Galvin's Market

A lot of my friends and loyal B Food Blog followers have been asking me lately how I'm able to afford going out to lunch everyday. Well, yes it does get expensive. So, I'm going to make an effort to eat on the cheap as much as possible, starting today. There is a beautiful park in San Leandro called Chabot Regional park. They have a small 9 hole disc golf course, in addition to hiking trails, and picnic benches. I decided to stop into Galvin's Market in San Leandro. This local meat shop offers homemade sausages, gourmet imported cheeses, wide selection of fresh fish, and also a full meat counter. Luckily for me they also have a small deli where they make sandwiches to go.

The selection was pretty standard, 4 types of bread, 4 cheeses, 7 meats, and standard produce options. When I asked my sandwich maker what their most popular sandwich was, he crinkled his forehead and acted as if I asked him to recite Pi in binary. So I rephrased the question and asked him which sandwich he makes the most, "oh, um, I guess the turkey". Great, so I opted for the turkey on a ciabatta roll with mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomato, red onions, and pickles.

When I viewed the finished product I was less than impressed. It looked like it was mostly fabricated of bread. I don't have a personal hatred of bread (or any food really), but I like my sandwiches to be well proportioned. Bag of chips, and a sandwich $6.75. Next I walked a block to the liquor store and selected a Hop Rod Ale for $2.99. My total was $9.74, ok so not terribly cheap, but it's a start right? Cheaper than usual.

When I arrived at the park there weren't any tables in the shade, but it was still early and not too hot yet.

So, I'm looking at this sandwich and I gotta tell you I'm not terribly excited to dig in.


First bite...and it's delicious. This ciabatta roll is a work of art, dusted flour on the top of the roll, tender with just the right amount of chewy.


The turkey is full of flavor, the produce fresh, the pickle chips are crunchy and surprisingly large. The provolone cheese is mild and creamy. Most times, I have a really good idea of what to expect when I order food. This time I was way off, and very pleasantly surprised.


I have the honor of recommending a Galvin's Market sandwich and definitely try the ciabatta roll.

You can visit Galvin's Market at:

1275 MacArthur Blvd
(between Bridge Rd & Estudillo Ave)
San Leandro, CA 94577