Paninoteca is a Lunch Game Changer in Beverly Hills

Scarpetta at the Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills has often been named as having the best bread basket in the city. They make all the breads in house. Now, imagine if they opened a sandwich shop ... Oh, wait, they did. Paninoteca is now open right next door to Scarpetta (using the same kitchen space) for weekday lunches, and it is the game changer. Meet the best sandwiches and the best lunch deal in Beverly Hills.

There's no official seating at Paninoteca, but the courtyard at The Montage is the perfect setting for an al fresco lunch. Your order will come in a brown bag so you can head to the courtyard and enjoy LA's almost-always-perfect weather.

I tried three sandwiches and my surprise favorite was the Chicken "Parmigiano": Chicken cutlet, burrata, smoked tomatoes ($11)

Their bread, of course, is oustanding. On top of that they also use juicy dark meat, and paired with the perfectly creamy burrata and the flavors of a spread of smoked tomatoes, I couldn't believe how much I loved this chicken sandwich. Filling and flavorful with tender meat, it's possible the best sandwich I had last year.

Another best seller is the Porchetta (spiced pork belly, broccoli rabe pesto, fried hen egg, $11)

Let's look at that porchetta again, shall we, after we break the runny egg ...

It's a messy one but you can't go wrong with a runny egg over a porchetta sandwich.

Do you want a cold sandwich, or something less messy for the office but still substantial? Go with the Padrino Hero (prosciutto, mortadella, salami, provolone, Italian vinaigrette, $12)

If you want to feel healthier after one of those sandwiches, they also have fresh Kale and apple juice ($6)

There are a number of sides available, like the Marinated mushrooms with ricotta salata ($5)

We all know Scarpetta is not cheap (although they do have great deals for happy hour), but these sandwiches are possibly the best value for lunch in Beverly Hills. Everything was $10-12, the portions are big - I don't think I could finish any one sandwich in one sitting - and I absolutely recommend the taste.
Right now they're only open for weekday lunch, but let's persuade them to open on the weekends too ...

Paninoteca by Scarpetta
at The Montage Beverly Hills
225 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills CA 90210
(310) 860-7970
http://www.montagehotels.com/beverlyhills/dining/paninoteca-scarpetta/