Little Shop of Cheeses

with the weather warming-i say this as if one could will this harsh winter to be over-what a delight to get a well-crafted sandwich from tiny cheese emporium lamazou to bring to madison square park. i watched the hungry shake shack hopefuls in their long line while i tucked into the "lamazou favorite" ($5.95/half): mozzarella, just-sliced imported prosciutto di parma, fat roasted peppers with blackened skins, a frill of lettuce and a dab of balsamic vinegar on a crusty ciabatta loaf.

if this is a half sandwich, certainly shareable for two, i wonder who could eat the whole one? the sandwiches are routinely praised in menupages for their high quality ingredients and innovative combos-like the "troubador," with spanish chorizo and manchego cheese, or "z'tuna," tuna salad with spicy harissa, olive paste, cornichons and capers.

the harissa chili sauce is a nod to owner aziz lamazou's tunisian birthplace, but the shop is the epitome of all things european, with its ample display case of cheeses-there are more than 250 kinds available-and shelves packed with preserves and other delicacies. i long for a heart-shaped slab of goat cheese sprinkled with ginger or chopped cranberries to spread on one of the gourmet crackers offered in this enticing little shop. -- lamazou 370 third ave. (near 27th st.) 212-532-2009

got a snack attack to share? contact nbrand@aol.com