Pane Bianco Experience

He Said   Drive too fast and you might miss it. Tucked almost behind Lux coffee is an off shoot of the infamous Pizzeria Bianco, Pane Bianco. Using a focaccia bread that they wood fire just as they do their pizza crust is just the start on this great mostly sandwich shop. I say mostly because while they do have fantastic sandwiches, you can also get some fresh salads and for dinner the selection includes some antipasti, typical Italian restaurant choices like lasagna, and of course the best pizza in America. To entice you even more, the wait is typically a lot less than the flagship Pizzeria Bianco in Heritage Square. On our lunch visit we were seated right away. There are a lot of outdoor picnic style tables if you feel like grabbing a sandwich from the to-go section of the shop. Perfect option if you have a short lunch break or are heading home and want to pick up some dinner. If you require a bit more service there is more traditional dining inside. It has a warehouse feel to it with very high ceiling and gives you the impression it has been around forever. The bar is beautiful and kitschy along with the furniture for the tables. Some are the bench and table configurations perfect for a large party or there are a few normal tables and chairs. No matter where you sit you’ll be warmly greeted and told about the days specials, if you can’t remember they are up along the bar on a chalkboard. It is a small menu especially during lunch but the ingredients are such great quality that you won’t care. On our trip I took the sandwich special which was mozzarella, basil, and prosciutto with a drizzle of olive oil. So simple but you will crave it even after finishing off the large sandwich. I wish it was closer to my house so I could stop by and pick it up for lunch every week. It was also accompanied with a slaw that was just as enjoyable. I don’t particularly enjoy slaw normally but this was a great combination of flavors that pair well with the bread from the sandwich. I expect soon to return for dinner because each time I have visited for lunch I begin craving the pizza or large plate of the day (especially when I see it is a lasagna). If you happen to be downtown and want to have a casual high quality lunch or dinner this is the place for you. But don’t say I didn’t warn you about the cravings that will begin the moment you walk out the door.

She Said   Located off Central Ave next to Lux, this quaint, charming extension of the Bianco group gives off a friendly neighborhood feel. Rustic exterior and interior with a subtle country Italian vibe. The establishment is divided into two sections Dine In or Take Out, arrows will direct you to your preferred entrance. We went for lunch and decided to dine in. Big wood tables, white furnishings and white walls give an open airy feeling without losing the cozy family-style atmosphere. I had heard and read wonderful reviews about the sandwiches. The menu is small and simple for lunch but dinner has an extended menu with antipasti, pasta, pizza and chef’s nightly choices. For lunch on this particular day I chose the House made Mozzarella Sandwich. Local heirloom tomato, basil and mozzarella served on focaccia bread that is baked in wood-fired oven on premise. A simple, straightforward sandwich crafted to perfection. The earthiness of the tomato and basil combined with the mild creamy mozzarella on mouthwatering artisan bread was outstanding. I had to slow down or I would have devoured the sandwich in seconds. A complimenting side slaw comes along with the sandwich rounding out the lunch. I indulged and got dessert which was vanilla bean rice pudding and again I was impressed with how a simple dish could emulate so much flavor. They took the complexity out and let the natural flavor of the vanilla be the forefront, I was savoring each spoonful! Simple done right is what you’ll find at Pane Bianco. I must agree with the other reviews, this lunchtime delight was one of the best sammies I’ve had!

Read our Listing on this restaurant now.