Best Sandwich in Ottawa

Sheena revisits her old stomping grounds on and off the next couple of weeks. First stop off the train is the one and only DiRienzo's Grocery. It's a grocery store with a deli. Great place for all kinds of weird pastas and big barrels of olives and those weird little amaretto cookies that I love even though they hurt your tongue.

Now Sheena spent a lot of time in Ottawa's Little Italy over the last few years, and I can easily say that the above picture was clearly taken when the store was closed. From 11am to 1pm on weekdays, the place is lined up outside the door.

You really have 3 choices - all $3.50 (that's GST in, and AFTER a price increase from $3 last year...) Custom made sandwiches, pre-made sandwiches or boxed pasta to go.

Option 1:
In assembly line fashion that would make both Henry Ford AND Seinfeld's Soup Nazi green with envy, the luncher picks just the right bun out of a big crate. The buns alone are treasures, the right balance of crusty and chewy. Must research source.. I think I know, but need to verify. Luncher then selects from a deli counter jammed pack with every meats, sliced cheese and interesting fillings like roasted eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, to name a fraction. Pre-tested combinations are listed on the whiteboard, and yes, you can order by number.

Option 2:
Premade. This was Sheena's pick probably 35% of the time. The hot sandwiches are premade and wrapped in saran wrap and piled high at the counter near the door. Italian sausage, meatloaf (REAL HOMEMADE), roast beef, chicken and pork (again, all real cuts, not processed meats), Veal cutlets, western and all kinds of creative variations with cacciotore, piccata or marinara toppings. 15 seconds in the microwave and the cheese drips all over your hands and keyboard.

Option 3:
Pasta. Sheena began to gravitate to the pastas more often in later months after discovering the tortellini. Fresh homemade sauce, grated cheese, always rememebering a napkin and fork...

Ask any Ottawa cop, firefighter, paramedic or maintenance worker where it is. There's usually a half-dozen civic vehicles parked out front during lunch rush. No interac, just cash please...