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You Say Panino, We Say Panini
Published: 9/4/2007 2:37 PM
Last Modified: 9/4/2007 2:37 PM


The Cuban panini sandwich (delicious, by the way) at the new Local Table restaurant reminded me of an e-mail I received a few years ago. I had referred to a menu item as a panini and was gently chastised by a reader of Italian heritage who informed me the correct usage should have been panino.

He was correct. Panino is an Italian word literally meaning sandwich or small bread roll. Its plural is panini.

However, every menu I've seen in this part of the country calls the item a panini, and it almost always refers to an Italian-style sandwich with meat and cheese that has been grilled, usually in a sandwich press.

When we refer to more than one, we go a step farther out of bounds and call them paninis. From what I've read, we're not alone; the French have taken the same liberties with the word.

So, having confused more than one reader using panino in the past, I bow to common usage and have decided to use panini in all references, singular or plural. Feel free to slap me with a wet linguine.


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Table Talk

Tulsa World restaurant critic Scott Cherry is in his second tour of duty with the Tulsa World. He was a sports writer during his first stop, covering college football and basketball. Since returning to the World in 1992, he has been the food writer and now restaurant critic and wine columnist.

Cherry Picks, the Tulsa World restaurant guide, is where you can best see all of his reviews, formatted for your phone, tablet or desktop computer. Check it out at tulsaworld.com/cherrypicks.

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