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Eating Hastily
The humble, shack-like building that houses Snarf's is funky, slightly ramshackle, and very small, but they turn out freshly made sandwiches loaded with the good stuff for hungry hordes of sandwich eaters each and every day. Every time I've been there for sandwiches I've been amazed by the number of people stopping in for a Snarf or two. Equally amazing is the diversity of these diners. Moms in SUVs picking up their family dinner were rubbing shoulders with hungry students who arrived on foot or by bike. An interesting group of women sporting what might pass for urban chic arrived at the same time as a couple of barefoot neighborhood kids. Everyone left with bags, or stomachs, full of sandwiches. And a smile. There's a lot to be said for that. Snarf's is located just across from a yoga studio and the Spruce pool-look for the brightly painted mural of strange-looking people eating large sandwiches and you will know you have arrived. Step inside and you will be greeted with a bustling counter serviced by young people. The day we went one of the employees behind the counter was doing something with her long hair; she may have been brushing it, or just swinging it around. Either way, that is not a sight I want to see where my food is being prepared. But once I saw the sandwich maker making good use of the hand sink all my hygiene fears evaporated. (I still preferred to take my sandwich outside, though-the flies have taken up residence inside, as they tend to do this time of year. But if these superficial things put you off you are going to seriously miss out on a great sandwich.) Their menu is not huge, but extensive enough to please even a picky eater. Standard Snarf's come in three sizes: Novice for $3.99, Snarf for $4.99, or Pro for $7.50. You may also choose from standards such as Roast Beef with Provolone or Turkey with Swiss. There is nothing exotic about these sandwiches-they are plain good eating. Each sandwich comes standard with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mustard, hot peppers, mayo, oil and seasonings. The combination of fixings makes a plain turkey sandwich exciting. If you haven't had your daily quota of nitrates, go for the Hot Dog, American Cheese and Bacon sandwich. It's enough sodium for even the hardest working, sweatiest construction worker in that puppy. The Vegetarian comes with cheese, avocado and sprouts. If you are a sprout lover, enjoy. Specialty Snarf's come in just two sizes: Specialty for $5.99, or Pro for $8.50. (This is where they climb the sandwich ladder almost into the gourmet realm.) The Eggplant Parmesan is truly delicious, cut nice and thin, lightly breaded and fried. Add tangy onions, the spice of the hot peppers, crunchy lettuce-mmmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Pastrami and Swiss is tasty, and served nice and hot, too. The meat is not super lean; there is plenty of fat to flavor it, which some people might not like but boy does it give it a nice mouth feel. The Prime Rib and Provolone sandwich features a hearty and filling helping of meat. Another nod or two to the non-meat eaters are the Artichoke, Feta and Provolone, and the ubiquitous Portabello Mushroom and Provolone. Each sandwich comes tightly wrapped in white butcher paper and cut in half so you can just peel and eat without making too much of a mess. They hold together quite well, and the bread is toasted so it doesn't get soggy. (You will most likely eat it so fast it won't have time to get soggy.) Salads are also on offer, along with jumbo pickles and chips. Help yourself to something from the drink cooler or order a milk shake to accompany your sandwich. When in Rome, eat like a snarfer: Spread a couple of napkins on your lap, put your elbows on the table, and snarf away. You will certainly be in good company. Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com
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Although you might not be able to find the word snarf in a common dictionary, it may be found in my personal Lexicon of Culinary Terms. According to that book: snarf, (slang) 1. v. eat hastily, 2. n. a thickly filled sandwich on toasted bread from the eponymous restaurant, Snarf's.
