Seasoned pork, sliced ham and tart pickles surrounded by Cuban bread, pressed to a perfect crisp. It was a tasty way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
The fourth annual Cuban Sandwich Throwdown has cemented its spot as a beloved local event, occurring every April at the Green Parrot as a fundraiser for the Learning Center of Key West, a local child care center owned by Pam Lopez.
A panel of judges — Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez; former city commissioner Clayton Lopez; philanthropist, tourism advocate and friend to all George Fernandez; real estate agent Jenna Stauffer; and yours truly, Mandy Miles — sampled all 12 entries and chose their top three in two categories, traditional and nontraditional.
Attendees were also hungry for a taste — and a vote. So, a $20 donation entitled anyone to a literal pile of sandwiches to sample and a ballot to pick their favorites for the People’s Choice Awards.
They could also try their luck at the Cuban Sandwich Drone Drop, paying for the chance to predict the sandwich’s landing spot when dropped from a drone.
Hosted by QMitch, the event raised $3,200 for the Learning Center of Key West and fed a few hundred people.
CUBAN SANDWICH THROWDOWN CONTESTANTS:
Traditional
La Concha.
Sandy’s.
Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe.
El Mocho.
Eaton Good.
Havana Cabana.
Non-traditional
La Concha.
Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe.
Southernmost Moose Lodge.
The Conch Republic.
Island Johnies.
Kaya Island Eats.
THE WINNERS:
Traditional:
1. Sandy’s.
2. Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe.
3. Havana Cabana.
Non-traditional
1. La Concha.
2. Kaya Island Eats/Island Johnies.
3. Frita’s Cuban Burger Cafe.
