Barnyard 
149 Ave. C, 212-674-2276, East Village
Is it worth it to hike to Avenue C for a sandwich? Absolutely. This beguiling purveyor of cheese, charcuterie and fine foods starts with the most excellent ingredients, pressing them between Grandaisy Bakery's signature flauta bread. The "Sexier Beast" is a beaut, composed of house-roasted beef, farmhouse cheddar, tomato, greens and a fruity touch of pear mostarda, an enthralling melding of flavors and textures to contemplate with each crunchy bite. The British Isles selection of Neal's Yard Dairy cheeses and boxes of Maldon sea salt make it feel more Covent Garden than Alphabet City, a sign of the neighborhood's continuing transformation. Owners Beatriz and Darrin Arremony, whose stellar Brix Wine Shop is around the corner, clearly have a passion and talent for assembling the best things in life.