Did you grow-up or go to school Uptown? Do you live there now? Do you have European roots? Do you like Schnitzel? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are probably already familiar with Bread & Butter. It’s been an Uptown/Nortown institution since 1979. If you’ve never heard of the place, I suggest you check it out. It’s one of the last-standing family restaurants in the area, serving-up European home-cooking on the cheap… perhaps the best deal left in the ‘hood (if you know what I’m sayin’).

Now, my folks have been taking my brother and I to Bread & Butter since we were kids. It’s the quintessential soup/sandwich place… a testament to its years of success. It was great to return this past Sunday with the Missus for Sunday brunch. The place hasn’t changed a bit. I remember always ordering the same thing back in the day: the Weiner Schnitzel Sandwich ($6.15) , but it’s the Meatloaf Sandwich ($6.69) that piques my interest on this visit. Fresh out of the oven, they cut it thick and pile it high atop a fresh-baked Onion Bun and dress it with Spicy Mustard, Pickle, Hot Pepper, Lettuce and Tomato. Depending on how hungry you are, there are a number of Salads to choose from for an extra couple of bucks. I opt for the vinegar-based Russian Slaw and a creamy Dill Potato Salad, and wash it all down with a glass of Red Wine. That’s a custom-designed brunch for only $15.

My wife is looking for something a little different, something hot. We’re pleased with the number of options available on the Hot Plate. After a lengthy debate between the Chicken & Veggie Skewers, Grilled Sea Bass and Granny’s Goulash, the chef recommends one of the house specialties: Chicken Paprikash ($9.99)… real stick-to-your-ribs stuff. The serving is enough to feed two people. Good thing, too, as I get more than a few bites in to help leave nothing on the plate.

There is a big sign outside of Bread & Butter that reads “The Best Schnitzel in Town.” I remember it being one of my favourites when I was a kid, but we pass on it today as my wife doesn’t dig the Veal. I will be back soon, though, to try the Luck’s Deluxe Schnitzel Sandwich ($7.15) which is covered in Cheese and Bacon. Who’s coming with me?