Cheap Eats: Hot Off the Press

Sandwiches can be a rather mundane lunch choice, grabbed on the go or because there aren’t many other options. But Hot Off the Press, in Central Square and Charlestown, serves more original sandwiches which are, yes, hot and pressed, not to mention delicious and cheap.

The Baja Chicken wrap, with grilled chicken, tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, and corn in a wheat wrap, was very tasty, although a little messy to eat. The addition of corn to the sandwich was unique and added a different flavor to the playing field. Also, pressing the entire wrap instead of stuffing it with warm ingredients changed the sandwich completely, tying together the filling and the bread and forming some crispness on the exterior.

The daily special was even better – it consisted of fresh mozzarella, tomato, red onion, radish sprouts, avocado, and balsamic vinegar on a chunk of baguette. The radish sprouts and avocado, in particular, gave new life to the somewhat over-played Caprese sandwich and paired beautifully with the cheese and tomatoes. The balsamic gave a nice kick to everything as it soaked into the crispy and chewy baguette.

All sandwiches are served with a side salad and a pickle and average about $5-6. You can also customize your meal with additional soup or salad. Try the peanut butter cookie for dessert, which was tastier than sticking your finger in a jar of the real stuff.

Post contributed by Pam Aghababian. You can read more of her writing at Cave Cibum.