Where to Get Good Stuff Cheap 2012: a pimped-out sandwich, the ultimate bargain gourmet meal

Waldorf chicken salad Bannock 401 Bay St., 416-861-6996 The excellent sandwiches at Oliver and Bonacini’s new downtown Canadiana spot Bannock epitomize the high standards and unfussy elegance of big brother Canoe, at grab-and-go prices. A savoury Waldorf salad—the classiest vehicle for mayonnaise and chopped chicken—arrives on a perfectly buttery, flaky croissant.

Porchetta Porchetta & Co. 825 Dundas St. W., 647-352-6611 Instead of continuing his slog up the ranks of Toronto’s best kitchens, Nick auf der Mauer opted to open this Dundas West hole in the wall, where he serves a slow-roasted pork shoulder wrapped in prosciutto and cured pork belly with bits of crackling. Optional toppings—like a rich truffle sauce or sautéed mushrooms—fill out the soft sourdough bun.

Fried chicken thigh The County General 936 Queen St. W.,416-531-4447 The buttermilk-soaked chicken thigh in The County General’s most popular sandwich is cooked sous-vide, dusted in cornflour and fried to achieve the perfect balance of crispy and moist. It comes on a down-home milk bun with creamy avocado, red onion, fresh coriander and a lowball glass full of spicy fries with homemade smoked ketchup.