Sandwich Safari: Holly’s Gem

So I’m tooling about looking for the new location of a business I frequent in Holly’s Lane industrial park (on Walkley) and I’m coming up empty. 

I ended up at the last building  (2435 Holly Ln #100) on the southeast side when I noticed a sign for Holly’s Gem. I entered the building and was directed by another sign to the second floor. Now I was curious.

The sandwich shop is little more than a food counter, part of a nicely appointed kitchen area for the various businesses that share that floor. It’s a little surreal, but given rising commercial rents, we can expect to see more of these creative food businesses cropping up in unusual places.

Holly’s Gem is a Halal establishment and, I may be going out on the proverbial limb, but it owes not a little to the sandwiches of the great 50 Two Sandwiches. At first glance, the Holly’s menu had echoes of the 50 Two menu, including the eponymous Holly’s Gem sandwich.

This sandwich has chicken, candied Halal beef, cheddar and jalapeno lime aioli and an assortment of usual veg suspects. Save for the beef bacon, it’s identical to the 50 Two Candied Club sandwich, which made their reputation.

It’s a properly fresh and delicious construction using moist chicken breast and good “bacon”. You have a choice of free toppings and sauces as well as breads (as at 50 Two) and I selected the jalapeno cheese bun.

It was very enjoyable. Given the jalapeno aioli and my choice of jalapeno bread, I was surprised at how relatively mild it was but it did add that extra dimension I enjoy in a sandwich. Just a hint of heat.

The prices are just a few cents higher here than at 50 Two, and the sandwiches are less generously filled. They use very good bread, but unlike 50 Two, it’s not baked on site. 

Holly’s Gem was a surprise find in an unusual location and if you’re in the vicinity and need a good, quick lunch, this spot will satisfy.