As my bearded, t-shirt-clad server brought the dish to my communal table on a warm
Dallas evening, I was instantly taken back to my carnivorous upbringing with the scent of sweet bbq sauce and the vision of what could easily be mistaken for brisket piled 2” high on the plate.
The lightly-browned Texas toast held the soaking wet wheat meat perfectly and did not succumb to the moisture as I brought the sandwich to my lips. The “house made” seitan lacked the desired firmness, but the crispy cabbage and pickles created a heavenly contrast of textures as my teeth tore through the glutinous matrix and the goodness within.
Immediately a shock of the senses, as smoke, sugar, creaminess and crunch converged in the mouth, nose and ears and a wave of delight spread through my bones. The differing levels of crunchiness overcame the sponginess of the seitan, and the flavors converged to create a unique and blissful experience.
The sandwich is served with crisps (potato chips), but the $1.50 investment in seasoned fries (chips to those in the Commonwealth) are well worth the investment. The heavy spice made for an even more complex taste adventure. The plate became a tour de force, one I will not soon forget.
The beer was ok, too.
