California Dreamin’: The Best Veal Sandwich

Tucked away in Little Italy on a corner across from a public school is a well known local secret.

California Sandwiches is an institution in Toronto.  Founded in 1967  by the Papa/Bertucci family their famous veal sandwich was born in the neighborhood grocery store they owned.  Every day the sandwiches would sell out and it wasn’t long before they realized that they had a “hot” sandwich on their hands.

Policemen, construction workers and firemen mix with businessmen, the design and fashion crowds and of course the true aficionados – the Italians.  The original location still has mismatched furniture and a few stools and a counter if you choose to eat-in.

There are a total of 8 family owned locations in Toronto.  Each has its own butcher that cuts the meat daily.  The finest Italian tomatoes are ground every day to make their famous tomato sauce, and the buns are baked and delivered each morning by a local Italian bakery.

The classic veal sandwich ($7.75 and basically feeds two!) can be ordered with sweet, medium or hot peppers, cheese, onions and mushrooms.  One of my favorites snacks, I actually adopted from watching the school kids order, is what is affectionately known as “sauce bun” – rather self-explanatory – its the fresh bun with dripping hot tomato sauce, peppers and cheese.

Their house spiced olives are a must.  The other “must” – a large handful of napkins!

Original location: 244 Claremont St (map), 416-603-3317

Hours:  Monday – Thursday, 10:00 am – 10:30 pm, Friday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 11:30 pm.  Closed Sundays

Photo Credit: Flickr