Chef Michael Rolchigo has had so much success with his Italian restaurant, Tavolena, that when the Jupiter storefront next door became available, he snatched it up with an eye on expansion. Now fans of his cooking can pop into the new Tavolena Sandwich & Bakery shop for a delicious lunch or sweet treat to-go (or dine in at one of the intimate indoor and outdoor tables).
The hearty sandwiches ($16-$20) are much more than meat and veggies between slices of bread—they tell a story of times spent with the chef’s (late) Italian grandmother in Utica, New York. Case in point: For Lena’s Meatball Smash, Chef Michael uses his grandmother’s recipe for the gargantuan meatballs served panini-style on homemade grilled garlic semolina. “It’s so special to me because I can taste part of my childhood,” says Rolchigo. The Big Lufthansa is packed with imported ham, spicy capicola, salami, crispy pepperoni, Auricchio provolone, veggies, mayo, and red wine Italian vinaigrette, while favorites like veal cutlet and a turkey BLT are also on the menu. Meat-free options include the Capri (mozzarella, tomato, arugula, basil, pesto), Mortadella Panini (mortadella, provolone pistachio crema), and Melanzana (eggplant, cheese, tomato).
The bread alone is worth a visit. Fresh ciabatta, semolina, and rustic Italian breads are baked daily in-house for the sandwiches and are also available to purchase by the loaf.
The sandwich and bakery shop also sells salads, Italian quiches, pizzas, pinsas (Roman flat breads), homemade gelato, sorbet, and delicious pastries like tiramisu, Lena’s apple cake, and Chef Michael’s Utica tomato pie. A self-professed “cookie freak,” Rolchigo also made sure to pack the dessert menu with a variety of the snack, including chocolate chip sea salt, chocolate fudge espresso, lemon drop, white chocolate chip, biscotti, and his grandmother’s must-try almond paste treats…