"Don’t let appearances fool you—the namesake “Alpine” at this Elmwood Park sandwich shop has been on the menu since 1955 for a reason. It might look a little sad with its pale, crackled bread and lone slices of salami, capicollo, and deli ham. But much like Steve Buscemi, the ham knows its role in this production. The funkier meats and garlicky zing of the housemade oil and vinegar dressing take center stage, while everything else rounds out the flavors. It makes for a bite as complex as climbing Monte Bianco. " - adrian kane, nick allen, john ringor, veda kilaru