Stag's Lunchette--Oakland (Salads and sandwiches)

This place might have some of the most inventive sandwiches I've ever had. Located at 362 17th Street, this small spot keeps my taste buds buzzing by churning out different sandwiches and salads each week. Great breads, amazing meats, fresh veggies, house-made condiments and hormone/cruelty/antibiotic -free everything all make this a go-to establishment for the breakfast and lunch crowd.

http://stagslunchette.com/

Here are some of the things I've enjoyed.

Pork Belly. Pig might be my favorite animal to eat and the belly is always a weakness for me. This was glazed and tender with fresh arugula on a lightly toasted baguette. Excellent.

Sliced Lamb. Perfectly prepared lamb sliced and loaded in a fairly big bun with pickled onions and fresh arugula. Very tasty.

Roasted Cauliflower. I'm not a vegetarian, but this was a good sandwich. Nicely roasted cauliflower and cherry tomatoes with aioli made this a delicious and filling meal.

Roasted Turkey on Chantrelle Bread Pudding. This was their Thanksgiving week special and it made me want to make this for Thanksgiving instead of the standard turkey and fixings. A savory Chantrelle mushroom bread pudding was topped with juicy turkey, brussels sprout and baby lettuce salad, gravy and sour cherry orange zest compote. So delicious.

Smoke Trout. Another favorite of mine. Perfectly flaky trout that wasn't too salty or smoky. Also in the mix were capers, pickled onions, arugula and aioli, all encased in their signature crusty baguette.

Roast Beef "Schmitter" Cheese Steak. Made with perfectly prepared 5 Dot beef, Fra'mani Spicy salami, not just one but two layers of provolone and mozzarella cheeses, grilled onions, Rosso Bruno tomato slices and the "Schmitter" secret sauce. This one was messy and oozy and absolutely hit the spot.

Fennel Crusted Pork Chop. Beeler pork chops were thinly sliced and encased in a toasty, buttery bun with a shaved fennel and apple chicory slaw, fresh Japanese greens and garlic aioli. The pork was tender, the slaw had a wonderful sweet/tangy balance and it was just very hearty and satisfying.

Pastrami Reuben. A standard on their ever-changing menu and now I know why. It's just a sloppy good meaty sandwich. Tender, peppery and fantastically delicious smoked organic 5 Dot brisket with melted Gruyere cheese, piquant dressing and spicy house-made kraut on sliced, buttered and toasted rye bread. One of my favorites.

If you're around the area during lunch, stop in early before they sell out for a really tasty, healthy and guilt-free meal.