NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Bread in Nolita patented the formula for panini paradise back in 2003: 1) Have neighboring Balthazar supply the famous housebaked ciabatta rolls and baguettes, 2) Find every possible complimentary flavor and texture to serve between the slices. Think Sicilian sardines with tomato and “Thai-pepper mayonnaise” on a baguette with a hot and crispy crust but a soft, moist crumb; aged Genoa salami with nutty Taleggio and a swipe of olive tapenade on ciabatta; rich Italian tuna with lemon dressing on ciabatta. Even a simple Gorgonzola with apple slices and honey on dense cranberry-raisin bread works wonders. 3) Press and serve the sandwiches to all your admirers, within your sunny, whitewashed, modern luncheonette interior. Well, the formula must have stuck, as Bread’s sandwiches are still the stuff of legends to this day.

Photo credit: Bite New York