Toastina

Love sometimes strikes when least expected. We've never been smitten with salads and sandwiches before, but we're hopelessly devoted to the ones at Toastina now.

A brief introduction: ensconced at the entrance of Sheraton Imperial Hotel's office block, Toastina comprises two outlets in one venue _ a bright, breezy deli that operates between 7am-7pm and a casual, comfy lounge that stays open past midnight.

Toastina's menu is compact, but that makes choosing much easier. For fresh, clean flavors, this mix of fennel, prawns & lime can't be bettered. Fun fact: in medieval times, some believed fennel could ward off witchcraft and devilry.

Basque potatoes & honeyed carrots with pickles & toasted rosemary bread. Not afraid of carbs? This is absolutely ambrosial _ a mushy, baby-food blend of the creamiest potatoes possible and fragrantly nectarous carrots. Who needs meat anyway?

Waldorf salad with crab meat & micro cress. Here's one that packs a protein punch, with heaps of sweet, succulent crab meat. Toastina's salads cost RM12-22; reasonable enough.

Who knew our favorite recipe this year would basically be a hot dog? Take two thick, luscious sausages, then slather them with guacamole & olive tapenade, rest everything on a bed of ripe avocados and sandwich it in soft, fresh bread. The result is some kind of miracle _ comfort food to enslave us eternally. Note: this 500-gram, 38-ringgit behemoth should be shared.

Customers can customize their sandwiches with a nice range of bread (baguettes, ciabatta, focaccia), fillings & toppings. Here's our personal creation, served warm and juicy: charcoal bread stuffed with turkey, cranberry, arugula & brie cheese, topped with jicama salsa.

Alas, not everything is exemplary here. These beef ribs from the bar menu sounded brilliant, coated in a coffee-&-orange glaze. While they were meaty and flavorsome, it's impossible to relish ribs that are only marginally less tough than leather.