Num Pang

Num Pang [21 E. 12th St. (bet. 5th Ave. and University Pl.), Menu]

Vietnam and the bahn mi better watch out because Cambodia is fighting back with Num Pang. The sandwiches may be smaller (and more expensive) than the bahn mi that I am used to, but they pack some serious flavor into that package. My choice for the evening was the Pulled Duroc Pork and I'm still trying to figure out why I didn't order a second one as soon as I finished the first. I can't wait to try the catfish (also on my list for next time is the corn). The ingredients are good (every sandwich comes with your choice of filling along with cucumber, pickled carrots, cilantro, and chili mayo), but what really makes the sandwich is the bread. Baked by Parisi Bakery, these six-inch rolls are heated and cooked to the perfect consistency: hard enough to provide resistance, but soft enough to bite right through. The combination of flavors in each bite is completely addictive.

As far as the facilities go, this is largely a takeout (and soon to be delivery) joint. You order downstairs and there are a few seats upstairs, but if you're with more than one or two people, you should definitely take it to Washington Square Park, Union Square, or your apartment...if it lasts that long.

Update (4/22/09):

I tried the catfish and it was just as delicious as the pork, if not more so. It featured a significant piece of fish, along with the same great bread and regular toppings that make Num Pang's sandwiches such a smashing success. I also had an ear of corn. It was well-grilled (good consistency, not too dried out) and well-flavored with the chili mayo and chili powder, but I wouldn't consider it an essential accompaniment to the sandwich. It is, however, a very good complementary dish.

'wichcraft

'wichcraft [49 E. 19th St. (bet. Broadway and Park Ave. S.) 212-780-0577]
For those New Yorkers from New Haven who miss Gourmet Heaven. 'wichcraft allows to create your own sandwich from an array of delicious ingredients. But it comes at a price, an expensive one. The sandwiches are good enough, however, to merit a visit anyway.

PressToast

PressToast [112 MacDougal St. (bet. Bleecker and W. 3rd Sts) 212-253-6705]
Quick, cheap, and delicious, PressToast has it all. I'm a slave to the chicken avocado, but the house salami and the veggie special with turkey are also can't-miss options. If you don't like any of their selections, however, you can create your own. I love the bread, served hot and pressed of course, but for the more carb-conscious among us, wraps are available too. Take it to go or order delivery because PressToast is not exactly a fine dining establishment.

Press 195

Press 195 [195 Fifth Ave. (bet. Berkeley Pl. and Union St.) 718-857-1950]
Stop by this Park Slope panini shop for a tasty pressed sandwich in a low key atmosphere. Each sandwich comes on fresh Ciabatta bread and offers enough food to fill you up pretty well. I tried the #2 (turkey, brie, roasted peppers, garlic spread) and it was very good, while my friend had the #1 (turkey, monterey jack, cilantro, jalapeno mustard), which he enjoyed as well. But there are tons of other options, so be adventurous. Prices, while not cheap, are certainly reasonable.

Parisi Bakery

Parisi Bakery [198 Mott St. (bet. Spring and Kenmare Sts.) 212-226-6378]
Come around lunch time and the line might be out the door. But I would say that it's worth the wait for a real Italian sandwich. I went with a sandwich of prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, oil, vinegar, and honey mustard on a hero. After the first bite I knew that I had something special and after the last bite, I knew that I was stuffed. Prices are what you'd expect for a New York sandwich ($7-$10), but the value is definitely there.

bite

bite [335 Lafayette Street, New York; Menu]

Making brilliant use of a bizarre corner of a building space, this tiny place serves up delicious panini-style sandwiches at reasonable prices. I am particularly fond of the smoked turkey with pesto panini and the nutella/banana ciabatta.