It feels like you’re in Florence as you step back into All’Antico Vinaio; but now, it is in our city. Opened Oct. 3 on Boylston Street in Back Bay, my friends and I, who I studied with in Florence, had to try it.
There is a long line in Boston as well as in Florence — you will need to accept the fact that there is a line, and you will need to wait. I promise it was much longer in Florence. After waiting for around 30 minutes, we made it inside.
The first thing I hear is laughing, then some Italian, then more laughing. All from the four to five Italian men standing behind the counter, putting together each sandwich. It took all three of us back to Florence, where at the same sandwich shop, the same animated, happy and fun behavior transported us to a place where work is not just work; work is passion, work is fun.
I always like to practice my Italian whenever I can. In order to learn a new language, I do believe using it as much as possible is needed. Since I live in Boston, I hear it every once in a while, but not enough to consistently practice. This was great and I think they appreciated it; if you do speak Italian, you definitely need to go.
The deli case holds porchetta, arugula, gorgonzola, meats and cheeses that make up their diverse but substantial menu.
I ordered the La Calvino sandwich; made of bresaola, which is a dried beef that is incredibly delicious, as well as a caramelized onion cream, arugula and stracchino, a very creamy but mild cheese, and of course, the star, focaccia.
After we ate our sandwiches in complete silence, we were satisfied. I also had a San Benedetto lemon iced tea, something I miss desperately from Italy. I might go back just to stock up on them.
It is an experience that is important to try. It is authentic, which counteracts the surrounding area on Boylston Street, made largely of chains that have served the same menu for decades. This adds intrigue to the spot as well, and hopefully more people will flock to try something real — we know where they source their prosciutto, bresaola, cheeses and wine — we don’t necessarily know where the spots right next to them do.
They do serve wine and even a spritz! Twelve dollars for an Aperol spritz, and seven for a Peroni, I will definitely take it. Compared to any other place in the area, this price is reasonable. This is hard to find anywhere in Boston.
If you are heading to Boylston Street, think about waiting in line for one of these sandwiches. Something I appreciate about Italian culture is the attention to detail and mindfulness about the quality of food — something we do not have in the United States. It is around $15 to $19 for a sandwich, but considering that everything is shipped over, and the quality, it is worth it. I spent $25 for that lunch, and although I can’t go back until I save a bit more cash, I definitely will when I have it.
