Pressed Sandwiches

A sandwich press suffuses sandwiches with heat, melding and intensifying the flavors while crisping the outside. Here are some of our favorites:

Lulu Panini: This counter in the west patio of the Hollywood Farmers Market offers 25 pressed sandwiches. The most popular are the vegetarian varieties (eggplant, spinach, zucchini, fresh mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes) and those with prosciutto or turkey. All are made on good fresh focaccia. (Pressed sandwiches, $4.98-$6.50.) Lulu Panini, Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (323) 935-3743.

* Il Tramezzino: This excellent espresso bar and Italian cafe has a very busy sandwich press. The classic Italian sandwiches include salami, turkey or chicken breast, prosciutto, bresaola (cured beef) and porchetta (spiced pork). All come with Roma tomatoes, provolone, marinated eggplant and roasted peppers. There are also five vegetarian sandwiches plus one with Brie, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled eggplant and basil garlic sauce and the prosciutto Roma, with goat cheese, arugula and sauteed mushrooms. (Pressed sandwiches, $6.95 to $7.95.) Il Tramezzino, 454 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, (310) 273-0501.

* Campanile: Every Thursday is grilled cheese night at Campanile, featuring a classic grilled cheese with Gruyere, croque madame and croque monsieur and any number of fine improvisations: grilled radicchio with Robiola cheese, aged goat cheese on walnut bread, Welsh rarebit with bacon and parsley, braised leeks with chopped eggs and anchovies. All sandwiches are made on La Brea bakery breads and come with an arugula salad and French fries. (Pressed sandwiches, $10.75 to $11.75.) Campanile, 624 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 938-1447.

* Ciudad: Stop in for lunch at this new downtown Nuevo Latino restaurant and try the Cuban sandwiches: the classic cubano, with pork, ham Swiss cheese and pickles; grilled chili and cheese with roasted tomatoes; marinated sabana steak with melted onions and cheese; and turkey breast with goat cheese and guava mustard. (Pressed sandwiches, $8.75 to $9.50.) Ciudad, 445 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, (213) 486-5171.

* Porto’s Bakery: Take a number, peruse the sweet-filled counters at this bustling Cuban bakery, then order one of the great pressed sandwiches: the medianoche (ham, roast pork, Swiss, mayo, mustard and pickles on a sweet roll); the Cuban (similar but larger and on French bread), medianoche with crunchy ham or chicken croquettes and pan con lechon--a classic roast pork sandwich with mojo sauce on French bread. (Pressed sandwiches, $2.35 to $3.40.) Porto’s Bakery, 315 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, (818) 956-5996.

* Cafe Boriquen: A charming, small Puerto Rican cafe across the street from the Alhambra public library, Cafe Boriquen presses the classic Cuban sandwich: Swiss cheese, roast pork, ham, pickles, and a garlicky mojo sauce. Other pressed sandwiches include a steak and onion, a pork and onion, and a ham and cheese. (Pressed sandwiches, $3.75 to $4.75.) Cafe Boriquen, 417 W. Main St., Alhambra, (626) 299-1232.