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i'm just sayin'...and so is NPR!

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/04/25/151357876/the-cuban-sandwich-crisis-has-a-winner-tampa

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they’re going to have some pretty annoying virtues.” Elizabeth Taylor

Well, it's fundamentally invalid to decide historical fact by reference to a poll, but in this case the result was correct.

In the dusty history of this Board and its predecessors I shared some efforts in establishing Tampa as the Cuban's home many years ago. The correspondence included Andy Huse (the Tampa historian and USF librarian who is like a lesser ReneG for Tampa), as well as the legendary NYT correspondent Johnny Apple. Mr. Apple actually got it right. I need to see if I can find that....

As you know, a super-authentic Cuban would be made with the Tampa-style bread from La Segunda (less "short" and fluffier than Miami bread, plus the palm leaf), and Genoa salami, in addition to the other orthodox ingredients.

Like this:

Columbia Restaurant Cubano Lunch Combo

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Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

I'm now, officially, homesick

1905 Salad may look like a wilted mess but it's soooo delicious...mmmm.

I don't happen to be a fan of Columbia's cubans--their bread is a bit thin and I don't love the meat that they use but, all together, it's still pretty damn good.

I need a vacation.

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they’re going to have some pretty annoying virtues.” Elizabeth Taylor

It looks good to me. What's in it?

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As a mattra-fact, Pie Face, you are beginning to look almost human. - Barbara Bennett

Suzy:

http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/recip ... edItemID=2

Have it whenever visiting my grandpa in Tampa. Good stuff.

The love is in the preparation--always tableside (cheese is not just an ingredient in this baby!) If you don't love salt, this is not the salad for you--ham, green olives, a very piquant romano, Lea & Perrins...mmmm...good stuff!

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they’re going to have some pretty annoying virtues.” Elizabeth Taylor

Had one the other day at Columbia's cafe outpost in the Tampa Bay History Center down on the riverwalk. Looks markedly different than stevez's upthread. I appreciated not only the balance of meats, but also the quantity - not like those overstuffed piled-high Americano cubanos.

That looks more like what I tend to favor...a good amount of roast pork to go with the ham...Steve's was probably similar but couldn't make out the roast pork as prominently. I am now very homesick!

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they’re going to have some pretty annoying virtues.” Elizabeth Taylor

Those that follow the Hungry Hound on Twitter might of seen him doing his own little Cuban sandwich quest in Miami recently. He was pretty quick to dismiss Tampa as the superior to all other places or rather fast with the trigger to crown Miami the King. I twat at him saying he needed to check out Tampa before proclaiming Miami the best and he replied that he promised to get back to Tampa "next trip". No worries mon, the Hungry Lion's got dis one. I did my own little quest for one of the countries best regional sandwiches while in the Cigar City earlier this month.

West Tampa Sandwich Shop


A locals favorite for the past 32 years

The first stop was one that came onto my radar this past election season. The POTUS stopped into this popular lunch and socializing spot in an old Cuban neighborhood not far from Ybor City. That's where many of the old cigar factories the Cuban immigrants of Tampa used to work at. Popular debate topics the past three decades have been what Cubans are passionate about, baseball and politics. Though most everyone here agrees on the food. When I stopped in on a Fri. around lunch the place was popping with regulars having espresso and sandwiches. They only have two presses so when it gets busy the wait can be a little while. Call ahead if in a rush.


The ladies behind the counter were hard at work on my visit

When the President visited he ordered ropa viejo and Honey Cuban sandwiches for his crew. I wish I could of further explored the menu but I was on a mission and needed room in my appetite for the other shops. I ended up getting their specialty of the house Honey Cuban sandwich which is a regular Cuban pressed with drizzled honey on the bread. This was my GF's 2nd and very close to 1st favorite place and one I thoroughly enjoyed with the enhancement of the warm honey.


Honey Cuban Sandwich

La Segunda Central Bakery


Supplying fresh baked Cuban bread to Tampa since 1915



Not far from our first stop you'll find this JeffB rec'd Tampa institution where they still hand bake their original recipe Cuban bread around the clock. On top of their most popular item which is their bread they also have all sorts of baked sweets and a couple of sweeties working behind the counter if I may say so myself. You can order treats from the cases with those working them and then theres a separate station for sandwiches.


A peak inside

One thing to take note of in Tampa is some places include everything as far as condiments go to be mayo, mustard, pickles, lettuce, tomato and onion. Most places also will ask if you want your sandwich hot or cold. So be sure to tell them you only want the cheese, pickles, mustard and maybe a little mayo if you must. Don't mind the salami, as mentioned above that's traditional in these parts and doesn't do anything to hurt the sandwich, it only helps. Obviously the bread was the star here and the sandwich was great because of it. It could of been a little warmer inside.


Cuban Sandwich from the source for the best Cuban bread in the states

Brocato's Sandwich Shop


Since 1948: A Tampa Tradition

I spent my first year of college down in Tampa at UT and this was me a couple of my buddies go to spot for a huge filling sandwich. Just like back when this place is still packed to the brim during lunchtime. It's a pretty large space with an outdoor area and they have quite a few folks making sandwiches and their famous Devil Crabs are made for you to see in their own public kitchen.


What is it?

I always loved the Devil Crabs which is a great mixture of flavors. Chopped onions, red peppers, crab claw meat that's lightly mixed with marinara and Worcestershire sauce is fried in huge oversize croquettes. These treats have influence from the cigar factory workers of Cuba, Spain and Italy. Brocato's always had the best. They have a special that will get you any 6" sandwich and a Devil Crab for $13 which is the way to go. As far as sandwiches they have quite a few including their popular Italian and also a meatball and cheese steak.


