Rise and shine

Once I knew where to look, Choffee's was easy to find and I realized I had actually been there before to grab a coffee on my way to Humpy's. I had no idea that the little storefront could churn out breakfast and lunch as well.

"We make almost everything from scratch: our sides, dressings, salsa, baked goods, etc.," CEO Barbara Whitney told me. "We take pride in that fact."

She and her partner David Seube collaborated on a menu that is well thought out and miles beyond the average turkey and Swiss.

Each sandwich is constructed with taste and texture in mind. Instead of lettuce, many of the items feature sprouts, which is my go-to green of choice. Sprouts have crunch and a more complex flavor than watery lettuce. Sandwich toppings are as varied and diverse as raspberry-chipotle cream cheese, grilled zucchini and walnuts.

Even the tuna salad is a complete departure from the norm. The C.K. tuna sandwich ($9.95, whole) is paired with mango, sprouts, tomato, onions, avocado, pepperjack cheese, red peppers and pepperoncini -- a powerhouse combination of flavors.

The BLT ($9.95, whole) can be made snazzier with jalapenos ($.75), avocado ($1.25), cream cheese ($.85) and even two eggs ($3). There are hot sandwiches as well: The Little Italy ($9.75, whole) is a grilled savory stack of turkey, melted provolone, roasted sweet peppers, tomato, onion, sprouts and a drizzle of vinaigrette.

I ran in one day to grab a sandwich on my way home. Two tables marked the entrance and the place was only big enough for three people in line at a time, but the service was quick and efficient. I ordered the Far North Hoagie ($9.95, whole) with potato salad. I had heard about Choffee's famous cookies ($2-$3), but they were MIA on my visit. I cursed myself for being such a late riser.

Once home, I shared the hefty sandwich with my husband. Ham, turkey and salami were portioned generously on a soft hoagie roll, with enough veggies (sprouts, tomato, onion) to satisfy my green tooth. When he finished his half, my husband looked accusingly at me and told me I should have picked up another sandwich, so the next time I went, I was determined to order a plethora of goodies.

I showed up at 4:30 p.m. and the server told me that the food line shuts down at 4. Well, nuts. I went with a few items from the cold case and a bowl of tortilla soup ($4.95). The soup, while it made my car smell fantastic, was a bit mealy from sitting in the warmer. It would have been a lot better at lunchtime, perhaps with a spicy smoked turkey sandwich ($9.75, whole).

The chef salad ($10.25, double) was packed full of delicious things. Choffee's doesn't stint on flavor -- turkey, ham, salami, two types of cheese, slivered veggies and hard-boiled eggs were ramped up with the addition of house-made creamy basil dressing. The dressing was excellent. I imagine it would be a great accompaniment to one of the vegetarian sandwiches.

I also got a breakfast burrito with sausage ($4.95) that, perhaps due to the lateness of the hour, wasn't as tasty as I had hoped.

However, the salsa it came with was chunky and toothsome. Choffee's, with almost nine years of experience, knows how to create signature flavor profiles.

Choffee's is definitely for the earlier birds. Its fresh items are very fresh, and most of the menu is made in-house with an eye toward distinctive, appetizing twists. And if you get there early, there will probably be cookies.

• Got a restaurant tip, a new menu, a favorite dish or a chef change? Send an e-mail to play@adn.com.