waves

We came, we ate, we conquered. My sandwich was delicious, best smoked meat I've had outside of...well Montreal. The bread, a classic cut of saltwater white rye. The meat, stacked high. While their selection of mustard tiptoed outside of the neoclassical yellow tinge variety into "Susan's hot" (which was surprisingly amazing) and their very own blend of Dijon (the waitress said it made her cry while they brewed it up in the basement, tears of joy...and mustard gas), they could have gone with at least five (they had four). The home-blend, however, was a bit mild for my liking. Smooth like velvet, but without enough of a kick (maybe it was my cold, but to be honest I was hoping this would be my cure). The pickle was a nice, and very necessary touch.

Nat's poutine (which I ate half of) was amazing at first, but the amazing aesthetics of the bowl tormented the potential of greatness. By mid-section the fries, by interesting choice very dry, became too much to handle. They could have been saved with more gravy. A lot more. The cheese curds could have been more heavily melted (or even just a little bit) - still the combination of deli-style smoked meat and artery clogging heart-throb (the Dylan McKay of diner cuisine), was glorious.

The drinks (as previously mentioned) came disappointingly in cans. Nat thought this was darling (go figure). If you go here, do yourself a favour, go with the alcoholic offerings.

The place is open until 2am, just begging for the 'after-hours' drunkleys. Inundated, two can dine for under a 2 spot. With drinks its about $20 a person (and a slippery slope once you've tried no.9- the fucking tap is carved wood!) Awesome by all accounts, for the quality you are sure to receive.

The waitress was awesome, and sported a haircut to match. (The uniform is lame, but that is to be ignored). She had a wicked way of slyly dropping dining suggestions into casual conversation (well it's kind of her job). During one of these, we mentioned the fry-dilemma, concluding gravy layers are a must. Will it come to fruition? Time will be the sole judge on that one.

Check it out yourself. 356 College St.

3.75/5