Benjamin Cory Harow knows that aside from the pristine beaches, world renown theme parks and gorgeous weather, Florida has an array of amazing food spots to satisfy cravings of locals and tourists alike. Some of the best delights can be found in the Sunshine State, whether it is the famous Cuban sandwich found all over, to the classic New York sub. Florida is a hub for amazing sandwiches, with every restaurant packing its own flavor and placing its own stamp on their product.
Right outside of Little Havana and a short trip from Miami International Airport, Versailles Cuban Cuisine is historically known as Miami’s most authentic Cuban restaurant. Here is where the staple Cuban sandwich is made, a combination of pernil (roasted pork shoulder), ham, Swiss Cheese, pickles and mustard between buttered and pressed Cuban bread. Served with a side of tostones (fried and mashed green plantains), this sandwich is a must have for any Miami visitor.
On the other side of the bay, along Miami’s South Beach, a French delicatessen with three shops in the city serves magnificent sandwiches with a European flavor. La Sandwicherie is known for its soft French bread sandwiches, including The Napoli, which includes fresh prosciutto and mozzarella. An added topping of the restaurant’s world famous vinaigrette is a must-have. This is one of Cory Harow’s favorite sandwiches.
About three and a half-hours away in Orlando, a creative sandwich shop with overnight hours catering to Downtown bar hoppers serves up wonders between bread. Pom Pom’s Teahouse and Sandwicheria has a plethora of good eats and out-of-the-box sandwiches. One of them being The Billy Chang which includes smoked brisket, blue cheese, strawberry jelly and red onions. With amazing funky sandwiches, Pom Pom’s keeps people coming back for new taste and unique flavors.
For those captivated by Latin cuisine, Orlando has a tight grasp on the food truck and counter sandwich shop business. With flavors ranging from Caribbean to South American, options are endless and the pride is felt in each bite. Close to Universal Studios, Chimiking hosts savory Dominican sandwiches, “Pierna de Cerdo” (Pork Leg), is a slow roasted pork sandwich topped with lettuce, tomato and onions and mayo ketchup, a sauce commonly used in Latin sandwiches that creates a sweet taste on top of the meat.
On the gulf coast of Florida, in Naples, a family owned sandwich shop brings the classic New York taste to the Sunshine state with Pastrami Dan’s open faced pastrami sandwiches. Similar to the delicatessen of the Big Apple, these meat loaded sandwiches come served on rye or roll, with the classic mustard and pickle on the side.
Another Naples classic with a New York feel is Napoli on the bay, an Italian restaurant and deli which has a great selection of hot and cold sandwiches, like the chicken parmesan or California sandwich. The name is self-explanatory, this restaurant is a short walk to the bay and is a great choice for those looking for a quick bite with a great view.