A healthy sandwich shop called Smartwich just opened inside Francesco’s Bakery, serving up a variety of hand-helds on Pao Saloio bread. Italian born chef Michael Guerrieri was raised in New York but discovered Pao Saloio bread while living in Lisbon 18 years ago. Described on the restaurant’s website as being similar to a baguette with a Portuguese twist, their handmade bread is baked fresh daily.

 

Taking the sandwich to another level, the Smartwich is a food item Chef Guerrieri conceived in Portugal and brought here to Long Island. The idea was to provide affordable personalized smart sandwiches and meals for people on the go.

 

“Gourmet doesn’t always need to be served on a warm dish,” Chef Guerrieri said in his bio. “It was time for a serious sandwich using fresh ingredients and without using fatty sauces.”

 

Smartwich sandwiches include the Mozzarella, with cooked sweet peppers, tomato, arugula, and vinaigrette; Chicken breast, with pastrami spread, avocado, cooked onions, watercress, and rosemary olive oil; and the Vegan, with kale, spinach, seasonal squash, carrots, bell peppers, red onion, cabbage, red beans, and mustard herbed vinaigrette. 

 

On Yelp, William G B., from Hicksville, gave it five stars.

 

“This is an absolute must try,” wrote. “All Smartwiches are made fresh on handmade Portuguese crunch bread.”

 

Anu A, from Manhattan, also loved it.

 

“I came across this place unexpectedly and I am blown away...By far the most delicious sandwiches I have EVER had,” he wrote. “My favorite is the roast beef sandwich. I couldn't be happier with my experience here and therefore would highly recommend.”

 

Location: 640 S Broadway, Hicksville.