The humble toastie has had something of a renaissance in recent times - sourdough bread and fancy cheese has elevated this lunchtime light bite into a gourmet delicacy.
Just weeks ago I stopped in with another local toastie talent at the Hitched food truck in Augher , but this time we’ve stepped it up another notch.
Eyebrows were raised by some around Enniskillen when a new cafe opened on Church Street in the town and was selling toasted sandwiches for around £8/9.
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The Toastery was opened by Co Fermanagh husband and wife team Sophie and Rossa Mac Aindriu in March , and it was clear they were trying to bring a cosmopolitan vibe to the island town.
The pair had travelled extensively in Asia, Australia and New Zealand before returning home and opening up the new business.
When I called in this week to give it a try, one thing was pretty clear. The people of Enniskillen are smitten with the place.
The vast majority of tables were filled and they have hit the nail on the head when it comes to that city brunch interior. Chic wooden tables and a few high stools along the window - you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Soho.
On to the food - the menu is split into smaller bits and pieces like sausage rolls and granola bowls, then the sandwich menu. The cheapest is £8 for the three cheese option then goes up to £9 for the pastrami beef.
I opted for the ham hock with emmental, cheddar and a pineapple chutney - but they all sounded tasty in fairness. Using local produce including sourdough from Joe the Baker, it obviously wasn't going to be your average sarnie - and I wasn’t disappointed.
Perfectly grilled and stuffed with cheese, it had the perfect crunch you want from a quality toastie. The pineapple chutney that came on the side was one of the stars of the show, it had a little bit of an Indian spice to it and really took the sandwich to the next level.
It maybe could have been filled out with a little more ham, but all in all I was highly impressed. Top marks for the tasty coffee as well.
It was clear that customer service is a priority for the owners - all the staff made an effort to chat away to every customer that came through the door.
My thoughts on the price? The Toastery have clearly decided that people are willing to pay a little bit extra for a quality product - and the evidence so far would suggest they are right.
Can you get a toasted sandwich for cheaper around Enniskillen? Of course, potentially even for half the price of The Toastery. My bill was £11.40 for the sandwich and a coffee.
I don’t see anything wrong with positioning yourself at a higher price point if you can back it up with quality food and service. The Toastery ticks both boxes for me and is well worth a visit.
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