Afternoon Bite: Muffaletta From Russo’s

We heard rumors of a tasty muffaletta (also spelled muffuletta) at Russo’s Mozzarella & Pasta (363 7th Avenue, between 10th and 11th Streets), so we decided to pop by and give it a whirl.

After we walked in and discovered the sandwich wasn’t on the menu, we were a bit concerned that they stopped making it, but a friendly gentleman behind the counter quickly assured us that they did indeed sell one, and immediately began pulling together the ingredients.

The muffaletta, made with Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, and a fantastically spicy olive spread, is huge, so we had no problem with the $10.18 price tag. We couldn’t even finish the first half, so go in with an appetite (or a buddy interested in sharing your lunch with you).

The bread was a little tough, and the sandwich is quite a messy one, but none of that really mattered in the end, because that olive spread had us swooning.

If you know what it means to miss New Orleans, make your way to Russo’s. Their muffaletta will definitely hold you over until your next visit to The Big Easy.

Russo’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30am to 8pm, and Sunday, 9:30am to 7pm. Credit cards and cash are both accepted, and delivery (718-369-2874) is available.