Scout’s new guide series sees contributor, Madeline Smart, pairing the city’s best offerings – from art galleries to barstools, cafes and more – with your Zodiac sign.

September might very well be the last month of ‘good’ weather we get before embarking on the 4-6 months of grey skies ahead of us (boo). I suggest celebrating it by taking your perfect sandwich to the park or beach. With that in mind, this time around I’m using my informal and unofficial astrological education to guide you through Vancouver’s best sandwiches. As usual, take my readings with some chunky mustard; then get out there and show these sandwiches some love and maybe (if my prescriptions are right) they’ll show you some love right back!

Virgo

Mercato Di Luigi | Breakfast Sandwich

Virgo (August 22 – September 23) | I always associate Virgos with the start of the school year. They’re determined and detail-oriented go-getters, with a healthy dose of perfectionism, who just can’t wait to pick out their new binders and pens from the back-to-school shop. All this points to a breakfast sandwich: something simple but delicious to start the day on the right foot. Mercato di Luigi’s version is one that won’t disappoint. Scrambled eggs, prosciutto cotto, caciocavallo, arugula, and pesto mayo, on the most exceptionally flaky and buttery cornetto! | www,

Libra

DD Mau | Bánh Mì

Libra (September 23 – October 22) | Libras are the aesthetes of the signs. We (myself included) love when things look good. We also love balance and choices, which altogether adds up to a Bánh Mì from DD Mau. No matter which protein option you choose (classic pork cold cuts, lemongrass chicken, bbq pork and kimchi, sate beef, tofu, or bbq duck) you’re in for a beautiful, colourful and delicately balanced sandwich that tastes just as good as it looks – the ideal outcome for the indecisive Libra.

Scorpio

Say Hey Cafe & Deli | Meatball Hoagie

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) | Don’t let a Scorpio’s cold exterior fool you – deep down they’re emotional softies who are intensely loyal. That’s why they’ll especially appreciate that Say Hey Cafe’s Meatball Hoagie is an homage to the one on the menu when the Chinatown sandwich shop was under the previous ownership. The updated version features housemade meatballs in tomato sauce accompanied by provolone, roasted garlic mayo, arugula, parm, and pickled serrano peppers – giving it just the right amount of ‘kick’ and sentimentality to warm a Scorpio’s heart.

Sagittarius

Chancho Tortilleria | Torta

Sagittarius are like butterflies fresh out of the cocoon, ready to explore and live spontaneously. Not just any ol’ sandwich will satisfy a Sag, so I’m prescribing a fresh Torta from Chancho. Choose your filling of maciza (pork shoulder), panza (pork belly), campechano (pork mix), or mixed veggie, served in a crunchy bread roll. This tasty authentic Mexican sandwich can easily be eaten on the way to their next adventure – exactly what a Sag needs.

Capricorn

Renzullo Food Market | Classic Deli Sandwich

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19 ) | If you need someone to manage your finances, email, or just life in general, Capricorns are the answer. They don’t mess around when it comes to getting stuff done, nor do they like to be the centre of attention. The experience of getting a sandwich at Renzullo’s classic Italian deli/grocer feels similar: walk in and build your own sandwich, or ask for the staff’s all-knowing guidance. The result: a simple, tasty, and affordable sandwich – everything a Capricorn loves.

Aquarius

 Superbaba | Crispy Eggplant Wrap

Aquarius (January 19 – February 18) | Aquarians are the innovators, creatives, and outside-the-box thinkers of the zodiac. They love being different, which is why it’s only fitting to assign them a sandwich that’s not really a sandwich. Aquarius, meet Superbaba’s Crispy Eggplant Wrap: battered-and-fried eggplant, alongside a seasoned and pickled jammy egg, cucumber, tomato, pickles, tahini, shug and amba, all wrapped in a warm pita. This “sandwich” ticks all the texture boxes and is sure to satisfy the Aquarius’ need to stand apart.

Pisces

Finch’s Market & Teahouse | Baked Blue Brie Baguette

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) | The sweet and emotional Pisces is a daydreamer, who’s always thinking with their hearts. Pretend you’re in a Meg Ryan-style romantic comedy by splitting a Finch’s Prosciutto Blue Brie Baguette (prosciutto, blue brie, roasted walnuts, olive oil and balsamic vinegar on a toasted baguette) with your lover – even more romantic on a rainy day snuggled inside the rustic Gastown Teahouse location.

Aries

Laura’s Coffee Shop | Classic Grilled Cheese

Aries (March 21 – April 19) | Technically, Aries come first in the zodiac calendar, making them the ‘babies’ of the bunch – and that energy informs a lot of their personality. They’re competitive and passionate, and they don’t like to overcomplicate things. Nothing embodies that attitude more than a classic, just-like-mom-used-to-make Grilled Cheese on buttered white bread, which you’ll find at Laura’s Coffee Shop.

Taurus

Bâtard Bakery | French Beef Dip

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) | Taurus signs love comfort, consistency, and indulgence. They are stubborn baby bulls who know how to treat themselves, because they deserve it, and why shouldn’t they?! This month, treat yourself to a French Beef Dip from Bâtard Bakery. It doesn’t get more luxurious than coffee-crusted roast beef served on a hot ficelle, with a side of mouth-watering au jus for dipping!

Gemini

Their There | Fried Chicken Sandwich

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) | Geminis tend to unfairly get a bad wrap as being two-faced. In reality, they are social butterflies who love having the best of both worlds. No one’s upset when there’s fried chicken at the party, and it only sweetens the deal when you put it in a handheld. Their There’s are available pretty much any time of day, in regular or spicy versions. Think crunchy yet moist fried chicken served with zucchini pickles, cilantro, shaved cabbage, and spicy lime aioli. Both sides of the Gemini should be happy with this one.

Cancer

Vennie’s Sub Shop | Tuna Melt

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) | Beneath their rigid shell and snappy pinchers, Cancers are the nurturing, sensitive, and empathic (non-gendered) “moms” of the zodiac family – think that specific brand of tough love that most moms master. Vennie’s Tuna Melt sandwich (available on Fridays only) is made with garlic, bay leaf, and in-house olive-oil-poached tuna on toasted white bread – offering up a good helping of the maternal comfort that Cancers so often give to others.

Leo

Coco & Olive | Tomato Fior Di Latte

Leo (July 23- August 22) | Leos are the epitome of summer babies: bright, hot, fresh, and fun – much like local summer tomatoes. Since Leo season coincides with peak tomato season, Coco & Olive’s delightful Tomato Fior Di Latte sandwich (marinated and roasted tomatoes, creamy fior di latte, olive tapenade, pesto, arugula, and garlic aioli on grilled sourdough) seems like the natural fit. Light, bright and bursting with flavour, it’s everything a Leo aspires to be.