Italian Fast Food, but Not So Fast

I am very lucky that my family and I were able to go on a trip to Italy together back in 2004. We traveled from Rome to Tuscany and along they way got to enjoy the countryside and some of the fast food offered at gas station convenient stores.

I know from traveling as a kid I used to hate stopping for breakfast, especially along the way. I still dislike the smell of hash browns in wax paper. On this trip the food was different and I am sure it had something to do with the enchantment of the country itself. Some of the places we stopped along the way were full of pre-made sandwiches and mass produced salads, but others where like what we would find in our favorite little towns,  small places that have bread delivered from town with local meat and cheese. These sandwiches, or panini, were unlike what I have had in America. They were thin rolls filled with just a little meat and cheese, then pressed and toasted.

In Astoria New York there’s a little shop recreating these simple, pure sandwiches that my family enjoyed so much. Il Bambino is a mix of Italian style paninis and tapas from Spain. They refused to tell me where they got their wonderful ciabatta bread, keeping it as a close secret.  They offer about twenty different sandwiches full of unique artisan style meats and cheese. Kindly they provide a meat and cheese glossary on the table. This is  a great guide regarding the taste of each item but also an eduction on what to expect form the product.

All the panini’s I have tried are great! With just a slice or two of meat, house made aiolis and pestos, topped with a perfect amount of cheese, all pressed and toasted to yummy goodness.

The tapas and insalatas are not to be missed! Whether the string bean salad with a Parmesan shaved fluff on top with truffle vinaigrette, or the fresh asparagus with goat cheese, mushrooms, and sweet soy dressing. The menu changes based on what they can get the best of. Be sure to share something among the table. It is well worth it.

Like in Italy, and I am sure, Spain, the place has a slower, laid back pace to it. Almost encouraging you to sit and enjoy a drink, slowly consume your meal, enjoy your company, and maybe be tempted into dessert. Home made brownies or cupcakes by New York City’s Crumbs are a great ending to a meal, if you have room left.

I went this spring, so, also like the breeze that blows gently through Italy’s hills of Tuscany, Il Bambino has the door open to allow air to pass by, and has a lovely outdoor area to enjoy the sun and spring air.

Indoors or out the servers are relaxed and educated in the products, which can be very helpful. Darren Lawlass, an experienced New York chef, still has an Irish accent and was kind enough to talk to us about his time in Spain and Italy, creating the inspiration for his place. Next time you are looking for a great meal remember Il Bambinos, it will create a worthwhile experience.

It may ever remind you of another place and time.