I've been enjoying The Comet's food since the cozy corner cafe opened in 1995. The menu is a nice mix of sandwiches, Mexican-style entrees, soups, salads and breakfast items. Alterra coffee drinks, Italian sodas, chai, tea and a decent selection of imported cigarettes are also available.

Like it says on the menu, The Comet is not a fast food chain, something diners should keep in mind when visiting. The food can take up to 20 minutes to arrive and it's a little different every time. Mayo portions range from a light spread to a thick smear and chili is just as likely to be ladled over elbow macaroni as rainbow rotini. But this is part of the beauty of The Comet's food.

The most notable menu item is the cheesy "double-baked" mashed potatoes. This heaping plate of buttery spuds is a meal in itself. Real potatoes mashed with garlic, black pepper, butter, sour cream, cream cheese and cheddar are then baked and topped off with yet more cheese and fresh scallions. It's wonderful. It's evil. And don't deprive yourself by ordering a half-order. ($4.95 vs. $3.95 for a half order)

There are roughly 25 hot and cold sandwiches, both veggie and meaty, to choose from. The spicy artichoke hoagie and the similar artichoke melt are definitely, as Mom would say, worth writing home about. The spicy hoagie includes a La Bou baguette spread with guacamole and stuffed with mozzarella, fresh spinach, hot Italian peppers, red onion, tender artichoke hearts and sprinkled with Italian herbs. Slightly greasy and grilled to perfection, this sandwich is the lunch world's version of ecstasy. The artichoke melt, made with provolone instead of mozzarella, is also fantastic.

The wasabi veggie melt is another favorite, with the ideal balance of crunch and punch. Fresh tomatoes, red onion, peppers, scallions, carrots and mozzarella cheese are layered on a fresh baguette spread with eye-watering wasabi mayo. Light and different, wash it down with a refreshing iced sport tea.

Classic sandwiches such as the cheesy tomato and the Buttafuocco (named, of course, for Joey) are a must-try and are also available at the Fuel, The Comet's big sister cafe in Riverwest. The cheesy tomato comes with both mozzarella and provolone on a baguette, drizzled with olive oil and stuffed with tomato and onion. It's then toasted and topped with mayo, herbs and shredded lettuce. The Buttafuocco is the same sandwich with hot Italian peppers.

Sandwiches are between $6 and $7, and although El Rey lemon tortilla chips were once included, it's now an extra buck for a heaping side order.

The all-day breakfast menu features The Comet's to-die-for biscuits and vegetarian gravy. Tastes exactly like the real thing, only a wee bit healthier, with two buttery biscuits slathered in peppery vegetarian-sausage gravy. This dish is arguably the best vegetarian breakfast entree in the city.

The Comet is sunny, casual and sometimes pretty smoky, with a mix of people eating, talking and reading. There is interesting artwork on the walls that changes regularly, and although the cafe is small, there is enough turnover that seating isn't usually an issue.

The Comet, at 1947 E. Farwell Ave., serves food every night until 10 p.m. Beverages are served until midnight, seven days a week. Call ahead for a carry-out order at (414) 273-7677.