Village Cheese & Wine Shop

Where: 1485 E. Valley Rd., Ste. 14, 969-3815.

What: One of ritzy Montecito’s oldest sandwich shops focusing on the lunchtime rush.

How much: Whole sandwiches $4.50-$6.50; half sandwiches available.

The dish: An unassuming delicatessen, the Village Cheese & Wine Shop has been a part of Montecito’s Upper Village for more than 30 years. “We just keep it plain and simple,” said owner Hoanie Board. “Everything is thinly sliced to order and nothing is premade.” Offering simple stacks of cheese, mayo, mustard, and a large variety of deli meats has kept the business a go-to lunch spot on East Valley Road. The pepper turkey as well as the mortadella (bologna and pistachio) and Swiss are favorites among the 20 meat-packed sandwiches that come whole or halved on freshly baked bread. Cookies, crunchy crackers, and sparkling sodas are sold to round out the meal, but it’s really all about the sammie basics here. For a quick lunchtime Montecito chow during the workweek, pop inside the quaint sidewalk shop for a bite.

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This week at independent.com, U/V are also for Via Vai. For all of our restaurants, see independent.com/restaurants. Next week, see what W/X are for :