With a sure step of certainty, Master Chef Jen’s Hansen steps up to the plate and knocks another one out of the park. The Olympic Center Sandwich Shop and Catering is now open and serving up chic quality in a way that only the godfather of fine dinning in Anchorage can pull off.
Just down the mall from the world-famous Jen’s Restaurant, the Olympic Center Sandwich Shop is an ingenious extension to the much sought after, high-quality gastronomic delights offered by Jen’s.
In a move that mirrors Wolfgang Puck, Jen’s brings excellence to the lunch hour with a seamless extension of delightful noontime treats in a charming and bright atmosphere adorned with tasteful art accents and a pleasantly painted décor.
The Olympic menu is simple, but ingeniously so. Lunch times can sometimes get a little stressful when you have to worry about service and delivery. Not here. I tested the system twice and can assure you that you can get in and out the door in 30 minutes or less all the while relaxing in a stress free environment that caters to your needs in a relaxed and efficient manner. This handpicked staff will insure you enjoy the Jens Hannsen experience.
My favorite entrée here was hard to choose, so it ended up in a tie. A dead heat for first place starts with the French dip. I guess I had better start a list of claims because this outrageously delicious sandwich is hands-down the best in town. Prime rib slow-roasted overnight, generously sliced and accompanied by fresh-baked bread that is firm to the bite but gives way to a satisfying softness that perfectly cradles the juicy roast beef. Go ahead dip it in the most delicious au jus and you have just found a small slice of heaven that will momentarily erase any memory of returning to work.
Of equal mention is the roast lamb. Again, slow-roasted all night, surrounded by the best bread available in town and accompanied by rosemary au jus that is just stunning.
In addition, you can take delight in a very pleasant chicken curry sandwich, or why not try the Ruben?
Check out the soup. Great stuff. The black bean is always on and is paired with another daily soup special.
The burgers here are good, there is even one with chorizo in it for that spicy kick you crave.
The sandwich entree’s come with a choice of a green salad, potato salad, slaw or chips. I prefer the mango slaw. You have not tasted this before — a wonderful melody of flavors that combine to make a sweet and rich flavor that just says more.
A very reasonable wine list is offered and there are great beers on tap.
Of mention is the Glacier BrewHouse Root Beer on draught, a fun midday treat.
Don’t see a wine you have a preference for? Just walk to the end of the counter where you will find an extensive wine list as found at Jen’s and available at the Olympic Center sandwich as well.
Delivery is available in midtown and comes elegantly packaged.
Desert? Can you say cream cheese shortcake with strawberry jam? Oh, yeah!
The good stuff just keeps on coming here, like free Wifi and a convenient midtown location.
I can truthfully say that I did not find one thing on the menu that I did not like. How many places can you say that about? But hey, it’s Jens Hannsen, did you expect any less?
Olympic Center Sandwich is my choice this month for a great lunch. Give it try and let them know you read it in COAST magazine. Just so you know, Olympic Center Sandwich will remain open even in January when Jen’s is closed for his yearly holiday. You can enjoy this goodness all year round! Lucky you.
This restaurant is what you would expect from the man who demands the best.
