Partly Cloudy, 64°
"The Brown Noser salutes you, Guy with Bandana. You craft your paninis with precision and mold with passion. All other panini makers at the Gate pale in comparison, with your superior onion distribution and perfectly balanced sauce application. I know I can rely on you to get it right everytime.
I often find myself at the Gate after a long day, only to become more aggravated by a novice panini maker standing before the counter. But when I see Guy with Bandana, a grin materializes across my face. I am safe now-I am under the care of Guy with Bandana. I will be satisfied.
No one cuts grilled chicken like you do, Guy with Bandana. Some do the horizontal slice, and some slap the breast on whole. But not you, Guy with Bandana. You dice the chicken and position the pieces like a puzzle so that the entire surface of the artisan bread touches the poultry.
Even the way you place the panini on the grill tickles my fancy. You brush oil on both surfaces of the bread, so it's toasty all over. Then you use the blunt end of your knife to press the grill top onto the panini, so pressure is even throughout the surface of the bread. Then you leave the panini on longer than anyone else does, so as to melt the cheese.
No one takes as long as you do, Guy with Bandana. You disregard lines out the door because you are an artist. ""The artistic process shall not be interrupted or interfered with,"" you say to yourself. But it is worth the wait. Only a panini from you, Guy with Bandana.
Right here and now-in front of the world-I will institutionalize The Brown Noser Panini. This is the sandwich which I order every time I dine at the Gate. Pesto on one side, bruschetta on the other; one slice of mozzarella on each side; grilled chicken; onions; and hot sauce. Heaven.
No one at the gate makes The Brown Noser Panini like you do, Guy with Bandana. Some overload the hot sauce, and some unevenly spread the pesto, leaving green heaps on one end and emptiness on the other. But not you. Some slice the bread awkwardly. But not you. Some forget to insert the frilly toothpicks in each half of the panini. But never you, Guy with Bandana."
