What makes a good sandwich? I explored this labyrinthine question during my Lunch Club excursion to the Café Grand Dame and discovered a few interesting possibilities. The Café is the latest annex to the newly refurbished Ulster Hall, and from certain angles could almost be called beautiful. The décor is a swooshing cacophony of pastel shades where neoclassical styling frames a magnificent foyer of beams and glass. It reminded me of the baffling ending to 2001: A Space Odyssey, when Dr David Bowman steps into the artificial Victorian room recreated for him by aliens, with its off whites, striking lines and blending of the ultra modern with the archaic. The café's menu is predominantly sandwich based, and I assume targets the bustling businessman, ad hoc artist or passing professional. We placed our order with the strikingly pretty waitress and took a seat outside, separated by glass, brick, and altered paving stone design before resting on a wobbly table. This is where my epiphany came. The adjacent buildings and aforementioned glass and brick framed a fascinating canvas as the city's inhabitants hustled and chatted, ran and meandered, skipped and strolled past this cultural hub. As our food arrived it was apparent the stunning setting meant our sandwiches were walking into a battle already won, as we had already been satiated by the venues charm. My goats cheese and chorizo paninni was crunchy, hot and textured, while my lunch buddies hoi-sun duck wrap looked extraordinary, and tasted as much. What makes a good sandwich? It all depends on the context… Every month, the Big List will be giving away a free lunch for two per issue in the establishments reviewed. To be in with a chance of winning a free lunch for you and a friend at Café Grand Dame, simply answer the following question What is the name of the murdering onboard computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey? Send your answers by email into win@thebiglist.co.uk with Lunch Club Comp in the subject header, and remember to include your name, address, and telephone number. Over 18s only. Closing Date is the 21/08/09 – usual terms and conditions apply.
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Incoming Incoming….Prepare For Evacuation!
