Ellis Island’s New Sandwich Shop Is an Ode to Its Italian Chef’s Upbringing | Eater Vegas

"An Italian sandwich shop opened Oct. 20 by Sicilian chef Ismaele Romano, the 2021 World Sandwich Champion at the International Pizza Expo. The compact counter features a seven-sandwich menu built on light, airy focaccia produced using a poolish preferment fermented 16–18 hours to conserve space and create an exceptionally delicate crumb. Highlights include a soppressata sandwich with cheese, arugula and a sweet pepper spread; a sandwich with fresh mozzarella, roasted eggplant, tomato and pesto aioli; and a sentimental “mamma’s chicken” with fried chicken cutlet, eggplant, Fontina, arugula, tomatoes and lemon‑garlic aioli. The shop also offers antipasto salads, arancini and garlicky rosemary‑flecked potatoes. Space limits keep Romano’s award-winning porchetta-and-eggplant creation (layered with kale and dandelion‑infused focaccia) off the regular menu, though occasional specials will rotate in. Open daily 9 a.m.–10 p.m." - Valerie Silva