Cafe Kiraz—Has lots of Pizzazz

Are you a sandwich snob? Are you high brow about your hoagie? Are you snooty about your submarine? Are you petulant and particular about your panini? Well, my high class hero aficionado, enter Cafe Kiraz.

For long long years, we believed that the only true sandwich shop in Cambridge was All Star Sandwich Bar. But now, a rival emerges from the Southwest. Who will win this epic battle? And who will be smeared like mustard over the hard rough crust of defeat?

We will let you, dear Reader, decide for yourself.

As for us, we are glad to know that we have two choices for sandwiches in Cambridge. Cafe Kiraz may be full of pizazz, but it ain't got much in terms of seating or interior design. But who cares, because you are there for the sandwich. And my, there are so many sandwiches.

As opposed to All Star Sandwich Bar, which gives you a small list to choose from, Cafe Kiraz goes for the unlimited options. Perhaps this is something that we come to expect in our culture. With our thousands of iphone apps and watch instantly movies on NetFlix, a decision can only be reached through the recommendations of others. That's why, as we stared googly-eyed at the massive menu, a passing stranger was the one who made the decision for us.

A split-second decision yielded us the fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil sandwich ($6.50) on focaccia. A classic example of getting what you ask for. No more, no less. All fresh ingredients on soft flavorful bread, nothing to complain about.

Fresh and wholesome

Until you taste a grilled sandwich and realize what you're missing. The grilled chicken, provolone sandwich ($7.25) was a melt-in-your-mouth lullaby. The type of sandwich you only meet once in a lifetime. Caramelized onions added a subtle sweetness, which contrasted favorably with the tanginess of the sun-dried tomato paste and mesclun salad mix. Our one recommendation is to always, repeat always, order the grilled sandwich when you go to a sandwich shop.

Order Grilled...Always Grilled

On a final note, we've heard a rumor that the blended frozen yogurt rivals that of any in Boston, and is a must-have. Anyone who has tried it, we'd love to hear what you think.

Cafe Kiraz
119 Hampshire Street
Cambridge, MA 02139-1505
(617) 868-2233