A big bite

The other sammies: Few things beat an Ike’s sandwich and a long afternoon of people watching at Dolores Park. A San Francisco classic combination.

Soon, we’ll be able to get a little closer—and a little more easily—to that high. Ike’s Place is opening a location in downtown Davis, as recently confirmed by the Sacramento Business Journal. Ike’s will take over the former Firehouse Subs space at 212 F Street, hopefully by July. Pair one of its huge sandwiches with Central Park, and you’ve got yourself a less entertaining but still delightful day.

The first Ike’s opened in San Francisco in 2007. Now, there are more than 20 outposts. At the original spot, lines can still stretch down the block. Fans love the flavor combinations, unusual ingredients, silly names, vegan options and being able to order something “extra dirty.” Yep, every sandwich comes with Ike’s Secret Dirty Sauce, a concoction best described as a zesty garlic aioli.

Since we’re an alt-weekly, let’s talk about these vegan sandwiches a little more. Every location is different, but some options in San Francisco include the Vegan Pilgrim, with vegan turkey, vegan cheese, cranberry sauce and Sriracha; the Vegan Meatless Mike, with vegan meatballs, vegan cheese and marinara; and the Vegan Handsome Owl, with breaded vegan chicken, vegan cheese, teriyaki and wasabi mayo.

Most sandwiches cost $9-$12. My favorite? The Menage A Trois, with succulent halal chicken, barbecue sauce, honey, honey mustard and melty cheddar, pepper jack and Swiss cheeses, all encased in fabulous Dutch crunch. The name doesn’t hurt, either.

New Thai in the house: The ever-funky 9999 Thai-Laos Boat Noodle didn’t last long, and already, another Thai restaurant is in its place. Siam House (3010 Florin Road) opened a few weeks ago, serving the usual assortment of curries, noodle dishes, larb and papaya salad in a spacious setting.

Another market: Unseen Heroes is back at it with a new market, fittingly called the Market at Power Inn, every Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Power Inn Road and Folsom Boulevard. It’s sort of like the Midtown Farmers Market meets Gather: Oak Park. Farmers tout produce alongside food trucks and booths from local makers—a quick, casual place to grab some lunch and groceries.