Leo's Latticini

You'll be greeted by very friendly servers, too.

At this shrine for Mets fans, also known as Mama's, the slicer sits right up front on the low counter, under the gaze of signed photos from athletes and actors. On an early visit, when business was quiet, I got a taste of the ham, salami, and mozzarella as my hero was assembled.

There's room to sit with your booty in the affiliated bakery next door, and in nicer weather, at the tables on the sidewalk or in the garden out back. You'll want some room, and a few moments for reflection, when you contemplate the likes of Mama's special ($6.50). The crusty seeded hero, piled with pepper ham, salami, and fresh mozzarella, plus mushrooms and hot and sweet peppers, was good and meaty to the last bite; the bread held up very well despite the moistness of the mozzarella, peppers, and mushrooms.

You may not come face-to-face with that exact same sandwich; Leo's doesn't run on an assembly line, and your hero may vary, as mine have. And you may not be lucky enough to wander in and catch the leavings of a large catering order (at bottom) — heavy on pork loin and pasta, with prominent notes of olive oil and basil. But if you're willing to take the short walk south from the 7 train, you're guaranteed a warm welcome, and you won't leave disappointed.

Leo's Latticini
46-02 104th St. (at 46th Ave.), Corona, Queens
718-898-6069
Closed after about 5:00 (after noon Sunday) and all day Monday

Comments

[Faye]

OMG...your blog is awesome. You should come back to the Bronx around Whites Plain Rd. There is a good smoothie shop.

[nerditry]

I remember seeing this place on Food Network close to 10 years ago and have been dreaming about it since. Fresh mozz from minutes or hours ago makes all the difference in the world.