94: Mozzarella Sandwich at Pane Bianco

Hungry yet? We're working up our appetites for our huge Best of Phoenix issue, out September 30, with daily servings of Chow Bella's 100 Favorite Dishes from across the Valley -- in no particular order Leave your suggestions for upcoming favorites in the comments section. Visit our sister blog, Jackalope...

By Michele Laudig

June 1, 2010

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Hungry yet?

We're working up our appetites for our huge Best of Phoenix issue, out September 30, with daily servings of Chow Bella's 100 Favorite Dishes from across the Valley -- in no particular order

Leave your suggestions for upcoming favorites in the comments section.

Visit our sister blog, Jackalope Ranch, for a companion series on 100 Creatives who make Phoenix a little more interesting for all of us. We'll be posting the next 93 picks daily through the rest of the summer.

Number 94: Mozzarella sandwich at Pane Bianco

Every day is a picnic at Pane Bianco, where the minimalistic menu is to-go only and you have to sit on the front patio at massive communal tables. Not a bad deal on a nice Phoenix afternoon.

Although I've been seduced by the charms of Pane Bianco's other sandwiches (especially the "market sandwich" when it's wood-roasted lamb with escarole), the mozzarella sandwich is our city's gold standard. Crispy, still-warm bread, sprinkled with salt, makes for a sturdy foundation. Inside, there's a generous amount of handmade mozzarella drizzled with olive oil, whose buttery flavor balances beautifully with sliced ripe tomato and fresh basil. Simple, but effective (and mighty fine hangover food when appropriate).

The Favorite Dishes, so far: 95: Egg White Omelette at Fez 96: Machaca From Los Dos Molinos 97: Shish Taook from Baiz Market 98: Pasties From Cornish Pasty Co. 99: Clams in Black Bean Sauce From Asian Cafe Express 100: Bruschetta From Postino

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