Sandwich Review in NYC #35 & 36 (Paisano's & Doner Kebab)
Two very different sandwiches the past 10 days, both ordered online for delivery while the market was tanking and I had to stare at the destruction of my portfolio.
Firs--Paisano's in Brooklyn Heights--the last time I was here was a couple years ago to buy some steaks. Excellent butcher shop but today was the first time I had their sub. I order La Familigia -- Chicken Cutlet, Fresh Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese, Vodka Sauce, Hot Crushed Calabrian Chili Peppers, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Excellent alternative to its sister sandwich, the chicken parm, and would make a great lunch time staple. The creamier vodka sauce is something I like more than the usual marinara sauce when I feel the tomato flavor starts to dominate a dozen bites into the sandwich. I prefer this one over Charlie's chicken parm from last week but I won't score it a full point higher. Rating: 3/4
A couple days later, I ordered from the Turkish-German joint at Dekalb Market, Kotti Berliner Döner Kebab. They serve only one sandwich--the unique Döner Kebab. Grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, dill, lettuce, red cabbage, red onion, feta cheese, lemon, white + red sauce, served on Turkish pide bread. One day I'll try the beef, which I think was just introduced this year.
It's rare that I say this but the vegetables (and crumbled feta) are the highlight of this sandwich. Fresh, crispy, colorful, they go great with the sauces. Structurally, it is a bit on the wider/looser side and the chicken gets buried a bit deep. Definitely one of the healthier sandwiches out there if that's what you care about. May need to be cut in half. Can't help but think they should offer a spicy Harissa on the side for this one, which could make it perfect. Rating: strong 3/4