By Iron Chef Leftovers
I had been meaning to visit a newer restaurant in Wallingford, Avila, right on 45th in the old Bella Cosa space, for some time now. I really had no excuse despite Mrs. Iron Chef Leftovers not really being interested in the menu – they are open for lunch. Well, I finally had the opportunity this week – all I can say is “WHAT THE HECK TOOK ME SO LONG”. The lunch menu consists of a variety of sandwiches, a couple of salads, a soup and a couple of sides. On the recommendation of Eric, who was manning the counter, I went with the Knuckle Sandwich – a grilled panino with swiss, sauteed onions and peppers, mustard greens and braised pork knuckle. This was one of the best sandwiches I had in a long time – immensely tender pork, well cooked veggies, the slight tangyness of the mustard greens and crispy bread, pretty amazing and only $9.
In talking to Eric while I was there, I found out that Avila only uses local and humanely raised meats, organic veggies, makes their own bread in house and cures their own meats. The chef is a firm believer in using the entire animal, so there are occasionally different choices on the menu and the menu does change regularly.
All in all, I was really impressed and I am going to add Avila into my normal lunch rotation. Now if I could just convince Mrs. Iron Chef to go there for dinner…
FlatbreadGarden 