Eat local: $5 subs on Queens Quay - Round two, Quiznos v. Subway

Last time we posted about food, we wrote about the submarine sandwich wars. Just to stretch it, we decided to go with two rounds. First, the beauty round. Second, the tasting round!

To remind you, these two large subs cost $5, $5.65 with taxes.

Subway: Assorted
This sub was the heavyweight of the two, with a full 60 grams or two ounces more meat, bread and veggies.

Since Quiznos was toasted, we decided to also toast this one as well.

The sub had a good match of moistness (ever have a dry sandwich?) and bread, although not very pretty to look at, had a satisfying chew to it.

They were generous with the veggies but sometimes they tend to load on the lettuce, which masks the other flavours

Funny thing about assorted cold cuts is that as a whole, the indivudual cuts don't really stand out. We had honey-mustard sauce, which is lot fat and is understandably on the sweet side, and less mustardy.

All in all, a satisfying sandwich.

Quiznos: 5 meat

Yes, the toasted sesame bread actually has a taste to it, the seeds adding an extra texture and flavour. The bread is pretty light and good chewy/crunch mix.

We did feel that they went a tad skimpy on the meat, so all the fancy cuts, well, they didn't really jump out at you but you could taste the higher quality. One thing though, they went overboard with the mustard sauce, and nothing can overpower a submarine like too much sauce. Hint guys, go light unless we ask.

All in all, has higher fat content and you could taste it. Not as satisifying if you're hungry and a little more calories. A large puts down more than 1000 calories which is almost half the amount you need for a 2500 a day diet so go light or have this for dinner if you want.

Of course, you can load up on the veggies and get all in one meal

The winner, we'd have to give round 1 (beauty) for Quiznos and round two, just a slight lead for Subway. When it comes down to it, for value, go Subway, for a little extra fanciness, go Quiznos. You'll pay the same price.

Our winner, for these tough economic times: Subway

$5 subs on Queens Quay: Round one

Quiznos on the left and Subway on the right.

Okay, as we promised earlier this week, we would review the submarine price wars going on. Since Mr. Sub is still charging more than $5 (although they just put out a new sign offering a free drink) we thought we'd do a little head to head between Subway and Quiznos.

Both subs cost $5.65 after taxes. We'll do this in two rounds. First is the beauty round, second will all be about taste.

The contenders

Quiznos: Yes, we're well aware Quiznos is the new guy in town. They're a recent entry into the sub market here in Toronto and we've always been a little bit hesitant to drop too much money on these sandwiches. What is known is that they toast their bread, have fancy types of breads, and skew toward the gourmet crowd.

Subway: Mr. Sub is a Canadian original so Subway is that big U.S. export. They make the sub in front of you and bake the bread in house. That used to be the big perception about them. Then they became the place you ate when you wanted to lose weight, a la Jared. Now, it's a staple submarine joint in our fair city.

The sandwiches
Quiznos: 5 meat stack. Turkey, ham, genoa salami, pepperoni, spicy capicola, cheddar, mayo, lettuce, tomato and smokey mustard
"We backed up the meat truck on this one"

Nutritional:  1190 calories, 620 from fat (68 grams), 3510 mg sodium

Subway: Cold cut combo. Turkey, bologna, turkey ham and turkey salami. (With fat free honey mustard)

Nutritional: 1000 calories (sandwich 920 calories), 440 from fat (23 grams), 2860 mg sodium.

Winner? Hm, this is a hard one. In recessionary times, maybe the higher caloric value in Quiznos is what you want. If you're having this for dinner, beware both sandwiches as they do pack in the calories. Hint, add a lot of veggies cause this is all you'll eat!

Weigh in (using digital scale):

Quiznos: 415 grams or 14.5 ounces

Subway: 475 grams or 16.75 ounces (that's right more than a pound)

Winner? Subway for amount of food you get and Quiznos if you're trying to go 'light'.

Beauty shot:

Quiznos

Quiznos: Sesame makes it looks kinda pretty, as is the way they cut the bread. It's also cut well for toasting so it looks actually very appetizing. Crust is set and the bread is nice and soft.

Subway

Subway: This bread (white) was toasted but you can see the wrinkling on it. Because it's oversauced a bit, it's looking a little, we'll, ugly.

Next, the taste test

The sub wars of Queens Quay

These are hard times in the economy and what other way to combat it other than with cheap food? Well, maybe we're not in dire straights yet, as many a young professional lives on Queens Quay. We don't have a whole lot of choice (probably thankfully) when it comes to fast food but we have plenty of choices for those who want sub (submarine) sandwiches. Within a 350 metre stretch, you will find a Quiznos Subs, a Subway and a Mr. Sub.

Subway is offering $5 for one of five subs (cold cuts, meatball, veggie, ham and pizza) or for a 'fresh value meal'. Quiznos is charging $5 for 'everyday value subs' while Mr. Sub down the road is staying out of the price war, charging $5.89 for an assorted, salami, ham, pizza and meatball.

Clearly two of these players are trying to fight for your $5. We at Queens Quay Life have actually had subs at all three, but in the spirit of our 'Eat Local' theme, we're going to try a $5 (and $5.89) at each of the sub places. It may take a few weeks so look for our reviews of the three establishments.

Subway, 228 Queens Quay West (416-345-9494)

Quiznos Subs, 208 Queens Quay West (416-977-3121)

Mr. Sub, 258 Queens Quay West (416-777-9559)