quote:

Originally posted by Rusty246

My BF and I just got back from sailing the Keys, on our way back we had an accidental stayover in Kissimee. We found a restaurant called "Mambo" in a very small strip mall. When we walked in we thought: "Whoa, a little fancy. We just want a Cuban sandwich." We were greeted by a petite waitress who spoke little english but we felt we communicated to her well enough as to what we wanted to eat. We both ordered Cuban’s pressed and a side order each of black beans and rice. We were the only two in the place and we hoped we made a good decision. As I scanned the walls I noticed they had several awards and newspaper write ups about their food. Soon our waitress arrived again, food in hand. As we ate(still the only two people)she sat quietly at a far table occasionaly asking how everything was. It was GREAT! My BF asked her if she was the only one there(no other staff in site), no her Mother was there. Her Mother was the cook and a fine one at that.

Now I have a question. Some cubans I’ve had have a mayo/mustard(mixed together)combination on them, some mustard only. We have one place here "Mi Apa Latin Cafe’" that puts neither, they looked at us if we were nuts when we asked for it. Is there a tradition?

Miami Cuban (mixto) sandwiches, made in Miami, for Cuban-Americans, tend to be with mustard.

Give it another generation, and we will probably find them with Miracle Whip. [:0][:0][:0]

My BF and I just got back from sailing the Keys, on our way back we had an accidental stayover in Kissimee. We found a restaurant called "Mambo" in a very small strip mall. When we walked in we thought: "Whoa, a little fancy. We just want a Cuban sandwich." We were greeted by a petite waitress who spoke little english but we felt we communicated to her well enough as to what we wanted to eat. We both ordered Cuban’s pressed and a side order each of black beans and rice. We were the only two in the place and we hoped we made a good decision. As I scanned the walls I noticed they had several awards and newspaper write ups about their food. Soon our waitress arrived again, food in hand. As we ate(still the only two people)she sat quietly at a far table occasionaly asking how everything was. It was GREAT! My BF asked her if she was the only one there(no other staff in site), no her Mother was there. Her Mother was the cook and a fine one at that.

Now I have a question. Some cubans I’ve had have a mayo/mustard(mixed together)combination on them, some mustard only. We have one place here "Mi Apa Latin Cafe’" that puts neither, they looked at us if we were nuts when we asked for it. Is there a tradition?

Strange as it may seem probably one of the best Cuban sandwiches can be found ,of all places,at Sloppy Joe’s in Key West.And Laurio’s in Miami is incredible.

20 years married to a Cubana who knows———-

Russ[8D]

I suspect the Cuban is evolving with other cultural influences, e.g. salami. It sounds as though its authenticity may end up in knock down fights like hoagies/subs. (Mayo on a hoagie? Are you insane?) I’ve had a variety of "Cubans" in the Philadelphia area almost all made with French or Italian bread or ciabatta. All are pretty tasty but I recently had real Cubans in Miami Beach and must say it ain’t a Cuban unless it is pressed and made with Cuban bread. That is a world of difference in my neophyte opinion. In addition to proper pork, that thin wafer-like crust when pressed makes it unique to using other breads. Well, that was my epiphany anyway…

quote:

Originally posted by High Springs Gator

According to 3 guys from Miami the best cuban sandwices are made here

http://3guysfrommiami.com/cubansandwich.html

I get mine to-go from one of the Latin American Cafeteria branches. I find them to be very good. They take pride in making them – it is not just a sideline, like some places.

quote:

Originally posted by divefl

quote:

Originally posted by High Springs Gator

According to 3 guys from Miami the best cuban sandwices are made here

http://3guysfrommiami.com/cubansandwich.html

They like their own sandwiches? I guess that says something. I want the pork on it not sliced like the ham but in big juicy chunks. Mmmmhmmmm

Traditional Cuban’s are sliced pork….

quote:

Originally posted by High Springs Gator

According to 3 guys from Miami the best cuban sandwices are made here

http://3guysfrommiami.com/cubansandwich.html

They like their own sandwiches? I guess that says something. I want the pork on it not sliced like the ham but in big juicy chunks. Mmmmhmmmm

If you don’t have a sandwich press, you can wrap a clean brick in tin foil and place it on top of the sandwich on a cookie sheet.

quote:

Originally posted by Greymo

I agree that a true Cuban sandwich does not have salami in it.

THEY DONT!..yucka… then make me an italian sub instead if your gonna trash a good sandwich with genoa or any kind of salami!

Since you are talking about Florida Cubans…..Robertos in Cocoa Beach on A1A makes a great one, and their media noche’s cant be beat either.
And I come from the land of Cubans in Florida.. Miami!
Pressed and HOT is the only way to go.. unless you are drunk at 2 AM, and leftover’s (if there are any), are calling your name…[:0]

I ate at the Columbia restaurant in Orlando. The manager comped me a Cuban sandwich and it was very good. I do not recall it having salami on it.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

I agree that a true Cuban sandwich does not have salami in it.

Holy Moly, I thought all Cuban sandwiches had Genoa Salami. [:0] Must be the Italian in me. [:)]