A Sandwich a Day: Caprese Panino at Tufino Pizzeria

In this great city of ours, one could eat a different sandwich every day of the year—so that's what we'll do. Here's A Sandwich a Day, our daily look at sandwiches around New York. Got a sandwich we should check out? Let us know. —The Mgmt.

[Photograph: Max Falkowitz]

Why order a sandwich at a pizzeria? A few reasons: It'll run you a few bucks cheaper. The good ones can be just as desirable as the pizza. And in the case of a Neapolitan pizza place, the sandwiches hold up far better to take out.

The pies at Tufino, the new Neapolitan pizza spot on Ditmars Boulevard in Astoria, don't age well. The cheese firms up and the crust loses some lift if taken to go, even short distances. They're still good, especially for the neighborhood, but if you're looking to optimize your Tufino experience, consider keeping pizza for in-house eating and try the sandwich menu for takeout.

The Caprese panino ($8) is more or less what you expect: Creamy fresh mozzarella (that stays gooey), jammy tomatoes, basil, and sweet balsamic all pressed together on crusty bread that picks up some char. It's weighty but not heavy, sweet but not overly so, and generously portioned, especially considering the crisp chips on the side. Not a groundbreaking sandwich, but a worthy one, and another strong example of noteworthy sandwiches at Astoria pizzerias.

Tufino Pizzeria

36-08 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105 (map) 718-278-4800
tufinopizzeria.com

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