Serious Eats: New York
For a Semi-Balanced Meal, Try the Spicy Rizzak and the Veggies of Them All at Tiny's Giant Sandwich Shop
If I lived or worked near Tiny's Giant Sandwich Shop in the Lower East Side, I'd probably eat there a few times a week. Alas, I work in Chelsea and live in Bed-Stuy—yet I've already eaten at Tiny's twice this month. Yes, I like it a lot.
One of my favorite sandwiches is the meat-splosive Spicy Rizzak made of 50% sliced turkey, 25% crispy bacon, and 25% tomato and onion coated in melted cheddar and hot chipotle mayo, all neatly tucked in a soft and crusty, toasted sesame semolina hero roll. It only comes in a large size, unlike most of their other hot sandwiches that come in small or large. While I always get a small for any sandwich that has that option—it's the perfect size, not too big or small—I never have a problem polishing off a large Spicy Rizzak.
Even vegetarians can indulge in a Spicy Rizzak. As with any other meat-based sandwich, Tiny's will replace the turkey and bacon with vegetarian-friendly alternatives when asked.
On the opposite end of the sandwich spectrum, and another favorite of mine, is the Veggies of them All made with avocado, cucumber, sprouts, shredded carrots, tomato, spinach, roasted red peppers, onions, and Annie's Goddess dressing on a soft, not distractingly hearty 7-grain baguette. It's basically a simple, fresh salad in sandwich form, which in my world is way better than a simple, fresh salad in non-sandwich form.
If you're eating with a like-minded friend who wants to balance out the Spicy Rizzak with something a bit healthier, split the Spicy Rizzak and the Veggiest of them All. And if you don't have a friend who likes splitting sandwiches, find one.
Tiny's Giant Sandwich Shop
129 Rivington Street, New York NY 10002 (map)
212-982-1690
tinysgiant.com
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