Serious Eats: New York
My Favorite Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Sandwich from Doma
In the summer of 2006, I used to frequently eat at Doma, a cozy cafe in the West Village, for a taste of my favorite tomato, mozzarella, and basil sandwich. But since that year...no sandwiches. I've passed Doma countless times on my way to Taim, my favorite falafel joint just around the corner, sometimes feeling like I'd rather eat a sandwich than a falafel, but Doma seemed to be perpetually overstuffed with people lingering on their laptops. No part of me wanted to wait it out against a bunch of people who didn't feel like using their computers in their own apartments; I just wanted a sandwich.
And three years later, I finally got my chance. After a failed visit to the taco truck on 8th Avenue and 14th Street—they weren't ready to serve food when we arrived at 1 p.m.—Grace and I walked down to Doma (thankfully uncrowded) for lunch instead. The tomato, mozzarella, and basil panino ($9) tasted as good as it did three years ago. Lightly melted layers of sweet and creamy mozzarella from Joe's Dairy in Soho topped with fragrant basil leaves and tomato slices are sandwiched in between the most awesome toasted ciabatta from Balthazar—the bread features a delicate, crunchy crust that shatters into soft, slightly chewy innards. It's still my favorite tomato, mozzarella, and basil sandwich. If anyone wants to suggest where I get a better one, do tell.
Doma
17 Perry Street, New York NY 10014 (near 7th Avenue South; map)
212-929-4339