Simply Sandwiches

Everyone’s all in a tizzy about Zara’s high-fashion, modestly-priced clothes. Boring, dull and silly! The best thing to come out of Spain are, of course, bocadillos (“small sandwiches”). Especially from Despana (408 Broome St, New York, NY). Despana is first an imported food store and second a sandwich shop & catering service. When you walk in, do not be distracted by the animal leg in the window, the olive oil on the left (do NOT take the free sample), or the delicious cheeses in the glass counter. This is a gauntlet designed to test your sandwich-resolve. They will be there post-sandwich, do not dillydally! Go straight to the back and study the 12-item sandwich-only menu. Notice that there are no salads and no appetizers! One point for sandwiches and 10 points for Despana!

I split the “Picante,” upon the recommendation from the sandwich ambassador from Spain behind the counter, and the “El Quijote” with my co-eater. Both are served on slightly dusty, delicious bread. They both include a full arsenal of magic Spanish foodstuffs:
Picante (warm): Chorizo picante, Mahon cheese, Basque guindilla peppers, tomatoes and ali oli
El Quijote (cold): Lomo embuchado (dry cured pork loin), Manchego cheese, Quince cream “Membrillo” spread and olive oil

Hands down the warm Picante was better. It was a bit peppery and some of the bites of Chorizo were chewy, but the whole thing was so warm and complementary that I can’t complain too much. The Quijote was too chewy and didn’t have enough fillings and I was sad after eating a few bites. In both cases, I was surprised at how well the sandwiches were balanced; though the bread was a little tough, there was no filling creep! Hats off to these sandwich-masters for realizing that everything inside should be flat.

My Picante, dusy, warm and full of love:

Look inside! See the tasty!?

Mrrhrmrmmmmmm

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