Probably my new favorite place to eat lunch and dinner to take home is bite. This little sandwich shop in Greenwich Village does a brisk business, even in bitter cold weather. I'd walked by it many times on my way to work, but only after I had read a magazine blurb about a $3 panini (Nutella and banana) did I stop by. I've been hooked ever since.
The paninis are great. Pressed until warm and crispy, the ciabatta bread is a perfect foil for the delicious array of fillings. The proscuitto, mozzarella, sun-dried tomato and pesto panini is at turns salty, gooey, and tangy. The smoked turkey, swiss and pesto panini is one of my favorites. The one sandwich that has captured my taste buds, however, is the Middle Eastern turkey sandwich (spicy). This is a ciabatta roll filled with smoked turkey, plum tomatoes, greens, hummus and spicy sambal sauce (a condiment found in many Thai dishes). It's a smoky, spicy, creamy sandwich that is like no other and I'm addicted to it.
bite also offers a dessert/breakfast panini, the Nutella and banana. Nutella is a hazelnut, cocoa, and milk spread (it's as big in Europe as peanut butter is in the U.S.) Chocolate and bananas pair well and especially so in this sandwich; a perfect snack or light breakfast. They also offer various muffins, breads, soups and drinks.
The staff is great and on many an occasion I've stood in line chatting with them. I've been there on bitter cold days where perhaps eight people were standing in line for their paninis. That speaks volumes to me. There is no seating other than a few beat-up bar stools on the sidewalk that are great for people watching on a warm day while enjoying your lunch.
They have a second location that opened within the past year, this one a sit-down establishment. It's at 211 East 14th Street (east of Third Avenue) and the phone number is 212-677-3123. The menu is more extensive and offers wine and beer. It's also a great place for lunch, dinner, or to just hang out for a snack and watch the crowds go by. If you have a chance, check it out, you won't be disappointed.
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