DINING
The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread 10 statew i d e e ateries slingi n g st a n d o ut san dw ich es a n d hand - h e l d s fo r eve r y taste By Patty J
Italian Grinders from Lou Umberto’s
Lobster Ro l l Beach-themed names dominate the Bay Street Deli menu (think Misquamicut Club and Chief Ninigret), where sandwiches are so good, one of my brothers proposed to his now-wife over them. But I would be remiss if I didn’t highlight the lobster rolls. Locals and seasonal visitors (including a few celebs) wait all winter for these bad boys – house-made rolls heaped with cold or hot lobster. Watch Hill, BayStreetDeliWH.com
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B reakfast S am m i e Off the beaten path inside the Newport Shipyard grounds, Belle’s Cafe is a coastal gem slinging one of the most tempting breakfast sandwiches around. Regulars can’t get enough of their signature Shipyard Sandwich with eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat and bread, including a croissant option if you’re feeling Francais. Or you can brunch on an eggs bennie, lox sandwich, paninis, and other light fare. NewportShipyard.com
NY-Styl e Del i You need two hands to eat even half of an East Ferry Deli sandwich! I say this from experience. This townie fave overlooking the bay and the Newport Bridge has a huge menu of speciality and build-your-own options. Along with the classic hot pastrami and Swiss, chicken salad, and roast beef you’d expect, there’s a number of tasty vegetarian options like hummus wraps and a garden burger. Jamestown, EastFerryDeli.com
Jamai c an Patty Experience a taste of Jamaica with JA Patty’s
hand-made hand-helds. Fans go gaga over the flaky crust and all-natural filling choices – from meat and fish to veggie, plus an apple pie dessert version. Since launching as a food truck in 2018, they have branched out to a “truck stop” on Mineral Spring Avenue while still making the rounds at food festivals and catering events. Pawtucket, JAPatty.com
C u b an o Whether you sit indoors or on their patio, you’ll definitely want to order a frozen drink, some sweet plantains or fried yuca, and a Cubano. La Casona Restaurant’s spin on a popular street food includes pork, cheese, and mayo (instead of mustard) on lightly toasted bread. This Colombian restaurant gets high marks for friendly service and being a must-try spot among Rhode Island’s Latin cuisine scene. Central Falls, LaCasonaUS.com
I tal i an Gr i n d er Lou Umberto’s is an Italian kitchen and pizzeria in Cranston’s Little Italy (AKA Knightsville), but it feels like a deli on Arthur Avenue
Hey Rhody DINING MAY 2022 |
HeyRhody.com
Photo by Talia Pirri Photography, courtesy of Lou Umberto’s
W
hen the 4th Earl of Sandwich’s cook first put meat between two slices of bread in 1762 – to spare the aristocrat from getting up from his card game – history was made. Fast-forward through centuries of influences and innovation, and you’ll find Rhode Island eateries have taken liberties to advance the idea of the “modern sandwich” with a slew of hand-held options. From lobster rolls to grinders and everything in between, here’s a handful of top-shelf sandwich makers crafting some of the finest.
