I will start this off with the caveat that although this is called a "Rubes" it is technically not a reuben. This was clear upon reading the menu:
Toasted Rye sandwich filled with Pastrami (tick);
Sauerkraut (tick);
Lettuce (eeerr...);
Tomato (what?);
Onion (now you're just messing with me); and
American Mustard served with Pickles (the pickles were not actually in the sandwich).
I didn't know how to take this. If I judge it on its resemblance to what a reuben should be then it scores an all time low. Lettuce (and a LOT of lettuce) and tomato have no place in a reuben sandwich and this coupled with the fluffy light as a feather bread is just disappointing. However, if I wanted a pastrami and salad sandwich on-the-go, this would have filled the hole.
Where is the cheese? What is the unidentified purple pickled object on the micro-plate surrounded by olives and a slice of gherkin? Why does it come with a knife and fork?
It makes me confused just writing about it so I will stop there. This cafe has great food, just skip the "Rubes".
4/10
Website: Cafe Shenkin
