By Dilpreet Kainth & Darleen Denno, Special to the Chronicle & Copy Chief
Most students learn where various campus dining facilities are located during summer orientation. Even though The University does its best to publicize the numerous dining locations, a few might go unnoticed.
I came across The Panini Shoppe while getting lunch with a friend. I almost walked passed it until I dropped my pen. I leaned over to get it and when I stood up, I was looking straight at the Shoppe. It is hidden from view by being beside other dining options. You can find The Panini Shoppe in Bits ‘N Bytes, which is usually incredibly busy during lunch hours. However, students may not notice The Panini Shoppe as it is located in a small corner.
At first, I was a bit skeptical as to whether the food would be good. However, I tried their prosciutto and mozzarella Panini, which quickly has become one of my favorite options to grab for lunch on campus.
The Panini Shoppe has several other Panini varieties aside from prosciutto and mozzarella. Some other options are: smoked turkey and Brie, grilled steak, Cuban, grilled chicken and Fontina, and lastly, Portobello mushroom with provolone.
A Panini at this hidden gem, along with a salad or pasta side, may seem a little pricey at $7.20. Fortunately, it is well worth a swipe of your meal card due to the astronomical portion sizes, tastes authentic and is a nice change from anything you’d find over in the Student Center. If you decide you may not be in the mood for a Panini, you can have a wrap as another option.
In addition to their delicious food, The Panini Shoppe also offers a handy and interesting way to save money. Punch cards are complimentary with every Panini purchase. For every nine purchased, the tenth one is free.
Evidently, this little bistro is delicious and well worth the journey from your dorm building. I will definitely continue to go to this Bits ‘N Bytes corner eatery, especially now that I know it exists.
The Panini Shoppe offers authentic and delicious meals to satisfy any lunch food craving. (Mike Viscardi /The Chronicle)