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Who takes the sandwich World Series? The Cuban or the Philly?

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By NEIL JOHNSON | The Tampa Tribune
and KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 22, 2008

The World Series matchup of the Tampa Bay Rays and some team from Philadelphia will be decided on the baseball diamond. But another important rivalry will be decided on the lunch plate: the battle of the Tampa Bay area's iconic Cuban sandwich and the Philly cheesesteak. To help, we take a look at each location's signature sandwich.

Cuban Sandwich

The ingredients: Nearly every restaurant or store that makes Cuban sandwiches has some variation, but the ingredients are often the same. The basics of a Cuban are ham, Genoa salami, thinly sliced pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mayo and mustard. Some recipes call for provolone cheese, lettuce and tomatoes.

The secret: The key is the Cuban bread, baked that day and with the unique split in the top crust made by placing a palmetto frond on the loaf before baking. And don't forget: Until the sandwich is pressed, it's just a ham sandwich. The press heats and squeezes the ingredients in addition to toasting the bread to a golden crust.

Philly Cheesesteak

The ingredients: According to Joey Vento, owner of Geno's Steaks in South Philly, "We use only steer meat, steer that is between 20 and 30 months old, barley- and wheat-fed." Only white onions are used, and they must be cooked to the right consistency, he said, never over- or under-grilled. His bread is ordered fresh from a New Jersey bakery each day, and it has to have a good shelf life. The cheese involves a choice: A good Philly cheesesteak has provolone or American cheese or Cheez Whiz.

The secret: Tourists tend to order American or the preferred provolone, he said, but everyone from Philly orders Cheez Whiz.

Your Favorite Sandwuch Spot

Are there any cheesesteaks in the Tampa Bay area that would pass muster with a Phillies fan? Oh, yeah, where do the Cuban aficionados go? Let us know. Go to TBO.com, Keyword: Cuban or Philly.

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