As I’ve expressed in past columns on the regular, I am a big fan of a well-crafted sandwich, something I’m not going to be able to create myself easily. I’ve heard friends rave about Board and Brew for years but have never had one convenient to my work or personal daily life.
That changed recently when I noticed the sandwich shop opened in the Trader Joe’s/Ralphs shopping center (formally known as Encinitas Village Center) in May on the northeast corner of El Camino Real and Encinitas Boulevard.
Given that Trader Joe’s is my weekly go-to store for groceries and wine and the rare shopping experience I look forward to, having a Board and Brew to add to the experience just made it even better.
Before I dig into their story and what makes them so great, I’ll say upfront that I would be happy and satisfied eating any sandwich or salad on their menu. Most of them are sizable enough to be stretched into two meals if you have that type of portion self-control, and well, that varies for me as some of them are so delicious I just can’t stop.
The backstory goes something like this: Founder Tom Powers started Board and Brew in 1979 in Del Mar with a simple idea — to provide the freshest, highest-quality food at the best value. That value still holds true, as they really do serve hefty portions.
The open-air patio, a slate of local craft beers (including their own) and the Baja-reggae-surf-skate setting are the perfect representation of this area. It just so happens that the Encinitas franchise is owned by local Clayton Wheeler, who, along with business partner Craig Applegate, now holds 11 franchises.
There are now over 30 Board and Brew locations in California and Arizona. I’d love to see them expand to Michigan, as their concept would work well in some of the state’s coastal areas.
As I mentioned, I’ve eaten my way through most of the menu and can honestly say there is something for everyone here. I’m going to focus on my top five sandwiches and a salad or two to mix it up a bit.
The Turkado has become my go-to, and for good reason. It’s thinly sliced turkey breast, and Jack cheese topped with Avocado, mayo, onion, tomato and lettuce on sourdough. Actually, I am always happy with any of their turkey options, which also include the Turkey Deluxe, Turkey Club and California Delight.
I’ve also derived great pleasure from the Tub O’Tuna, Veggie Supreme and Italian Sub. I should note that all these sandos are made extra special by the bread they are served on, be it sourdough, baguette or sweet wheat bread. They all provide the perfect vessel to complement and handle the toppings stacked high.
That brings me to the hot sandwiches, and there is not a weak link among them. Of course, being the French Dip freak I am, I had to try their Beef Dip, as they call it. It’s a solid version for sure, with freshly baked roast beef and melted Swiss cheese on a toasted baguette and a cup of au jus perfect for dipping. They even offered up a side of horseradish to give it a kick, which I gladly accepted.
The Left Coast Pastrami is their take on the deli classic one of their heavier options but still worthy. I’ll leave the pepperoncini peppers off next time as I don’t think they add to the sandwich, but I still devoured it enthusiastically.
Baja Beef, Roast Beef Spicy, Baja Chicken, Chicken Club and a Baja wrap for all you gluten-free folks round out the hot sandwiches.
I should also note that most of them come with a side of their Secret Sauce, a scratch-made delicious addition that they say provides their “sandos liftoff to a whole new planet of flavor.” I like that description.
I’ve also accompanied all my sandwich experiences with their homemade potato salad, which is perfect. Now, if they would only offer a nice pickle slice to go with it, I’d shower even more love on the Board & Brew experience.
And while salads are not top of mind for me here, their Chopped Salad is a winner. It’s a tasty mix of Genoa salami, smoked ham, Jack cheese, Banana peppers, chopped tomatoes, red onions, Garbanzo beans, and green leaf lettuce with Italian dressing on the side. They also offer a Cobb, Caesar and Green salad.
A freshly baked chocolate chip cookie and assorted dirty chips round out the sides.
And while I’ve not partaken in the “brew” side of Board and Brew, the bar portion was hopping on a recent Sunday with folks enjoying their favorite local beers and football.
The great thing is that if you are reading this in North County, there will be a Board and Brew not far away. If you’ve not been, I’d highly suggest it. All the details and locations are at www.boardandbrew.com.
