Sandwiches are not really taken seriously in the Philippines. Aside from ubiquitous choices like…read moreburgers and hotdogs (which aren't really sandwiches, but I digress), in general sandwiches are relegated to mere convenience food, usually composed of white bread or pandesal filled with deli meat and mayonnaise. Freedom from white bread and mayonnaise blandness and the constraints of white plastic wrappers and tunafish used to be the sole refuge of coffee shops and a few erstwhile sandwich chains. However, even here, monotony sets in, as despite increases in quality, the fillings are old familiars--grilled cheese, BLT, grilled chicken. Little thought, it seems, has been given to creating new flavors. Mr. Graham's Sandwich Shop takes a step towards that direction.
I prefer businesses that do a few things really well, so Mr. Graham's is right in my wheelhouse. Mr. Graham's only offers 6 sandwiches, a few sides, most of the usual sodas, a lot of craft beer, and one really awesome drink.
All of the sandwiches are twists on familiar flavors. The flagship, the Cebuano, is a version of a classic pressed Cuban sandwich that replaces the traditional grilled pork with Cebu Lechon. The 4 Cheese, Bacon Please, adds caramelized onion and bacon to a grilled cheese sandwich. The Submariner is a sub filled with a fried fish fillet. The sloppy G replaces tomato sauce with gravy in a sloppy joe, and the Club adds guacamole and honey bread to the regular club. The new sandwich,as yet unnamed and not yet on the menu, is made with a salmon fillet, dill sauce, cream cheese, and alfalfa.
This all being said, the best fillings would not make a good sandwich without being surrounded by good bread. Mr. Graham's delivers, placing most of their sandwiches on a crusty ciabatta bread, which is thankfully not cloyingly sweet as most FIlipino bread is. Some sweetness is conceded though on the part of the Club Sandwich's loaf bread. I'm not a fan of that, but I can see how people might like it. The sheer size of the sandwich makes it worth it.
I'd place the Cebuano on top of the pile, as the saltiness and savoriness of the Cebu Lechon goes well with melted cheese and a garlic dressing. The sandwich is also pressed, adding a wonderful crunch. I'd prefer the dressing to be less sweet, but overall the Cebuano is just right.
A close second for me is the 4 Cheese, Bacon Please. I love caramelized onions, melted cheese, and bacon, so it's a no brainer for me to like it. Dip it in the tomato soup for the perfect snack for a rainy day.
I'm a big fan of the new salmon sandwich as well. The fish is still firm but juicy, and the dill sauce enhances its meatiness and creaminess. Alfalfa sprouts give a needed freshness.
A visit to Mr. Graham's is not complete without a bottle of APPLE PIE SODA. While it sounds like an exaggeration, it really does taste like apple pie in carbonated form. The apple and cinnamon shine through, but those are within the realms of most imaginations. What makes it special is the distinct buttery taste of pie crust. I don't know how Mr. Graham does it (I asked), but that flavor sets the Apple Pie Soda apart.
If liquid dessert isn't your thing, Mr. Graham's also has a broad selection of craft beers to choose from. On the way home, be sure to pick up some Garapal hot sauce as well--chilihead approved.
All in all, Mr. Graham's only needs to offer 6 sandwiches, some craft beers, and apple pie soda. The execution of each of these offerings is top notch, which is appropriate for a top-notch sandwich shop. Make sure to pay Mr. Graham a visit the next time you need a sandwich fix.
