About a month ago, I was sitting at the table eating my breakfast with David. He was reading the paper when he saw that a new restaurant had opened in the downtown Durham area. For those that aren’t familiar with Durham, NC let me explain that we are going through a rebirth. The downtown area has laid dormant for many, many years. With the vision of a few key groups this area is now fertile ground for entrepreneurs to move in and begin opening businesses of their dreams. We have had more restaurants open in the last year than ever before, making all us hungry locals very happy Durhamites.

The restaurant that David read about that morning is simply called Toast. When we trekked over there on our bikes we saw a line out the door, a very good sign. We qued into the line and as we began to enter I noticed the large mural on the wall.

Toast, as it explained, is described in a number of ways:

toast (tost) vb 1: to make bread crisp, hot and browned by heat.
2: to propose or drink to as a toast
3: your neighborhood paninoteca.

paninoteca (pa-nee-no-TEK-a) n an authentic Italian sandwich shop

As we got closer to the counter to order we noticed the huge black board sign that displays the menu. Their focus is based around bread, whether hot or cold, small or large. What goes in or on the bread makes this a great option for veggie folks like us.

Kelli , one of the owners took our order. She has to be one of the most cheerful and kind people around town. She carefully explained the menu to us and made us feel very welcomed, even with the line continuing to grow behind us. I have to say that the service was quick and correct.

David ordered a $6 panini stuffed with a grilled portobello, fontina cheese and peppery arugula.

I wanted to try the $6 panini of tuscan kale, ricotta salata and sweet and spicy pickleed peppers. I also wanted to check out the $1.50 crostinis. We ordered 2 each of their herbed pesto and goat cheese. They had a selection of non-alchoholic beverages, but will soon be receiving their liquor license. A nice glass of red wine could have only made this better.

The panini’s were brought to our table within minutes, piping hot with smokey grill marks. We split each sandwich and were glad to share. Both were wonderful. Mine had the spicy kick that I love, almost a bit too hot for David. His was savory and meaty from the thick, well seasoned portobello mushroom. Just perfect.

Next we tried the crostinis (sorry, we didn’t get any pics because we were so focused on eating them). Each were a perfect 2 bite size, the bread tasting like it had a good bit of garlic rubbed on each slice, and the toppings were fresh and zesty. I could have ordered a plate full of these crispy treats with a glass of Pinot Noir and been the happiest person in the place. It made me want to try them all.

They also have salads and soups that need to be explored on our next visit. You can also add one of the soups or salads onto your sandwich order for a mere $2.

I am sure this has been said after every meal that anyone has had at Toast but, I will say it from David and I. “Let’s have a toast to Durham’s newest gem, Toast!”