Sunday, May 2, 2010

Kopi Talk - Quiznos Sub - better than Subway !

Thanks Gabriel for the article good luck to your examination chill out and hang in there.

Posted by Gabriel
Sorry about the lack of updates recently, everyone! It’s final exams period in school
now and I’ve been buried in a stack of books and notes. Although I’m still in the midst
of my fortnight from hell right now, I just have to take a break to share with you this pretty
good sandwich outlet I found at West Coast Plaza (which already has outlets of supposedly
equal quality at Far East Square, Orchard Central and Novena Square 2).

Sandwiches in Singapore are usually synonymous with Subway (which is appearing
at just about every conceivable spot across the island) and, although I used to be a huge fan,
I’ve found their perceivable drop in quality in recent months to be offputting. Quiznos Sub,
while slightly pricier than the franchise, could be summed up as “Subway Done Right”.

On my first trip there, I had the zesty grill steak sandwich (a six-incher of which costs $6.90),
a sandwich containing thinly-sliced beef steak, cheese, mushrooms, onions and a mixture of sauces
and it was fantastic. The bread was freshly toasted and crispy (without being overdone), the beef
was soft and chewy (while avoiding a much-feared texture of rubbery) and the sauces were
a perfect compliment to the strong taste.

While the zesty grill is the best sandwich I’ve had there yet, the others I’ve tried
(honey bourbon chicken and the classic club, which contains turkey, bacon and ham)
were of similar high standards. The sandwich breads were toasted to perfection, the
ingredients generously served and of a generally much higher quality than Subway.
The only fault one might with it would be the lack of choice over the bread and vegetables.

The cookies served (one huge piece instead of two smaller ones like at Subway)
were all gigantic, soft (in the right way) and were really tasty. The double chocolate,
 in particular, was a sinful delight. The mixed green salad was surprisingly large, a box
 stuffed full with fresh, crunchy vegetables, thick tomato slices and customers could have
as much dressings or pickles they want at the pepper bar provided.

The prices at Quiznos Sub are slightly higher than at Subway (a premium sandwich 
costs $6.90, with an additional $2.70 nabbing a drink and a cookie or soup or $3.50 
for a salad and drink) but for those willing to fork out a little more for better quality, it is
 well worth the value. After all, a complete there would not cost more than $10, 
which is still a pretty affordable rate if dining out with friends.

For those looking for desserts or fancier drinks to go with the sandwiches, 
Quiznos Sub is also paired with TullY’s Coffee (with the capitalized ‘Y’, it seems), 
a coffee joint with a similar (if smaller) menu and price range to Starbucks. 
The matcha-flavoured gourmet shake, a frothy concoction of matcha flavoured ice
 cream and caramel, is a must for anyone looking for a sweet treat.

A definite must go, for all who live in the West. Meanwhile, it’s back to the books for me!