On the importance of bread: To me it is important. And the All’Antico Vinaio site boasts of “exceptional ingredients and freshly baked Tuscan schiacciata bread.” Now freshly baked can mean different things, but the flattish bread they offer dries easily and the ones I was offered at the 8th Ave location in NY was dry enough to displease me.
Their spreads were very tasty, as I’ve noted, but too tasty in that they overwhelmed the more delicate of their meats.
I like Pisillo Italian Panini, but came upon it because it was near my office rather than a deliberate search. Fresh bread and ingredients, good combos, fair prices for NYC. Hits the sweet spot for me.
The lines at the Antico Vinaio in Boston are a head scratcher to be. However, I think it reflects more on a thirst for new options in the area than anything.
