The Perfect Sandwich

I love sandwiches. My biggest problem when it comes to sandwiches is that many places that prepare them fail to understand the meatless sandwich. (Or, for that matter, the meat and cheese sandwich, in the form that I want it: approximately equal amounts of each rather than a pound of meat and 2 slices of cheese.) Frequently, when I order sandwiches at delis or bodegas requesting, for example, swiss cheese with lettuce, tomato, and mustard, I get confused stares and am forced to repeat myself and explicitly state that I don't want any kind of meat. (This is then often followed by the sandwich preparer having also to doubly explain the sandwich to the cashier, which occasionally works nicely in my favor because some places just have no idea how much to charge for a meatless sandwich.)

Yesterday, my morning was very busy, so I wanted to spend lunch quietly, which for me nearly always means a trip across West Street Rector Park. Just around the corner from Rector Park is Samantha's New York Trattoria and Salumeria. I had walked by Samantha's a number of times and had been intrigued by its old-school Italian decor, but had never gone inside. I decided to check it out. It's pretty small inside, with basically just an L-shaped counter where you order food, a cashier, and a few fridges/freezers. The sandwich menu was extensive: 35 sandwiches (order by number) divided among a range of categories: heros ($6.50), focaccia sandwiches ($6.95), brick oven muffalatta sandwiches ($6.95), plus panini (which I hope is the real thing, not the corporate deli-style on crappy flat bread) and wraps. To my delight, there were many meatless options. I had #32: the Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Basil & Roasted Peppers Muffalatta Sandwich. As the menue says, "All [muffalatta sandwiches are] topped with tri-color salad, balsamic vinegar, virgin olive oil & oregano." The sandwich was delicious - excellent mozzarella, fresh basil, just the right amount of vinegar, well-complemented by the peppers, and the bread was really tasty (if a bit on the greasy side). With an over-priced seltzer ($1.75), my meal came out to $9.45: a little steep, but delicious enough that I was okay with it.

Samantha's New York is at 235 South End Ave., just north of Rector Street to the west of West Street. There are a couple of tables you can eat at out front, but I would recommend taking your food to Rector Park instead.

Champs Gourmet Deli

Champs Gourmet Deli is one of my favorite places for food in the Financial District. In an area that is overrun with giant and overwhelming food court-style delis, Champs stands out as an easy place to get basic food (despite that "gourmet" in their name). They don't have a sushi bar or a juice bar or a stir-fry bar or a large selection of hot/cold bar items. However, they do have pretty much all the stand-by food items I might want, and they prepare them with care. They have a grill where everything is cooked to order, a small salad bar, a cold sandwich counter, and a decent selection of baked goods. They also have daily soups and oatmeal.

I frequently get egg sandwiches ($1.85 for mine) there in the morning, which are prepared exactly to my specifications (one fried egg, cooked through, with cheese on a toasted biali - yum!). They have excellent muffins ($1.40), which are obviously baked fresh daily (the chocolate chip, cranberry, and lemon-coconut are my favorites). They also make great sandwiches (starting at about $3.50) for lunch - both hot and cold. All the ingredients are fresh and everything is made to order.

Finally, I am very impressed with the staff at Champs. Despite the busy location and small space, they are incredibly efficient. Even at the busiest times of day, you can always count on quick service with very little waiting.

On the down side, while Champs does have tables, it's not a great place to eat in. Usually, when I pick up breakfast or lunch at Champs, I end up taking it back to my office to eat.

Champs Gourmet Deli is at 71 Broadway, but the entrance is actually in the back of the building on the corner of Trinity Place and Rector Street. There is a second location on Exchange Place between Broad and New Streets.