Virginia’s is the sort of cozy, shop-around-the-corner gourmet café that makes you wonder why hungry lunch-seekers in Brookline Village go anywhere else for a good sandwich. Or, for that matter, breakfast or an early dinner.
With just three little bistro tables in the Cypress Street storefront, seating (and, on a busy day, standing) space may be slim, but the dozen-plus sandwich combinations are anything but limited. Carnivores and vegetarians alike have plenty to choose from, including everything from roasted portobello mushrooms with smoked gouda and horseradish cream ($5.95) to an applewood-smoked-bacon-rejuvenated BLT ($5.95). In fact, bacon slices can also be added to any sandwich creation; I recommend a truly smoky combination of smoked turkey, smoked gouda, and applewood bacon — it’s great with the horseradish cream. Put any of these creations on the bread of your choice, including honey-wheat, French baguette, flavored wraps, and a hearty seven-grain. And if you’re lucky, the basket of day-old bread will have something for you to take home.
Sandwiches may be the catering café’s forte, but don’t forget to take a peek into the case of prepared salads — including chicken salad with grapes, wild-rice salad, and marinated mushrooms. Espresso-soaked tiramisu ($4.95) and bourbon-pecan tart ($3.95) are just two of the sweets available, and the cookie jars offer plenty to munch on with a cappuccino to go.
Virginia’s Fine Foods, located at 8 Cypress Street, # A, in Brookline, is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm. Call 617.566.7775.
