Thomas Vicari, the exuberant and very confident owner of Casa Havana, has issued a challenge through our inbox:
I have eaten and tested over a thousand of these so called cubanos. I have perfected the perfect cuban sandwich.I would like to challenge anyone who says they have the best cuban sandwich! I would like to have your paper The village Voice hold the contest and let the people vote.
So, readers, we need some audience participation here. Where can a person get a good cuban sandwich these days? The city's options have dwindled dramatically, sadly. We stopped by Casa Havana to anonymously sample Mr. Vicari's creation and were surprised by the addition of raw garlic. But let's let the people vote.
Send your picks to foodblog@villagevoice.com, or simply comment on this post by next Thursday, Valentines Day. The results on Friday, February 15!
downtown bakery on 1st ave and 4th st. they have no competition.
Posted by: wza at February 8, 2008 6:35 PM
For the sake of history, you gotta put in La Chinita Linda or whichever of the Chelsea Cuban-Chinese places are still live!
Posted by: china at February 9, 2008 9:36 AM
cafecito on ave c
Posted by: D at February 9, 2008 12:36 PM
My favorite cubano in the city hands down is at Margon on 46th btw 6th and 7th ave. They throw in a slice of salami that takes the whole thing to another level. I'm not sure that raw garlic can compete with that as far as genius.
Posted by: Aziz Ansari at February 10, 2008 12:55 PM
If it has garlic it is NOT a cubano, period.
Posted by: andres roura at February 10, 2008 7:55 PM
CHINA! You remember La Chinita Linda!?
That was my favorite place. They had the best shredded beef and sweet plantains in NYC. I was hoping they moved to Queens but haven't been able to find them. If you have any information please pass it on.
I totally teared up when I walked by several years ago and they were gone. Now I sound like a freak.
Posted by: clk123 at February 11, 2008 3:40 PM
THE ORIGINAL SANDWICH SHOPPE!!!
58A Greenwich Ave
Herb mayo tosses that sh*t intergalactic style.
Posted by: Carlos Fernandez at February 13, 2008 5:48 PM
yo, the THE ORIGINAL SANDWICH SHOPPE is where it's at. the american cuban with fresh roasted turkey--just as good as the traditional.
Posted by: jason ashlock at February 13, 2008 10:29 PM
Cafe Cortadita in 3rd and B. I've tried them all, and this is THE BEST ONE. Loads of butter, perfect bread, the tenderest pork ever, with just the right amount of cheese and pickles. OMG I want one now.
Posted by: indy bones at February 14, 2008 12:44 PM
I challenge Casa Havana to leave my neighborhood. The sandwiches are about as unauthentic as they come, I was hoping for a decent Cuban place when I saw them start building, not a decrepit one.
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