A yummy thing happened on the way to the Colosseum …read more..
Pane & Vino is a tiny sandwich shop near il Colosseo that specializes in local porchetta (stuffed pork loin) and is run by the friendliest owner of all time. He gets to know every customer on a first name basis. I'd go back more to see him than to have a sandwich. Seriously, he's pretty awesome.
The menu is simple and focused on sandwiches featuring their famous porchetta so we tried two recommendations from the peppy proprietor. While waiting, I got a miniature bottle of Chardonnay and my spouse sipped a Coke Zero.
The Traiano Porchetta sandwich (12€ - 4 stars) is an original creation of the out-going owner with a mighty Mustard-flavored blend of Roast Pork, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Grilled Eggplant. I like mustard and, therefore, liked this specialty much more than my wife, but we ended up ignoring portions of the so-so bun.
Pane & Vino Special Porchetta (12€ - 4 stars) was a huge sandwich with the sliced Roast Pork Porchetta plus Mozzarella Cheese, Grilled Eggplant, Grilled Peppers, Mushrooms, Lettuce, and Mayo on classic Italian Pane. It needed more mayonnaise or a sprinkle of balsamic and olive oil for my tastes, but there was no denying it was a hearty hero.
There are lots of pane bread and sandwich shops in Rome, but there is only one -- Pane & Vino -- run by the most welcoming of owners ever. If I'm in the neighborhood again, I'll be sure to stop in for a casual chat and some yummy porchetta sandwiches on the way to the Colosseum.