Allow me to break the writer-audience fourth wall here: This title is going to turn some people off. More specifically, the people who eat animal protein multiple times per day and believe kale is the real devil’s lettuce. Fair. In a world of cheesesteaks and roast beef, why would anyone who’s not following one of these diets ever gravitate toward a ‘wich that eschews everyone’s favorite components?
The short answer is because they’re delicious and, as far as sandwiches go, nutrient-dense. These two establishments thought outside the lunch box and created a pair of sandwiches that nourish, satiate and satisfy, proving these terms need not be mutually exclusive. They’re a haven for those with restricted diets. Oh? That’s not you? Try one. Keep your body on its toes.
t o a s t; Kittery, ME
Upon pulling up to this tiny shop at the tip of the coast of southern Maine, it’d be easy to unfairly dismiss it as “trendy” or perhaps even “pretentious”. The reality is that owner Nina Holland is doing amazing things without the standard crutches of dairy, gluten or eggs. These are sandwiches with integrity.
It simply impossible to exaggerate the petitness of t o a s t. Walk inside, and you’ll find little more than a counter, some standing room and enough seating for about four people. Of course, that’s not including the (also quite small) kitchen, the place where arty, wholesome handhelds are cranked out in spades.
The menu is a quality over quantity affair, with seven “toasts” and little else. One aspect all ‘wiches have in common is they’re centered around Holland’s small batch fermented sourdough that’s free from animal products, gluten, oil, soy, sugar and gums. Don’t let the exclusions dissuade you, it’s a crusty, flavorful product that toasts beautifully.
Both sweet and savory toasts can be found, but for something ultra-unique, try “The Toastie”. This whole-foods take on a grilled cheese features house pesto, cashew cheese, blackberries, arugula and basil. As with most of the menu, t o a s t’s take on pesto is one of a kind. Made without dairy or nuts, this vivid green condiment is instead made from spinach, pea shoots and pumpkin seeds, making for a sweet and earthy spread.
The wide range of textures and flavors from this sandwich, from the crisp, peppery arugula to the sweet and tart blackberries to the nutty cashew cheese, evolve into a sandwich that remains interesting and flavorful the whole way through. It’s essential eating for herbivories and recommended for everyone else.
Find t o a s t at 7 Shapleigh Road in Kittery, NH. Visiting this little storefront requires some planning, as it’s open Friday to Sunday, 8 AM to 2 PM.
Vital Provisions; Peterborough, NH
Peterborough is a humble yet stunning town filled with art, community and good vibes. The same can be said about Vital Provisions, one of the area’s newest businesses.
With an entirely gluten and dairy-free menu loaded with sandwiches, smoothies, bowls, salads, and café beverages, VP is a must-visit spot for anyone in the mood for creative, wholesome food at very reasonable prices. Step inside and you’ll be greeted with a warm, spacious room filled with food-themed art. It’s unsurprising that they’ve already gained a following from the locals despite being open for barely six months.
As the menu currently stands, two vegan sandwiches exist at VP. The one that you’ll find nowhere else is called “Another Fun Guy”. It’s a re-hashing of a previous menu item, and this is an instance where the sequel outshines the original.
The centerpiece of this sandwich is a pile of braised oyster mushrooms, a meaty upgrade from the typical portobellos found on most sandwich menus. From there, the folks at VP layer parsnip puree, sauteed bok choy and cashew cheese onto hearty gluten-free bread, resulting in a head-scratcher that’s as delicious as it is unorthodox.
As with many of the best sandwiches, this is an adventure in flavors and textures. The oysters bring an earthy heartiness that’s kept in check by the crisp greens. Parsnip puree lends sweetness, and the nuttiness and salt from VT’s cashew cheese pulls the package together. Pair it with a rose latte or red velvet smoothie, and prepare for the best vegan lunch you’ve ever had.
Find Vital Provisions at 15 Main Street in Peterborough, NH. They’re open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week.
Vegan and Gluten-Free sandwiches may be a hard sell, but these two may be delicious enough to appeal to even the most stubborn meat eater. Try them and decide for yourself.