It's true - finding beauty in simplicity is the best way to observe the world around us. Here in Florence, the local way of life is an opportunity in itself to appreciate its humble charm. But the best example of this simplicity? Located right behind Piazza Della Signoria is a hole-in-the-wall panino shop (only really noticeable by its long line out the door at peak hours) on Via dei Neri called All'Antico Vinaio, which can turn only a few simple ingredients into the best sandwich you've ever had. As most good things here are, All'Antico Vinaio was recommended to me by word of mouth. A friend who had also studied abroad in Firenze would not shut up about these stupid sandwiches and how good the porchetta was at this 4 by 10 meter shop. Admittedly, I have never been a sandwich person. No combination of breads, meats, or cheeses ever really seem to satisfy my stomach. But because of its Trip Advisor rankings and a bit of peer pressure, I decided to give in to the whole "panino hype" and try an Italian street food classic.
For only 5€ per sandwich, an All'Antico Vinaio panino is definitely a two-hander. Freshly baked loaves of focaccia from the bakery across the street are sliced in half, stuffed with your choice of meat, cheese, crema, and fresh vegetables, and made to order in less than two minutes. The menu boards in the front remind customers not to order more than one meat because "it's a blasphemy," and to "not mix cheeses - it's a sandwich, not a pizza!" And don't worry if you're overwhelmed by the variety of options you have to customize your panino. There's a "top 5" menu of tried and true combos, and the friendly staff will give you pointers on "what goes well with what" upon request (and they're always right). So, I present to you, probably the only sandwich in the world that I have willingly gone back to eat a second time. The thinly-sliced, slow-roasted pork belly of All'Antico Vinaio's "L'inferno" panino puts every other deli sandwich meat to shame. Between bites of savory, tender meat are grilled eggplants and zucchini, arugula, and as a recommendation per the staff, fresh tomatoes. What better view to enjoy this with than the Ponte Vecchio, taken only two blocks down the street? Sometimes, a sandwich's simplicity is all we need to be reminded that there are always great finds just around the corner. |