in the first couple of bites, and the last few bites were pretty light on the pot roast. The bread cut the roof of my mouth a little which was a bummer.
Value: 4/5
You get a choice of fries, tots, mixed greens or creamy coleslaw to go with sandwiches. I opted for the greens, which turned out a pleasant surprise when it included sliced radish and red onion. At $10.95, the pot roast made it a solid sandwich that left me full for the rest of the afternoon.
Overall: 3.75/5
This was a rich sandwich with hearty flavor. I mowed through the first half, so that second half looked a little daunting to start. But after a quick breather, I was able to complete my quest. The biggest hits came on the bread and the architecture, but I liked the ambiance and vibe of Bassett Street Brunch Club and will give it another try.
Comments