08.16.05
Sandwiches in the Southwest
One of the simplest, yet most satisfying food combinations is the Caprese salad. High quality mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and top quality olive oil make this one of the wonders of the food world. The only thing that could possibly make a caprese salad better, would be to include some good bread.
Imagine my delight when I went to Pane Bianco for the first time several months ago, and I found their mozzarella, tomato, and basil sandwich! A caprese salad on top of the most wonderful foccaccia bread that has ever graced my mouth… could life get any better? Well, yes it could. Housemade mozzarella and foccaccia, locally grown tomatoes and basil make this the perfect locavore treat. The olive oil is imported from Italy, but this goes under the category of exceptions. I’m assuming that it is the same wonderful stuff that is used at Pizzaria Bianco. Pane Bianco has several other sandwiches and salads available on a rotating basis, but I haven’t ever been able to pass up the mozzarella sandwich.
When I was at Pane Bianco last week, I purchased my usual sandwich and a peach from Ft. Bowie, Arizona (116 miles east of Tucson on I-10), which was very possibly the best peach that I have ever had. PB seems to only have one fruit at at time, but after this experience, I will definitely be trying more.
The Biancos are on vacation until next month, so don’t make plans to go imediately. It’s just as well, however, since the only seating at PB is outside, and it’s REALLY hot right now.
