Foodworks is a caterer whose motto is “Wholesome Cuisine,” and that about sums it up.

This little spot, sandwiched between Micucci’s and Two Fat Cats on India Street, serves up hearty soups, salads and sandwiches, with plenty of daily specials thrown into the mix.

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The roast beef sandwich at Foodworks in Portland boasts a generous pile of meat. Foodworks has a menu of regularly available items but also serves daily specials. John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

The space is small, but there are five attractive little tables available for those who want to eat in. When I visited, there were people seated eating their sandwiches and an impressive line of people waiting to order, considering how small the shop is. I worried this would mean a long wait, but service was incredibly efficient and fast. Before I knew it, we had reached the front of the line. Just a couple of minutes later, my order was ready.

Foodworks has a menu of eight sandwiches available on a daily basis, including its popular chicken almond tarragon, which is made with all breast meat. Other options are a “native free-range turkey breast” sandwich, roast beef, tuna salad, ham and Swiss, and a smoked turkey and cheddar roll-up.

There are a couple of vegetarian options, including a marinated vegetable roll-up made with raw broccoli, cabbage, carrots and other minced vegetables tossed in a walnut dressing; and a portobello and provolone roll-up made with mushrooms that have been marinated in garlic, balsamic and rosemary.

I opted for one of the specials, a quiche with ham and pepper for $6.95. The substantial slice of quiche came with a thick crust and contained bits of ham, red pepper and celery. It was light and delicious. A layer of cheddar cheese laid on top like a crust. The quiche came served with orange slices and a slice of lightly buttered toast.

I also ordered a cup of mushroom soup that had lots of mushroom flavor, but was well under-seasoned for my taste. The soup had been pureed, so the mushrooms were mostly in small bits.

Other soups available the day I visited were broccoli cheddar, split pea with ham, chicken noodle and carrot ginger. Soups are $4.95 for a cup and $5.95 for a bowl.

A large case holds salads packaged to go, as well as treats such as cream cheese brownies and golden pecan bars. There’s a well-stocked drink cooler and a chips rack as well.

On other days, according to the Foodworks menu, specials may include a pulled pork roll-up, Thai-smoked tofu with sesame peanut sauce, a Greek roll-up, a soy veggie burger and other options.

The bottom line is that Foodworks is a quality neighborhood sandwich shop with well-made lunches full of fresh ingredients. Somehow, it has flown a bit under the radar in this foodie town, but here’s hoping more people will discover it and give it a try.

The staff of GO anonymously samples meals for about $7.

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