You thought we forgot about all those sandwiches you recommended, didn’t you? Well, we definitely didn’t.
The CL staff and I have determined the region’s 50 best ’wiches — everything from familiar favorites to best-kept secrets — with a little help from your suggestions. And, seriously, thank you. We would’ve never known about the truly special medley going on inside the Sunny Bird at Lonni’s, and we’re still not sure what to think about Sulphur Springs Sandwich Shop’s Arcade other than: “Holy crap. This is amazing.” Music Editor Ray Roa is having visions as I’m typing this.
Throughout these pages, you’ll learn where to score the tastiest vegan pulled “pork” (it exists!), the ooiest, gooiest grilled cheese, and a separate list of 10 takes on the quintessentially Tampa creation that is the Cuban (yup, we’re going there). But remember: We said sandwiches. Those burgers, wraps, hot dogs and other “handhelds” can wait. In fact, a spread on alternative burgers — chicken, veggie and other unconventional patties, plus the finest beefy burgers on the beach — is planned once CL Burger Week rolls around in October.
I also ask sandwich sages around town what makes or breaks a good sando; A&E Editor Cathy Salustri explores sandwich bread (or how much she misses it, really) in her latest #BecauseGluten column; Restaurant Critic Jon Palmer Claridge names his favorite sandwiches of 2016-17; and Editor-in-Chief David Warner meets the chefs who’re cooking at Meet the Chefs on June 15 at The Vault, where CL’s Restaurant Week kicks off.
Good luck getting through this Food Issue without really, really, really wanting a sandwich. —Meaghan Habuda
This article appears in Jun 15-22, 2017.