Just steps from Largo Argentina, in the heart of Rome, there's a corner reminiscent of history and contemporary design: the Gran Caffè, frequented by journalists, architects, and local professionals, is one of those places where a break is never just about coffee.

Here, between chats about the next project and morning newspaper readings, the food offerings have been revitalized without losing their soul. This is according to Franco, one of the owners, who has always believed in the importance of offering quality, variety, and a touch of surprise, even during the busiest hours of the day.

More choice, more flavor: the arrival of Space Bun

The idea of introducing Space Bun, one of TechFood's solutions designed for food service, was born precisely from this attention to a demanding clientele accustomed to asking for "something different."

"Our customers often look for alternatives to the traditional sandwich—something tasty, quick, and with a wide variety of options," explains Franco. "Space Bun allows us to offer a wide, customizable savory selection, with around 20 recipes and ingredient combinations to choose from. This is something our customers really appreciate, because every break can be different from the last."

Roman-Style Artichoke Space Sandwich

A spring vegetarian sandwich that encapsulates the flavors of Roman tradition in an innovative form, ideal for a quick yet gourmet snack.

Roman Inspiration and Key Ingredients

• Romanesco Artichoke from Lazio PGI – The typical "mammola" artichoke, large, round, and thornless, a quintessential spring variety. It's the star of this dish, inspired by the classic Roman and Jewish artichokes.
  
  

• Roman Mint (Nepitella) – The aromatic herb that symbolizes Roman artichokes, a type of wild mint traditionally used in Lazio cuisine. It adds freshness and an unmistakable aroma to the filling.
  
  

• Pecorino Romano DOP – A mature sheep's milk cheese, savory and bold, the flagship of Roman gastronomy (a must-have on spring outings with fresh fava beans). It adds creaminess and character to a sandwich, pairing beautifully with artichokes.
  
  

• New Fava Beans – A tender and sweet spring legume, added in small quantities to evoke the classic Roman combination of fava beans and pecorino cheese. The fava beans enrich the filling with a touch of seasonality and color, without stealing the show from the artichoke.
  
  

Description of the sandwich

A warm panini filled with sautéed artichokes and pecorino romano, ready to be enjoyed. The filling is made by sautéing Roman artichokes: cleaned and thinly sliced, then sautéed in a pan with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Deglaze with a little white wine and season with plenty of chopped mint until tender and fragrant. At the end of cooking, add shavings of pecorino (which begin to melt with the heat) and a few blanched fava beans.

This tasty condiment is sandwiched between two lightly toasted discs of bread. The special Space Bun press presses and seals the edges of the sandwich, giving it its distinctive golden "flying saucer" shape and preventing the filling from leaking out. In less than a minute, you've created a fragrant treasure chest: crispy and golden on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside. When you bite into it, the unmistakable flavor of the Roman artichoke—enhanced by mint—marries with the savory creaminess of melted pecorino cheese. Light touches of black pepper and fresh parsley enhance the aromas, reminiscent of great Roman classics like cacio e pepe. The result is a delicious and contemporary sandwich, combining tradition and innovation: perfect for a quick yet flavorful lunch break in a modern café.

Fresh drink to match

To accompany the artichoke sandwich, we suggest a refreshing drink with a local twist. The ideal accompaniment is a glass of chilled artisanal Chinotto: a non-alcoholic beverage with a citrusy, pleasantly bitter taste, born between Rome and Viterbo and uniquely Italian. Chinotto, with its retro notes, cleanses the palate and pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the artichoke and pecorino cheese, enhancing their nuances without overpowering them. Alternatively, a homemade rosemary lemonade or a cold citrus and mint infusion can evoke Mediterranean aromas and offer a refreshing and harmonious pairing with this spring sandwich.