In today’s installment of “Where Did Spencer Eat Lunch Today?” the answer is Ex Novo Brewing Co. in NEPO. This is one of the few places I can walk to, and while their beer is not my favorite, I discovered they have this incredible sandwich there. In the past I don’t think I had ever eaten there, just grabbed a beer. But back to this sandwich. It was delicious. I first got it a few weeks ago and had been craving it ever since, so I went back today to get it. And since it is the last day of my vacation before I go back to work, I got a beer to go with it.

So the sando is called “Bacon All the Rules”, which as a play-on-words title isn’t all that bad. It’s a bit of a twist on an Italian sandwich or grinder, but ya know, with bacon. They house smoke their own bacon, and it is in fact some of the tastiest bacon I have eaten. Then the traditional Italian meats Salami Cotto and Capicola rounded out with pepperoncini, kalamata olives and lettuce with a vinaigrette and mayo on toasted bread. Everything is done well, down to the butter toasted bread and the proportions of the ingredients are on point. Did I say house smoked bacon? On their menu they offer an appetizer of just bacon! Amazing!

It comes with a side and I opted to get the special seasonal salad, the Harvest Salad. Again, everything done well and a cut above most brewpubs. And brewpubs in Portland come to play, so the bar is somewhat high already. Kale, cranberries, apple, feta, toasted almonds and red wine vinaigrette. Well done, tasty and balanced. I love side salads but am usually disappointed by places not trying very hard. Both the sando and the salad are a win, and I’ll go back to try other things as well, and I guess I’ll get a beer or two.