Small Talk is the new spot that’s just opened in the Gare district, serving up sandwiches that are 100% homemade – yes, even the bread. Behind this sandwich haven, where simplicity meets quality, you’ll find Kelsey Todter, the founder of the brilliant coffee place Florence, located just across the road.
“We’re actually in the original space where I opened Florence, and when we moved (just across the street), I really wanted to keep this place I’m so fond of. I took some time to think about what it could become. We started using it as our bakery and patisserie workshop for Florence, and gradually the idea of opening a sandwich shop began to take shape,” Kelsey tells us.
It took a while for Kelsey to get Small Talk up and running. “There was no way I was going to do this without making our own bread – that was non-negotiable. So I had to find the right baker.” Once that gem of a baker was found, and a proper bread oven installed, Small Talk was finally able to open its doors – just three weeks ago.
Homemade sourdough bread
For the bread, Kelsey sources her flour from “A Schéiwesch,” a farmer based in Moutfort. “We chose him because he only grows ancient varieties of wheat – and no pesticides,” she explains.
Their baker at Small Talk then prepares a sourdough bread in-house with a light fermentation, resulting in a loaf that’s airy and crisp when baked. A (rather delicious) focaccia is also made fresh on-site.
A minimalist menu
There are eight sandwich options on the menu, with ingredients sourced as locally as possible (like the lettuce from Fesch Haff) and all spreads – think pesto, hummus, chimichurri – made from scratch.
“We don’t cook any meat on site – the sandwiches are filled with carefully selected charcuterie,” Kelsey notes. You’ll find a “Parisien” with white ham and wholegrain mustard, a “Mortadella” with mozzarella, or a “Salami” paired with roasted aubergine.
Since opening, the best-seller has been the “Banh Mi” – a vegan option made with marinated tofu, carrots, daikon, roasted peanuts and fresh coriander. There are three other vegetarian options too, including the “Mozzarella” and the “Pecorino.”
“We’re sticking to eight sandwiches on the menu. We’ll keep the favourites, like the Parisien or the Banh Mi, and mix in a few new ones from time to time. It’s early days – we’ll adapt to what our customers want,” Kelsey adds.
Lunch in or take away
Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 3.30pm, sandwiches can be enjoyed in their cosy little space. And for fans of Florence’s coffee, good news – you can grab a sandwich from Small Talk and enjoy it at the café across the street. “On Mondays and Tuesdays, Florence’s kitchen is closed, so we offer the sandwich menu there too – from 9am,” Kelsey explains.
If you’re in a rush, your order will be neatly wrapped in blue and white paper, ready to be enjoyed at work or at home. Orders can also be placed via Wolt.
Pictures: Christof Weber
