When they first arrived at the start of last semester, it was like a gift from the heavens. Having been on campus for three semesters, I was just about bored of dining hall fare. But now, I will never be bored again.
That’s an ironic statement, because I make the same sandwich every time—turkey on whole wheat with lettuce, carrots and green pepper. Yet, I also eat a different a sandwich every time, thanks to the countless students who made paninis before me. The beauty of the panini is that you take on the taste of those sandwiches toasted prior to your own.
I don’t like cheese very much, but it’s okay if someone three-times before me had a burrito with cheese, and I pick up some of the taste. I’m not a big fan of dressing either, but if the person before me used some, that’s great.
In the article to my left, the Food Dude harps praises on some of the paninis Andiamo’s offers. However, I doubt the Dude went to the back of the kitchen to see if Andiamo cleans their panini grills. For if they do, the thrill and utter unpredictability of the panini is lost.
The next person waiting in line in front of me, please don’t douse the grill with dressing, cheese or soy sauce given what I’ve said above. Just make your sandwich as you always do, and I’ll gladly take on your drippings.
Because the panini grills play such a large role in my life, I think it’s important to lay out the ground rules for the panini station. After conferring with some editors, here are the key points in panini etiquette:
1. It is perfectly acceptable to place the panini on the grill and go get the rest of your dinner. It takes time to cook, and you might as well use that time wisely.
2. Share the panini grill. If the person behind you has a sandwich of equal height, reach out and offer to cook together.
3. Do not use peanut butter. Think of the fellow student who are allergic.
4. Do not break the panini grill. The lines have been unacceptable of late because of this.
5. You never need to go up to 500 degrees. We don’t want to burn down Val. At least, not since they instated the grills.