A peak inside Tampa's not as famous regional eat

Back then it wash either a Cuban or their roast pork straight up for me. Its the pork that makes this sandwich. One somewhat disappointing aspect of most Cubans I had all over Florida this past trip was the fact most used cheap old deli ham. It makes me further appreciate Cafecito for their use of quality ham. Although the pork at all these places is pretty great and Brocato's is best. It's the Al's beef of Cubans in Tampa.


Cuban Sandwich

The Floridian


Located in a little strip mall, recommended thru a Tampa foodie on Twitter

Not to be confused by the historic Floridan Hotel which is also in town, the Floridian is a newer sandwich shop with the aim of going chain. As for now the original location is on Kennedy Blvd and they claim to serve the "Finest Cuban Sandwiches on the Planet". The bread as La Segunda's website points out comes from there and overall the perfectly pressed sandwich really worked but again the quality of the ham was somewhat lacking. Although I'm guessing this is how locals like it. I still very much liked it myself.


Cuban Sandwich

Wright's Gourmet

I never made it to Wright's when I was in Tampa but had I it would of been my spot. This is an old school deli where you walk in and wait in line until the sandwich makers call you up. You then order from the sandwich menu or the display case with potato salads and other such sides as well as their famous desserts and pay after its all made and placed on your tray.


Since 1963, Tampa's Premiere Deli Cafe

I tried their famous "Beef Martini" sandwich at the airport en route home but the star here is their Cuban. Both me and her declared it easily the best on this trip. It's made with La Segunda bread, and in addition to some great sliced roasted pork, ham and salami they add a slice of turkey and use Jarlsberg cheese. A perfectly balanced sandwich. I'd love to try some of their other offerings. Happy New Year to all.


The 6 Time Winner of the Tampa Tribune's Best Cuban Sandwich in the city contest

West Tampa Sandwich Shop
3904 North Armenia Avenue
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 873-7104

La Segunda Central Bakery
2512 North 15th Street
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 248-1531

Brocato's Sandwich Shop
5021 East Columbus Drive
Tampa, FL 33619
(813) 248-9977

The Floridian
4424 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 287-6662

Wright's Gourmet Cafe
1200 South Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 253-3838

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Smokin' Chokin' and Chowing

GREAT post beef. Even if you left out my favorite spot, Hugo's and my 2nd favorite, La Teresita. The sandwich with the honey scares me And in my 40something years of eating Wright's sandwiches, I confess, I've never had a Cuban there. I plan to correct that oversight in a couple of weeks when I'm there. Thanks for yet another great sandwich survey!

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they’re going to have some pretty annoying virtues.” Elizabeth Taylor

It looks like the Cuban (and their multi-layer chocolate cake) might be the redeeming grace for Wright's. At least it will get me back inside the store again after my WTF moment with their beef martini sandwich (roast beef and butter on white bread? No thanks).

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Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

Really nice rundown Beef. Don't worry about Dolinsky. He makes some snap judgments but usually comes around to the right conclusion.

The abysmal state of ham at many otherwise solid sanguicherias throughout Florida is NOT a reflection of local tradition or taste. My old fave, long closed now, Vienna Bakery on Havana, roasted and glazed its own high quality city ham and sliced to order. Columbia still glazes and bakes its own quality ham for Cubans. Once upon a time, all the good places used a flat iron from the laundry to achieve a glassy glazed finish on the bone in hams on site. Ham used to be as important as the lechon and bread. Not so much now.

Some other faves include La Ideal, Silver Ring, and Alessi. In a pinch, and assuming an old Cuban lady is manning the deli case, one can even find a decent Cuban at Publix.

Hugo's is good. I love Terisita, but never for Cubans. They take a Miami approach and use utility coldcuts - which all makes sense because the staff is made up of more recent immigrants, not old line Tampenos who take the sandwich so seriously.

JB

I've linked this before, but this short article from Tampa's best food historian, Andy Huse, holds up.

http://www.cigarcitymagazine.com/food/i ... dwich-city

Garlic butter AND mushrooms AND bacon and roast beef on white bread--and it's awesome

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they’re going to have some pretty annoying virtues.” Elizabeth Taylor

As you know, its beauty is lost on me. That's the WASPiest sandwich I've ever eaten, but that cubano...

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Steve Z.
Photographer/Pseudojournalist

"The only time to eat diet food is while you’re waiting for the steak to cook." - Julia Child

If this is what you're talking about then, yeah - I'm in. Looks pretty damn good to me.

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The cake is a lie

Beef Martini @ Wright's Gourmet

This reminds me that I need to put butter on sandwiches more often. And I find it hilarious that you'd identify it as the WASPiest sandwich you've ever had, Steve, because when I first tried it, I described it as reminiscent of the dinner spreads laid out by Grammy Jo, my college girlfriend's grandmother in Jeff City, Missouri. Brauncshweiger in spades, dill pickles repacked with added sugar, German potato salad, and white bread sandwiches made with butter. This is not a bad thing

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-Dom
www.skilletdoux.com

In case anyone goes to Wrights, they do the same sandwich with real roasted turkey breast, also thinly sliced--I actually prefer it ever so slightly to the beef version. And Palma Ceia, the neighborhood in which Wrights is located is still firmly WASP (white, affluent, southern, Protestant ).

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“The problem with people who have no vices is that generally you can be pretty sure they’re going to have some pretty annoying virtues.” Elizabeth Taylor