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The Arcadia News features restaurant reviews each month.
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Pane Bianco
4404 N. Central Avenue ~ 602-234-2100

About two years ago, I was waiting for a table at Bianco’s Pizza downtown and I was just about to pass out from the extended hour I had spent pacing, when I came up with the most incredible sure fire money-making scam of the century.

It was two years ago so my memory is shaky but I think the idea went something like this: Chris Bianco should open another restaurant. Apparently, Chris himself had the same epiphany and acted on it by opening a chic sandwich boutique on Central Avenue called Pane Bianco. Upon entering, Pane Bianco shows off some very impressive design. It has an industrial look and a feel of urban re-invention. The menu is simple and the food is truly artisan.

The menu is brief. Choices include three sandwiches: 1) House-Made Mozzarella with Locally Grown Tomatoes and Freshly Torn Basil. 2) Tuna with Red Onion, Calamata Olives, Lemon and Arugula. 3) Soppressata with Aged Provolone and Wood-Roasted Peppers. There were two salads to choose from as well, both of them were examples of the sandwiches with the bread removed. Mozzarella with Tomatoes and Basil or Tuna with Arugula. Every entrée was $8. The market sandwich, a special, was Apple Smoked Bacon with Swiss Chard and Tomatoes. That was my choice; my wife had the Focaccia Pizza, another special.

Now then, here is why Chris Bianco will win awards for Pane Bianco just like he did for Pizza Bianco. First of all, the bread. Pane Bianco is creating all its bread fresh in a wood fired oven which looks to be a one of kind design. The bread, which is available as a baguette for take out is an artwork in itself. Second, ingredients like Tuna brought in from Portugal and locally grown produce.

Of course, we loved our sandwiches so much so that while watching my wife take a bite of mine, I saw a strange mixed look of joy and anger come to her face. It was a look that spoke volumes. A look which said, “Thank you Chris for creating Pane Bianco so that I can eat sandwiches such as these,” and at the same time, “To hell with you for making me wait 29 years of my life for this.”

Pane Bianco has a few benches outside but it’s designed as a take out and will be serving from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Calling ahead and placing your order is a useful trick.