Try it: Pike Street Press

An errand took me across the river to Covington last week, and I was looking for a quick spot to grab a bite to eat to bring back to the office. Suggested were the great cod sandwiches (it was Friday) at Chez Nora, steaming bibimbap from Riverside Korean (delish but not so portable in those big stone bowls), chicken tortilla soup from Fontova's, and Polly's suggestion, Pike Street Press, a little panini and coffee shop just around the corner from the Madison. I'd heard great things about the little coffee shop but never had an occasion to go. Now, I think I'll make occasion to get there more often.

It's really tasty sandwiches done right. Or turn it into a wrap (that makes it a "newsie"). Don't worry if you don't know the newspaper/food lingo - they're amenable to new customers like me struggling through, especially considering they've only been open five months. I tried the Sopresatta and Fresh Mozzarella Panini with Baby Arugula and Balsamic-Basil Oil. Yum. But they were out of arugula so substituted tomatoes. The takeout packages -I mean, messenger bags - come with drinks and a side, so I got the tortelloni. Good stuff but more than I wanted with my sandwiches. The vinegary slaw is tasty too, but a few bites is enough for me.

I'm not coffee addict so you'll have to form your own opinions there. But check it, and let us know what you think! I'm starting to compile, in my head, favorite sandwich spots. Pike Street Press definitely qualifies. (Subway does NOT!)




PHOTO INFO: Betsy Kuhr, one of the owners of Pike Street Press, 222 W. Pike St., Covington. Shot by The Enquirer/Patrick Reddy.