Hot on the Cuban Sandwich Trail
Consider the Cuban sandwich, savory layers of ham, slow-roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard between pressed Cuban bread. It’s the go-to at Cuban lunch counters throughout South Florida and so storied it’s the topic of a new book.
For National Cuban Sandwich Day, Aug. 23, visit your favorite local cafe to celebrate the Cubano:
• David’s Cafe, now located inside Shelborne South Beach, has served Cuban cuisine since 1977 in its original location on Alton Road.
• Latin Cafe 2000, in Brickell, on LeJeune Rd., and in Hialeah, serves its Cuban sandwich in different sizes – regular and extra-large – and offers two for the price of one if you mention Cuban Sandwich Day.
• Havana 1957 on Espanola Way is offering 20 percent off all food and beverages for Miami-Dade residents who present valid ID.
• While Henry’s Sandwich Station in Fort Lauderdale won’t open until Sept. 1, you will be able to find their Cuban sandwich on the menu in their new location at Sistrunk Marketplace and Brewery.
• Sanguich de Miami, Tinta y Cafe and Chug’s Diner – all recipients of the inaugural Michelin Bib Gourmand designation – feature their versions of Cuban sandwiches on their menus.
In The Cuban Sandwich: A History in Layers, authors Andrew T. Huse, Barbara C. Cruz and Jeff Houck delve into the past and present of the iconic Cubano and its variations. Read about the famous rivalry between Miami and Tampa versions and look for mentions of traditional and modern restaurateurs on the sandwich, including these Florida restaurants:
The Boozy Pig, Tampa
Cafe La Trova, Miami
The Columbia Restaurant, Tampa
The Cuban Coffee Queen, Key West
Gilbert’s Bakery, Miami
Islas Canarias, Miami
Latin American, Miami
Luis Galindo Latin American Cafeteria
Palacio de Los Jugos, Miami
Sanguich de Miami
La Segunda Bakery, Tampa
Sergio’s Restaurant, Miami
Versailles, Miami
Don't miss chef Michelle Bernstein's Cubano recipe from Cafe La Trova that uses pulled pork on top of the lechon.
Buy The Cuban Sandwich: A History in Layers goes from University Press of Florida here.
