East Village: Porchetta for Fabulous Pork Sandwiches

When you walk into Porchetta, the diminutive sandwich shop on E. 7th street, you instantly know what the place is all about. Front and center looms a glass case displaying glistening slabs of just-roasted pork loin that’s been rubbed with fennel pollen imported from Italy.

With subway tile on the walls and a simple counter that seats six, Porchetta is mostly a take-out place. But if you eat there, like I did, it’s a fabulous sensory experience. The aroma of the succulent pork roast (pork belly is wrapped around the loin and roasted for five-and-a-half hours) is divine.

Served on a crusty roll, the sandwich is delicious, (some say it’s too pricey) but quite fatty. Half a sandwich was plenty for me. The server did suggest cutting the richness with a side of greens. That probably would have been a good idea.

Sarah Jenkins, the chef, discovered porchetta in Italy. Explains Serious Eats, porchetta “is a crazy delicious whole boned and roasted pig seasoned with lots of salt, pepper, garlic, and wild fennel.”

Other items on nine-item menu include a mozzarella sandwich for any vegetarians who wander in, cooking greens, and crispy potatoes and burnt ends.

If you really want one of these sensational sandwiches, don’t wait until late in the day. When the pork roast is gone, it’s gone.

Related posts:

1. West Village Restaruant: Fabulous Fatty Crab
2. Get Great Bacon in the East Village
3. Mr B’s Barbecue: Best Pulled Pork Sandwich at White Post VA ‘Cue Joint