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| - Pane Bianco is one of those neighborhood places that we've wanted to try for years but somehow haven't gotten to. So I suggested it for lunch today and off we went. We were very pleased all around. The ambiance is great- kind of rustic Italian chic with low and high tables, a bar, and a takeout area next door. The service was fantastic. It took maybe 3 minutes to get our food, although sandwiches and salads aren't too taxing to make, and it wasn't crowded. Still, it was noted and much appreciated. I got the Caprese salad. I debated between that and the sandwich, but finally decided on the salad because it did come with bread (which I definitely wanted to try, it being PANE Bianco, but sometimes sandwiches are just too bready). I spent 2 weeks a couple of years ago literally eating my way through Italy on Caprese salads, and this was as good as many and better than some. The tomatoes were red ripe and tasty. The mozzarella was fresh, and it had just the right amount of basil, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Yum- thinking about it now makes me hungry all over again. The bread was as expected, fresh and crusty. I also got the pickled vegetables, which were good and interesting. It was a plate of baby carrots, onions, cauliflower, and peas pickled in what seemed to be apple cider vinegar, so they were sweet and sour at the same time. Sweet Pea got the Soppresata sandwich, which came with the chile Soppreseta today (which was great, as we are both notorious spicy hounds), and he really enjoyed it. It also came with sort of a saucy cold bean salad, I think they were lima or fava beans, which he didn't like but I LOVED. I ate all of his too. They serve Mexican sodas but aren't too precious about it- always appreciated. We will definitely be going back, and I will go by the takeout for a loaf of bread when I'm having a party. Good to know there is a good bread bakery around!
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