Torrisi Italian Specialties Has A Turkey Sandwich That May Blow Your Mind

I know what you’re thinking: You go to Torrisi Italian Specialties, a sandwich shop that has eggplant and chicken parm, and you get a freaking turkey sandwich? Well, let me just say that this is no ordinary Boars Head turkey on a roll. That was clear when I saw the two amazing-looking turkey breasts sitting on a cutting board and a guy slicing large chunks off of one of them. And then the three people in front of me ordered the turkey sandwich, so I felt like I was on the right track.

Let me back up a minute, though. Torrisi, located on Mulberry St. (at Prince) in Soho, has pretty much received nothing but glowing reviews since it opened. And Ed Levine from Serious Eats NY reviewed the place back in February and raved about that turkey sandwich (and the chicken parm). Clearly, a field trip up north was in order.

I went to Torrisi on one of the hottest days ever, only to find that the shop had no air conditioning. Or rather, as I heard the counter guy explain, it wasn’t working. I’m not sure if this was a fluke, but I would recommend getting your sandwich to go if it’s blazing hot outside. I still had to stand there sweating during the 20 minute wait for my sandwich, but I discovered you can make it there and back from the FiDi in an hour if the trains are on time.

They offer a handful of sandwiches for $7 on a roll or $9 on a hero. If you’re in need of a side, you can get a variety of things like marinated peppers, asparagus, fresh mozzarella or spicy broccoli rabe for $3 or $4. Sadly, getting a sandwich on a roll and a $3 side still puts you over $10 once you include tax, but if you’re looking for dessert, they have sesame cookies or tri-colors for 50 cents each. In retrospect, I probably should have gone the sweet route instead of with one of the sides.

The turkey sandwich on a roll is pretty mammoth and will definitely fill most levels of hunger. It’s a couple of large, thick pieces of that turkey breast, lettuce, tomato and some sort of spicy sauce with mayo on top. It’s a messy affair eating this thing, but it is delicious and is easily the best turkey sandwich I’ve ever had. Even the bread was good, although since it was outsized by the turkey it didn’t really help stop me from getting mayo and spicy sauce all over my hands.

I also got a portion of the broccoli rabe ($3), which was just OK in my book, but was indeed spicy. It would probably be awesome if put on top of the turkey in my sandwich, but by the time I thought of that I had already eaten half of it.

Torrisi makes some awesome sandwiches, and I like that they don’t try to sideline in pizza or pasta during lunch time. A couple of notes to end on: they’re not open on Mondays and if you want to avoid the inevitable line, you can call in your order. While you may get glares from those waiting patiently for sandwiches, you will at least avoid all of the sweating.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

  • They only do a few sandwiches and sides, but they do them well.
  • The turkey sandwich blows the kind your mom used to make out of the water.
  • Two words: homemade mozzarella.

THE — (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

  • No air conditioning? No thank you.
  • The sandwich prices are a little high and if you add a side you’re over $10.
  • I would rather just go get an eggplant parm from the deli in my building.

Torrisi Italian Specialties, 250 Mulberry St. (at Prince), (212) 965-0955

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