Caffé Panini - Round Rock

Caffé Panini - Round Rock

Written by Mark Collins Thursday, 03 April 2008

The sign outside Caffé Panini reads “Best sandwiches in Texas,” and after sampling some of chef Eddie Sandoval’s fare, it may be hard to disagree.

Caffé Panini was opened in March 2007 by owners Robert Cardenas, his wife Mara and their nephew Eddie Sandoval. Sandoval went to culinary school in Austin and created the entire menu, which is constantly evolving based on customer input.

Nearly everything on the menu is made from scratch. Robert even joked they had chickens and cows out back.

The Turkey Chipotle ($6.99) is the most popular sandwich, and it’s easy to see why. Smoked turkey breast is piled high with an ample amount of applewood bacon, tomato and Swiss cheese. The panini is served hot with marks from the grill, which gives the light, airy bread a slightly crisp crust. The real treat comes when the first bite is nearly finished and the spicy aftertaste of chipotle mayonnaise kicks in.

“All of our sandwiches are delicious,” Mara said. “But people decide they like one and don’t try any others.”

Avoid the trap and try the Meatball Sandwich ($6.99) too. The hand-made meatballs were sliced so each bite has a perfect combination of meat and rich marinara sauce.

Each panini is served with pasta salad or chips. The standout here is the pasta salad, which consists of tomato, artichoke heart, pepperoni and fusilli noodles. The homemade herb dressing and hint of Italian spice that bring out the flavor of each element are complementary to the fresh ingredients of the salad.

For those looking for a lighter meal, the soup of the day ($3.49) is made fresh each morning and includes focaccia breadsticks. The Grilled Chicken and Goat Cheese ($6.99) is a robust salad ideal for lunch or dinner.

The restaurant also has a full spread of coffee drinks brewed with locally roasted coffee beans. With hip lighting and comfortable seating, both diners and coffee sippers will be comfortable in the stylish interior.

The service at Caffé Panini is exemplary. According to the owners, the restaurant hopes to find its niche as a lunch hot spot. Food is usually out to the table within five minutes of ordering.

The quicker you can get those sandwiches the better.

What is a Panini?

Panini is the plural form of the Italian word for “small bread roll” and refers to a stuffed sandwich. It can be served either hot or cold. A hot panini has been buttered on the outside and grilled in a press. The panini is common in New York, but Caffé

Panini is one of the first to offer the sandwich in Round Rock.

Hours:

Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Caffé Panini, 1105 S. Mays St., 617-3029 www.caffepaninitx.com