TASTE ****
15 High Street, Cardiff. 029 2034 1820 / www.tastefresh.com
With the ubiquity of mediocre lunchtime eateries and disappointing takeaway meal deals, it’s nice to find a sandwich shop which delivers on both flavour and variety.
Originally born in Romford, Taste arrived in Cardiff earlier this year as the first Taste franchise. The sandwich bar has seen its popularity steadily rise, and as such we thought it high time we popped in to see what the fuss was about.
Opting for a humous and red pepper sandwich alongside a classic tuna mayonnaise jacket and two smoothies (a much needed Stress Buster and Hangover Cure), we were impressed with the simple quality and fresh flavour of both the jacket and the sandwich. It’s not that easy to go wrong with a sandwich or jacket potato, but we could see it all being made in front of us, and the broad selection of sandwiches on offer could easily of had us coming back for round two.
The tempting specials which regularly change are well worth a look, and their gourmet sandwiches and wraps range from the enticing Rockpool (salmon, prawn & crab flakes dressed in lemon mayonnaise and rocket salad) to the Sweet Carrot Crunch (humous, grated carrot, sultanas and salad) and meaty Bookmaker Melt (perfect in a toasted ciabatta apparently).
Deceptively large with ample dining space inside, Taste is a great place to relax over a long lunch, and its expansive range of breakfasts, soups, salads, coffees and handmade cakes all add to the appeal. Clean and friendly, the contemporary design and fresh approach to the humble sandwich makes Taste a winning lunchtime choice. GARETH LUDKIN