Sapna vs. 5th & Wine: You Say Panini, I Say Panino

International foods have found their way into the heart of American (and Phoenician) cuisine, from sushi rolls and ramen bowls to gelato and panini. For this week's battle, we visited two places with international flavor -- one a tiny vegetarian friendly cafe owned by a self-professed world traveler and the other a chic wine lounge in Old Town Scottsdale.

Whose panini would reign supreme? Read on to find out.

In One Corner: Sapna Café
1301 Grand Ave. in Phoenix
602-254-6726

To brie or not to brie, that is the question.

Sapna Café is an adorable -- albeit tiny -- little wedge of a restaurant tucked inside the historic Bragg's Pie Factory building in Phoenix. Owned by former Swedish chef Ana Borrajo, Sapna (the nickname Ana picked up in India) is bright and modern, with white walls and simple white Ikea tables, walls of windows lined with warm colored curtains and funky art on the walls.

​It has a very urban European feel, despite the fans that are more than necessary in the summer heat. 

Sapna focuses on quick, healthy fare, with options ranging from non-meat quesadillas and gypsy stew to scrambled eggs, panini, pasta and salads. I ordered the brie, pear and walnut panini (technically panino or panino imbottito since there's only one and it's stuffed) and it arrived in short order, looking lovely on a white plate with a fresh green side salad.

I bit into the pressed sandwich and was pleased with the perfect crispness of the bread and the way it held together like a panino should. The brie was a mild and salty background flavor, mainly existing to "glue" the sandwich together. The arugula was crisp and slightly bitter, the walnuts adding a nice crunchy texture and the thinly sliced apple a hint of sweetness.

"It's a little bland," remarked my dining companion, a seasoned chef with decades of experience. "The brie isn't a strong flavor, so it needs some chutney or compote."

I agreed with her assessment. The sandwich was extremely well balanced, with base, bitter, sweet and nutty flavors represented. But it needed a little zing; perhaps a side of sweet-sour chutney or a vinegar-based sauce? Next to my friend's veggie sandwich, which was dripping with savory dressing and packed with flavor, the panino did taste a little wimpy. Still, I'd eat it again if I was craving a mild dish.