Flavor Trends, Strategies and Solutions for Menu Development

All’Antico Vinaio menus versions of schiacciata, including La Paradiso, featuring mortadella, stracciatella, pistachio cream and chopped pistachio.

Credit: All’Antico Vinaio

Trend Insights: Tuscan Sandwich Sensation

Further opportunities with Tuscan focaccia sandwiches on modern menus

By Flavor & The Menu
January 2, 2026

Our panel of experts weighs in on further opportunities with Italian-inspired handhelds on modern menus. See Tuscan Sandwich Sensation for the full article.

Nothing about this sandwich says “Scarf me down fast.” It celebrates quality and precision—every bite feels like a deliberate, indulgent pause.

—Liz Moskow, Principal, Bread & Circus

Schiacciata is so delicious, with the right amount of chew and perfect sea salt finish that creates a delicious sandwich. It’s the ideal vessel for rustic, artisan Italian sandwiches.

—Ian Ramirez, Chef/Founder, Mad Honey Culinary Studio

Simplistic builds featuring high quality ingredients presented with crave inducing flavor/texture, are always a sandwich home run.

—Rob Corliss, Chef/Founder, All Things Epicurean (ATE)