There were a lot of things I had heard about Marist College before coming to school here this past fall- the winters are brutal, the dining hall looks like Hogwarts, the groundhogs are everywhere, and that Rossi’s Rosticceria Deli is the holy grail of Poughkeepsie.
Photo courtesy of Rossi’s Deli
Rossi’s is a family-owned Italian Deli which has been thriving in Poughkeepsie for 37 years now. Flooded with students from Marist, Vassar, and the Culinary Institute of America, Rossi’s is a popular spot among the townies as well as the college students due to its massive servings and fresh ingredients. The bread, spreads, and antipasto options are made daily in-house, and their larger-than-life panini’s are said to be like no other.
Photo courtesy of bartonsbites.com
Well, I knew I would never be a true Marist red fox until I tried this place, so I decided to pick up a panini containing grilled chicken, mozzarella, prosciutto, and basil pesto on focaccia bread. This was absolutely the biggest sandwich I had ever seen, and this was the small. Regardless, I was skeptical, I’ll be honest. It’s JUST a sandwich. How good can it be?
Photo by Sophia Kalogeris
As I got into Guy Fieri’s recommended “stance” for a sandwich of this size, which he coined as “the Hunch”, I held my elbows above the height of my hands and bent over and went in for the kill.
GIF courtesy of giphy.com
It was love at first bite. The fresh focaccia created two flaky pillows around the warm chicken, thick mozzarella, and the never ending layers of prosciutto that rested on the bottom piece of bread, spread ever so masterfully with fresh pesto. This was not just a sandwich, I thought. This is a pivotal meal in my college career. A paramount moment in my life, even. How could I ever go to Subway after this?
GIF courtesy of giphy.com
This gigantic sandwich would end up lasting me for two days, and was more satisfying and filling than anything the dining hall could have offered me. The smile on my face after completing my sandwich was one of pride and honor. I was a changed person!
Looking back, I am ashamed to have questioned the power and hypnotizing effect of a Rossi’s sandwich. Don’t wait another second to get yourself down to Rossi’s to try one of their incredible sandwiches or dishes. It will change your life, and as Guy Fieri would say, will bring you straight to “Flavortown, USA”.