This 2/3 bread sandwich is a gift to San Diego.
A faint twinkle of sea salt dusts the surface of Influx Cafe‘s house baked focaccia. The thicc crumb rises with tender, slightly sweet, and yeasty tones, offering a springy hand when clenched between the fingers. That focaccia is not the focus of this cafe confuses me—but I guess in today’s gluten-fear environment, the many are still dull to the fine breads of San Diego.
Come early enough to Influx Cafe and your only vegan bread option is a bagel (their focaccia is still baking). That was the first annoyance one morning. After standing around 30+ minutes for two bagels (lost ticket) I was ready to blast them with a million ughs. But hot damn—these are the best vegan bangle sandwiches I’ve had in a very long time.
From the sandwich menu, the Tofu 1 ($6.95) are described with little fanfare. Slender slices of firm baked silken tofu layer with sliced red onion, tomato, mixed greens, and a smear of chile veganaise boom. I’ve actually never made it past the Tofu 1 before because it’s just so doggone good.
But because I was kind enough to share my bagel with my husband, I was able to get half of his Tofu 3 ($6.95). I’m sitting here now, reading the ingredients list, knowing I’ve eaten this combination a billion times over, always sucking—except now. Nothing suck about this. The same baked silken tofu is paired with briney olive tapenade, a juicy slice of roasted red pepper, and balsamic vinaigrette dressed arugula. This sandwich, which would normally elicit eye rolls from me, utterly slays. I am now dead. Please bury me between a Tofu 1 and Tofu 3 on India St in Little Italy.
Influx Cafe
750 West Fir
San Diego, CA 92101
Instagram: @influx_cafe
Facebook: Influx Cafe Little Italy
The Veg Foodie 