Why I'll go back: Fresh-sliced meat on fresh-baked schiacciata with signature creamy spreads makes for a sandwich experience I can't get anywhere else
You HAVE to order: a sandwich with one of the cream spreads (don't cheat yourself out of this)
Tony's Tip: Because they're fresh, these sandwiches are best eaten right after purchase. They taste fine the next day but can't compare to eating them right away.
I was psyched when I heard All'Antico Vinaio was opening a location in Boston. We had been to the famous location in Florence and also stopped by for a bite in NYC. Boylston Street is a bit of a hike for us, so I never got over there. But now there's one in my 'hood and I'm ready to get my fix on!
This Washington Street location has been open for about three weeks. I stopped in today and picked up three different sandwiches. The store is very clean and bright, and it has a nice touch with paintings reminiscent of Italy adorning the long wall. There are a few tables for eating in, but it's really designed for take-out. On a beautiful Sunday at around 5:00 p.m., there was nobody in the store, so I was in and out in about five minutes.
You probably already know the deal with the sandwiches. Fresh cuts, fresh bread, flavorful toppings. The bread is airy and a little crunchy. The sandwiches themselves are not necessarily thick, but they do take up a lot of real estate. You'd be satisfied with half a sandwich. I think the unique ingredient is the array of creamy spreads available: pecorino, truffle, artichoke, pistachio. That's what makes these sandwiches stand out as much as anything. You won't find those on all of the two dozen or so options, but I'd focus on the ones that do.
This little blocks of Downtown Crossing has become sandwich nirvana, with the iconic Sam LaGrassa's joined this year by another Al's Cafe around the corner and now All'Antico Vinaio around the other corner. But they all deliver a different product, and with Sam's only open for lunch during the weekdays, I see all three continuing to thrive. Of course, I'll do my best to support them all - I wonder how many lunches one should attempt daily??? read more