lunch: torrisi italian specialties

is there anything better than an amazing sandwich? i am really hard pressed to think of one thing that tops it. when you are super hungry around 1:14 pm and your stomach is grumbling and growling and you need food N-O-W!, a jam-packed sandwich on great bread is just unparalleled.

torrisi italian specialties in soho makes just the sandwich i am referring to. i think at this point i have tasted all of the sandwiches (tasted = scarfed down), and with some hesitation (because they are all so fantastic) i think i can say that the chicken parmesan is my favorite. this chicken parm sandwich on a roll is what all chicken parm sandwiches should be. it’s simple. the thin, breaded chicken cutlet still retains some bite when topped with fresh mozzarella and pure, old-school tomato sauce. the proportions are right in this sandwich, as well. not too much bread for the meat, and not too much meat/sauce for the bread.

the turkey hero seems to be the most popular sandwich torrisi makes. freshly roasted and nicely seasoned turkey is topped with a somewhat spicy mayo and lettuce, tomato and onion. the ingredients sound simple, but the result is just amazing.

and who could forget the classic italian combo hero? you can see the layer of meats, salamis and cheese atop a thin smear of romesco sauce, topped with shredded lettuce, tomato and oil in vinegar. mouth.watering.

every single time i leave this place, i wonder how something so simple could be so much better than all of its competitors. the problem here, though, is that all of these sandwiches are so divine, that it’s hard to get just one. so go with many friends and split a few (or just come back again and again…)

- torrisi is located at 250 mulberry St., new york, ny 10012