In today’s installment of “What Did Spencer Eat For Lunch?” I visited Pasture PDX and picked up The Grind sandwich to go. Forget the daily grind, this is The Grind you want in your day! If you haven’t visited Portland’s newest, and hands down best sandwich shop and butchery, get off your butt and get down there post haste!

The Place:

Located at 1413 NE Alberta, this is a cute, small space that serves as a restaurant up front and butcher in back. Kind of old school in approach, it feels fresh and new. They aren’t the only place doing this (Piccone’s Corner, Laurelhurst Market, etc.), but they are arguably the best doing it. So far I have gone twice and got to-go sandwiches. Today I got their version of a grinder, last time I got The O.G., which was a very unique sandwich featuring pastrami, housemade chili oil and Oregon hazelnuts. I have never had anything quite like it. Very delicious. Next time I go I want to try their burger, which I’ve heard from a few folks might be the best burger in town. The sandos here are a bit bougie, with prices to match, but are well worth it due to the quality of their meat, great execution, and excellent bread from local Dos Hermanos Bakery. I haven’t eaten in the restaurant yet, but it is casual counter service and bus your own table joint.

The Sandwich:

Roasted Beef Mortadella, Salami, Provolone, pickled peppers, onions and cabbage, on delicious, fluffy, perfect bread from Dos Hermanos. Seriously, from now on I want all my sandwiches on this bread, it is heavenly. Hot sando (obviously), this was a near perfect entry in the grinder category. The classic Italian (cold) or grinder (hot) might be my favorite sandwich of all time, but where it usually lacks is the mortadella. I often find that low quality mortadella (usually pork) can ruin an otherwise solid sandwich. Pasture has a quality, tasty beef version. The balance of all the ingredients was excellent, and each component was tasty. At this point I’m going to need to try all 10 sandwiches on the menu! Highly recommended.