Sandwich Report: Wednesday, 2007-05-16

RŌM (Loop)

Roma (salami, mortadella, capicola, provolone, tomatoes, mild giardinara)
Nocciola (fancy beverage with Nutella, condensed milk, espresso, whipped cream, nuts)

As a "classic Italian" sandwich goes, this one did not disappoint. The giardinara made the eating experience a bit messy, but it was well worth it.

The Nocciola falls under their house category of "coffee as art." It's served in a small clear parfait cup and is meant to be eaten with a spoon ("scoop down and then up the side"). I can't say I'd ever have it again, especially since it was close to $4, but I don't feel like a fool for trying it once.

I visited their cafe again in the late afternoon when my wife stopped by the office on her way to a The Knot of Chicagoland gathering. She tried the Chai Tea Latte. I ordered yet another Iced Coffee. Both were excellent. They use Caffe Umbria coffee, and while they sell Bodum presses, they offer no freshly pressed coffee for sale, which I can understand, but I'd still love the chance to buy it on occasion.

With several alternatives to Starbucks in the Loop, I've learned that Starbucks is really not that great a coffee. If I must have some kind of coffee drink, I'd prefer Caribou, McDonalds, Dunkin' Donuts, Peet's, or RŌM. Anything but Starbucks.