When I heard that Defonte's, a sandwich shop from Brooklyn, was opening up across the river in the Big Apple I got excited, for they are known for their 'great' sandwiches, and I love great sandwiches!

I stopped in on Monday (their first day open) to check it out. I ordered the "Nicky Special", which was a cold hero with ham, capicollo, salami, fried eggplant, provolone, hot salad, marinated mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar ($9.95).

I noticed that a lot of their sandwiches had this addition of fried eggplant which is unique, but I have to be honest, it did nothing to my sandwich. In fact, instead of being blown away by what I expected to be a fabulous sandwich, I was instead let down by a very bland, flavorless mess. There was no hot salad on it as it said either. This was their first day open so I'm sure they need to get out the kinks, but I was just not impressed. Also, they use shredded lettuce which I hate! I'd go back in a few months to give it another try, but the NYC FOODIE needs to be wowed!

The best sandwich I have had so far in NYC is at Alidoro in Soho. If you are a fan of a great Italian sandwich Alidoro is a must!

Defonte's of Brooklyn
261 Third Avenue (at 21st St.)
New York, NY 10010
212-614-1500
www.defontesofbrooklyn.com

Alidoro
105 Sullivan St. (bet. Spring and Prince)
New York, NY 10012

212-334-5179