TURNTABLE / BITE Valiant the Sandwich 477 Court St NE Downtown Salem 503-689-1821, valianteats.com
A Proper Breakfast Sandwich Proper (adjective): right, appropriate or correct; according to the rules I eat a fair amount of breakfast sandwiches—not my go-to in the morning, because it’s hard to balance all those components. So many sandwiches end up an inedible contradiction of soggy rubber. The cook has so much to consider - what style of egg? What kind of bread? Cheese or no cheese? What kind of cheese? The list goes on.
The folks at Valiant the Sandwich have somehow mastered their ingredients, and execute a perfect, “Proper,” breakfast sandwich. At first glance, the word “proper” seems a bold choice, but they can back it up, and I respect that. This sandwich is certainly worthy of the title “proper.” Note: it’s “a” proper breakfast sandwich, not “the” proper breakfast
sandwich. “The Proper” sounds like a sandwich that towers above all other breakfast sandwiches. “A Proper” just indicates this is an ideal example, not the only perfect specimen. “A Proper Breakfast Sandwich” is just one of a select few breakfast sandwiches that Valiant has on offer, and it can stand as something other breakfast sandwiches should aspire to. feb/mar 2023 | www.pressplaysalem.com | 5