Miami, FL (The Joy of Food) — Perhaps the most famous of Cuban sandwiches is the Cubano, a layered crunchy yet soft pile of stuff pressed down to the size of a pancake.
The Cubano is everything you could want between two slices of bread: generous layers of garlicky crisped ham and pork, melted cheese, some pickle chips, and subtle spreads of mayo and mustard. As with many things, the Cubano begins and ends with the bread, a special Cuban variety that’s split lengthwise, buttered, and then smashed by the sandwich press until the inside is soft and warm and the outside has a blistered crunchiness and shine that has become this sandwich’s trademark.
The Media Noche, or the Midnight Sandwich, is the Cubano’s cousin, identical in fillings, but standing apart once again where the bread is concerned, enveloped by an eggy-type sweet bread similar to challah that adds heartiness, as if you needed more fat to go with your heaping pile of cheese and meat. The brioche is softer and richer and more of a player in terms of flavor, but as good as it is, you might miss the crackling thrill you get from the Cubano.
These pig-intensive sandwiches should fill you up, but leave room anyway for some sweet plantains, a starchy, sugary accompaniment that’s worth the extra million calories. On their own, they’re deliciously rich, but the sweetness is amplified if eaten along with the sandwich, a byproduct of the saltiness I’m guessing.
Enriqueta’s is frequented more by locals than by tourists, an unassuming storefront where you’ll find some of the best versions of these sandwiches in Miami. It’s a small place, probably no bigger than your living room, a few tables wedged into the middle of the space with a row of barstools on one side. Your food will be delivered in red plastic baskets and should be enjoyed straight from the griddle, but if you must take something away for later, there’s a separate window outside for to-go orders.
Written by Joy
Thanks for reading. The Joy of Food blog celebrates eating well, traveling often, and living la dolce vita. San Diego, California is home base, but thoughts are from all over. Reviews and photos help to highlight wonderful (or not) food experiences from around the world.
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