Entrance into Amorini Panini on 906 F Street NW
I decided to head over today around noon with my colleague Jaime and we were hoping that the rain would prevent a long line from forming and allow us to get in there fast. Sure enough, there was a line just out the door, but I will say that it moved quickly and did not become an annoyance. The shop itself is nothing fancy and is reminiscent of a Subway or the interior of a Chipotle with red walls, and a few tables to allow customers to dine inside instead of having to take it back to the office. The menu is simple with just enough options to provide variety, but not so much to be overwhelming. We both ordered a panini on whole grain bread, and swapped halfs so we could try two sandwiches. I ordered the Caprese with mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil pesto & balsamic vinaigrette spread and Jaime ordered the Montana Buffalo Chicken which came with buffalo grilled chicken, pepper jack cheese, bell peppers & ranch dressing.
Montana Buffalo Chicken Panini
Caprese Panini
We liked both of the paninis, and oddly enough, we each came away preferring the one that the other had originally ordered. I really liked the white meat chicken in the buffalo sandwich which had a nice spicy flavor and the ranch and buffalo sauce together created a creamy consistency that went really well with the bite of the pepper jack cheese. We also both enjoyed the tanginess of the pesto in the Caprese sandwich, however I was so disappointed that it came with sliced mozzarella cheese instead of fresh buffalo mozzarella. I think the buffalo mozzarella would transform the sandwich and make it a home run.
Also on the menu are homemade soups including Cream of Broccoli and Fire Roasted Vegetable which they rotate on a regular basis and have two available each day, and another option is to order the 1/2 panini and cup of soup combo which is a nice alternative to just the sandwich. There are also “Breakfastinis” which include egg, ham, and bacon concoctions that are served in the morning which might be a nice thing to grab on your way into the office. I enjoyed the sandwiches at Amorini Panini and I think many people who work downtown will welcome them with open arms as they are a local business that stands out next to all the national chain lunch spots within close walking distance of their location.
Amorini Panini
906 F Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
http://www.amorinipanini.com
I just went to Amorini for a caprese, my favorite sandwich, and was disappointed. This is a relatively simple sandwich, but important to field with quality ingredients and construction. There aren’t the distractions of other vegetables and meats so you really have to get the thing right. I have several criticisms, starting with your point about buffalo mozzarella. This is KEY to any Caprese, it just doesn’t work to have sandwich slices, it needs thick pieces of mozz that can melt delightfully under the press. Also, mine was not even heated enough to fully melt the slices or warm the pesto and tomato. In terms of construction I had pesto-y oil going every where because it was not properly soaked into the mozzarella-guarded bread. The pesto should be applied directly to the bread, not between the tomato and cheese or the cheese and cheese (as was the case here). As a point of personal preference, I like a thicker bread for a caprese, but I’d be willing to let that pass if the other issues are cleared up. This spot is right near my office and was really convenient and the service was excellent and fast. I would be willing to wait an extra few minutes for a warmer panini, and spent up to a dollar extra to get better mozzarella. I wish Amorini the best of luck.
Totally on the same page. The mozzarella has to be changed. Both of the sandwiches we ordered were on whole grain bread, so I didn’t expect it to come on a crusty baguette, but if you went with the regular option was it just slices of white bread? That would be disappointing as well. I think because they are a local joint, they’ll take suggestions well and maybe they’ll even make some changes.