LONGMEADOW – The Best Damn Sandwich is back – and this week the news staff and I decided to take a trip out to Longmeadow’s newest restaurant, Posto.

Located in the former Bertucci’s building in The Longmeadow Shops at 674 Bliss Rd., Posto, which is Italian for “place,” opened to the public on Oct. 1. Co-owners of Agawam’s The Federal and West Hartford’s Vinted Wine Bar, Ralph Santaniello and Michael Presnal welcomed patrons with their fresh brick oven pizzas, homemade pastas, and tempting, decadent desserts.

Since their opening a month and a half ago, the news staff has been toying with making a trip out to Posto for a bite to eat. At first we all just wanted to go for the food – but then we checked Posto’s menu online and realized that we could bring our Best Damn Sandwich column back, as Posto has five sandwiches listed on their lunch menu.

Managing Editor G. Michael Dobbs, Staff Writers Danielle Eaton and Sarah Heinonen, Prime Editor Debbie Garner and Enfield Press and Longmeadow News Editor Chris Maza and I all trekked out to Longmeadow for a sandwich feast. We went into the restaurant with the stipulation that we would each try a different sandwich on the menu, however since there were five sandwiches and six of us, one of us would get to double up with another.

Over a week in advance to our trip out to Posto I emailed my coworkers, reminding them that we would be going to Posto on Nov. 15. I then told them that I would be getting the grilled eggplant sandwich…no ifs, ands, or buts.

The grilled eggplant sandwich consists of burratta, tomato tapenade, basil, chili honey, and of course, eggplant. The sandwich, like all of their sandwich offerings, comes with a side of fries. The fries can be substituted for Posto’s tri-color salad, should the patron choose to do so.

I have to say – this sandwich was well worth its cost.

The grilled eggplant sandwich costs $11.95, the cheapest sandwich on the menu, however it was enormous in size. There was a generous serving of eggplant on the delicious bun. The burratta was an interesting, creamy touch to the sandwich, as generally, sandwiches would have some sort of melted cheese. The burratta and basil gave the sandwich a “fresh” feel, and the combination of tomato tapenade and chili honey offered a mild kick.

When I saw how large the sandwich was, I knew I’d most likely have to eat it with a fork and knife. As I attempted to take a bite sans-knife, it was just a bit too messy, due to the juicy eggplant. Nonetheless, I switched to using a fork and knife, and it was perfection.

While the sandwich was heavenly – and I would certainly purchase it again – the real star of the show for me were the French fries. I don’t typically order French fries; usually I opt for a side salad. I was feeling like spicing things up…I also was feeling like my Friday could use some carbs. I was quickly pleased with my decision. The fries were similar to shoestring fries, though I would argue they were even thinner. They were crispy, and perfectly seasoned. They came served in what looked like a silver soup can, which was overflowing with the fries. I nearly ate the entire can of fries, and I have no regrets.

On a note unrelated to sandwiches, but related to the experience, we were served immediately when we walked into the restaurant. This was actually my second time eating at Posto, and both times I experienced an extremely attentive staff. A server came by to fill our waters on at least three occasions, and our plates were quickly cleared when we were finished.

For the next few weeks, my coworkers will be sharing their Posto experiences along with the sandwiches they had the pleasure of taste testing. Be on the lookout!

For more information on the eatery or to view their menu online, their website is postoitalian.com. Posto can be reached at 935–8500.