


[Photograph: Max Falkowitz]

It's always nice to see a panino that isn't squished into oblivion. Instead, the Halloumi Panino ($9.25) at the Upper East Side's Bocado Cafe is pleasantly oblong, with a tall, crusty loaf of Italian bread. Inside lie slices of tender Halloumi cheese, roast pork (lean but juicier than you'd expect), ripe tomato, and cucumber. There's a layer of mayo as well, not really necessary, but I won't argue with how it brings out the flavor of the cheese, moistens the meat, and soaks nicely into the bread. You'd be crazy not to get the sandwich warmed up, not only to bring out the best of the meat and cheese, but also because this is a great filling-but-not-too-heavy lunch for the crisp Fall air.

Bocado Cafe

1293 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10128 (map)



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