If you consider the fact that I had the very same sandwich for lunch three days in a row this week, it might be safe to say I'm in love with it.
I've always had an affinity for the more pungent food flavors. I like espresso in my ice cream, the most bitter dark chocolate I can find, olives, pickled things, cured meats, hard cheese, red wine, balsamic vinegar, and mushrooms... to name a few. I think that's why this sandwich calls to me. It has many of the strong tastes I like, but in perfect balance with one another.
See, it starts with the smooth, moist, crusty-but-soft ciabatta bread. A drizzle of balsamic vinegarette on the top half makes things interesting. Then, we have layers of delicious salami and provolone cheese – a classic pairing. With a piece of sweet butter lettuce for crunch, the bottom half of the bread is smeared with a succulent olive tapenade – an unexpected but joyful addition.
That A.G. Ferrari really knows a thing or two about food. If one of these delightful Italian shops resides near you, I highly recommend taking a gander at the sandwich menu sometime.
This is what has satisfied my hunger 'round the one-o-clock hour most days this week. I can't make any promises, but you may just catch me with another one on Monday.
Elliott and I are off to Sonoma County this weekend, where cell phone service is scarce, dirt is in abundance, and good times with friends are plenty. I hope to return, detoxed and tired, with a story or two and a recipe.
For now, my favorite sandwich of summer.
