Today August 23rd, is National Cuban Sandwich Day! I run a Facebook page called Celebrate Everyday, National Days of Everything and didn’t realize that today was National Cuban Sandwich Day until I was browsing the internet, well after lunchtime! I always pre-plan my posts for the daily celebrations and this one almost got away!

I grew up in South Florida, near Miami and currently live in Tampa. These are two infamous Cuban sandwich regions in Florida. So to say that the Cuban sandwich is pretty special to me would be an understatement. And I’ve been lucky enough to live where a good quality Cuban is easy to find!

Some of my favorite local places to grab a warm, melty, meaty Cuban sandwich is Moreno Bakery in Brandon, Broccato’s Sandwich Shop in Tampa and Strawberry Hut in Plant City. Tampa even hosts a Cuban Sandwich Festival in Ybor City every year!

I was surprised to learn, after growing up near Miami and moving to Tampa 15 years ago, each respective city has its own version! Tampa honors it’s Cuban and Italian relationships but sliding salami into their version while Miami sticks with only roast pork and ham as it’s meats. Tampa also likes to add lettuce and tomatoes to theirs (the Key West version), not the case in MIA! They both still have the traditional Swiss cheese, mustard, mayo and pickles on toasted (pressed) Cuban bread. One of my favorite local places to grab a hot pressed fresh Cuban sandwich is Moreno Bakery in Brandon. I usually just run in and order it but today I called my order in ahead of time, to keep myself from grabbing extra bakery goodies! Side note, I did leave with four cannolis but in my defense those were for my guys!!!

And to think, this meaty sammy started out as a modest cigar factory workers lunch and later became a Cuban cafe staple!