I can’t believe I missed it.
Now in its fifth year, the Cuban Sandwich Throwdown took place last weekend at the Green Parrot Bar and I was out of town. I’ve been honored to be among the judges each year since the inaugural throwdown. I don’t plan to miss any others.
This year’s contest was the biggest yet, drawing more entries and more tasters, who, for a $10 donation, receive a literal pile of sandwiches to sample before selecting their own favorite for the People’s Choice Award.
The throwdown, created five years ago by Marcia Weaver, who owns Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe on Southard Street, raised $3,475 this year for Sigsbee.
All sandwiches are identified only with a number or letter, so no one knows which restaurant, food truck, catering company or home chef made it.
The unmistakable voice of emcee QMitch once again thundered through the Green Parrot as the panel of judges — Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez; George Fernandez; Sigsbee principal Eli Jannes; keyboardist Beau Sasser, whose band was playing at the Parrot last weekend; and an anonymous judge, who won a seat on the panel by bidding for it during the event.
The sandwiches are entered in two different categories: traditional and nontraditional. And businesses could submit sandwiches in each category.
There was a division for solo chefs who are not affiliated with any business or restaurant. In addition to judges’ decisions, trophies are given for the Popular Vote, which is decided (obviously) by the attendees who gave their $10 donation and dug in.
Now, without further ado, the winners are…
JUDGES’ PICKS
Traditional
First Place: Five Brothers & Frita’s (tie)
Second Place: Sandy’s Cafe
Third Place: Rock House
Nontraditional
First Place: Island Johnnies
Second Place: Frita’s
Third Place: La Concha
JUDGES’ PICKS
Solo Chef
First Place: Alex Dominicci & Diane May (tie)
POPULAR VOTE
Traditional
First Place: Sandy’s Cafe
Second Place: Rock House
Third Place: Frita’s
Nontraditional
First Place: La Concha
Second Place: Kaya Island Eats
Third Place: Frita’s
