I wish that we lived closer to Allechante, although maybe it's best for my waistline that we don't. The pastries and breads are some of the best in the area, and the prepared foods are also excellent. Yes, they can be more expensive than other options, but they're also better. I think that their prices just reflect the quality of their products.

$13.00/pound for creamed spinach! What more can I say?

I wish that Allechante would move away from selling only food that's out of reach for all but upper middle class and wealthy patrons. With our economy in crisis, Allechante's business model may not remain viable (assuming that it has been until now). Many of the "deli" foods are fantastic ~ truly superior ~ but highly overpriced for the value provided. Only folks who never have to look at a receipt will continue to pay prices that exceed any other "prepared food" offerings found in retail markets. Allechante is charging "gourmet restaurant" prices for "take-out" food. In other words, it's as if we're paying the overhead of elegant table service for items we carry home and reheat. If Allechante can find a profitable way to come to "center" a little more on their products, I believe they'd have a much larger, more loyal following. And yes, I agree that the sandwiches are puny, bland, and hurt your gums when you try to hack off and chew a bite or two!

There's so much to like about Allechante. The cooked foods are incomparable. Take home their pulled pork, mashed potatoes and creamed spinach, open a nice bottle of red wine, and eat like a king. But it's almost too expensive now. On a recent visit I asked for the last of their cooked beets, at the most a small portion for one person. The price was $5.50. I said no. I've given up on the sandwiches. Two years ago they were filling. Now they're small. And often they're more bread than filling. Sandwiches are an art form. Please, Allechante, take some time to think this through. We need an affordable tasty savory sandwich in Norwich.

This should really be two reviews, one for the sandwiches (Oww!) and one for the entrees (Mmmm!).

Wouldn't it be nice if placing a few super high quality ingredients on fresh, artisanal breads actually made for a good sandwich?

Sadly for Allechante and the mouth tissues of its clientele this is not the case. The sandwiches are expensive and bland with only a couple of exceptions. The hard and sharp breads chosen for many of them are actually painful to eat, and the ingredients, while "fancy", aren't inherently flavorful. Nor does the restaurant attempt to add flavor with other ingredients or relishes.

The take-out entree and sides menu is much better, though as hard on the wallet as the brie sandwich is on the gums.

The lasagna and moussaka are almost transcendantly delightful.