'wichcraft - Rockefeller Center, New York

Erica and I made a quick stop to meet a friend for a bite last weekend in New York. We picked 'wichcraft since it was Friday and Ross was still working (in the Rockefeller Center). The story behind 'wichcraft is as follows: Tom Colicchio, chef and owner of the Craft family of restaurants and head judge of Bravo’s Top Chef, founded ’wichcraft with partners Sisha Ortuzar and Jeffrey Zurofsky in 2003. The three had a long history of working together in fine dining restaurants such as Manhattan’s top-rated Gramercy Tavern and Craft, but this collaboration was decidedly more casual. They created ’wichcraft, a sandwich service like no other.

It was a perfect spot for a mid-day sandwich. Both Erica and I were in the mood for a melted cheese sandwich, especially considering the chilly conditions outside. My choice was the grilled gruyère with caramelized onions on rye bread. It was simple and good, as expected but not cheap either ( $6).

Erica chose tomato soup and plain grilled cheese. Again, nothing amazing, standard tomato soup and grilled cheese, as we make at home. I tried and didn't love the soup, but it's hard to fully distinguish soup that is made for the masses. 

Is the food better than Corner Bakery? Absolutely. I can see why there are 14 locations in NY alone, as well as San Fran and Vegas. But most people likely enjoy the idea of eating Tom Colicchio food without taking out a second mortgage, fair or not. And let's not forget, this all comes at New York prices (~$20 for us).