A sandwich that will make you scoff at an ordinary grilled cheese, this multi-cheese creation on focaccia is a delicious mix of coordinating flavors. At first bite, a light crunch from the envelope of bread. It’s slightly crispy on the outside — not hardened like so many paninis. Then, a kick of spice from the serrano peppers. But not too much: The peppers complement the creamy cheese melt of cheddar, pepper jack, provolone and Swiss cheese.
The warm sandwich fits well in your hand for each not-too-messy bite, a testament to the heating panache that mixes and melts the cheese just enough. Chew, and the bread shines again. The garlic flavor of the focaccia adds another warm dimension of flavor. Ritual Cafe has an all-vegetarian menu with some vegan options, and the attention to detail for flavors not reliant on meat is clear in this comforting sandwich with a bit of bite.
Ritual Cafe’s Spicy four cheese panini
Cost: $7
Find it: Ritual Cafe, 1301 Locust St.
Info: ritualcafedsmiowa.com
