As the Portland food scene continues to grow, both as a food tourism destination and as a local scene, one exciting trend has been the proliferation of excellent new sandwich spots, whether restaurants or food carts. New spots like Dimo’s, Piccone’s, Sandy-O’s, Lottie and Zula’s have joined along with venerable establishments like Lardo and Devil’s Dill to make Portland a sandwich destination city. My favorite of the new spots is Walter French’s, a food cart on Alberta run by a very nice couple and dedicated to crafting the finest possible sandwiches with top notch locally sourced ingredients. Specifically sourcing their meat from Olympia Provisions and their bread from Dos Hermanos bakery, their attention to detail is providing the city with some of the best sandwiches that I have ever experienced here or in the greater world. Pictured above is a special from last year when they were at their old location. Salami Cotto, Capicola, mama lils peppers, roasted red peppers, pesto aioli, arugula, cheese on toasted bread. A phenomenal and memorable sandwich.

Next up is the Mama Fratelli. The first sandwich I had there, and, after a second time eating it recently I declared it the best sandwich I have ever eaten. Not spoken lightly as a guy who takes my sandwiches seriously. Capicola, ham, fresh mozzarella, Mama Lil’s peppers, roasted red peppers, arugula, pesto aioli, and Walter’s hot honey on a sesame hoagie roll. A symphony of flavors. It sounds like a bunch of ingredients, but the real beauty of this sandwich is how well all the ingredients mesh together. You can clearly taste each high quality component, but the sandwich becomes more than the sum of its (excellent) parts. I like the uniqueness of this sandwich as well. None of the ingredients are unusual, but I’ve never had them combined like this. Along with their Italian, this is a best seller for them.

Speaking of their Italian, the Big Dom, here it is pictured above. Salami cotto, capicola, ham, provolone, cherry pepper relish, shredduce, tomato, onions, banana peppers, red wine vinaigrette, mayo and oregano on a sesame hoagie roll. This is the Italian sandwich that other Italian sandwiches dream of. I always judge a sandwich shop by their Italian, and this one is killer! Very memorable and crave-able.

The South Street. This was a juicy boy. Similar to the Mama Fratelli but with enough distinctions to make it it’s own beast. Salami cotto, capicola, provolone, Mama Lil’s, roasted red peppers, tomato, arugula, pesto aioli, Walter’s hot honey melted on sourdough. This was so good it made me rethink my #1 sandwich. Love the buttered and grilled sourdough.

Last up is the P.C.T. Turkey, havarti, cucumber, pickles, banana peppers, shredduce, tomato, onions, Bellair mayo, Dijon vinaigrette on a toasted ciabatta. Not your average turkey sandwich. Piled high with delicious turkey, the havarti cheese really makes this sandwich sing. The pickles, peppers, and vinaigrette contribute a needed acidic component. As many times as I’ve been, I still haven’t made my way through the 8 sandwich menu. I have had their Gobbler (turkey, bacon, cranberry sauce) though it’s not pictured here. The ones I haven’t had yet are the Garden Melt (veggie) and the BLT Melt, nor the plain grilled cheese. I will order those on my next trips!

If you live in Portland or the surrounding area, or if you are planning a trip here in the future, plan on stopping in at Walter French’s for a sandwich or two (or eight). Super nice folks, and I guarantee that no matter what you order you will leave satisfied and full. Go early before they sell out! Also they make their own flavored lemonades like peach and raspberry which are a must order as well. Happy eating!