I fell in love with Cuban sandwiches in a hole-in-the wall Mom and Pop grocery store/deli near Georgia Tech when I was working in my Dad’s chemistry lab. I didn’t really know much about Cuban food, but I was starting to learn I loved food. Despite a childhood as a selective eater (translation: picky), God opened up the love of food during an encounter with a Chinese restaurant in DC as a teenager. I discovered the breadth of international food. I added on dim sum, banh mi, pho, calazones, and samosas. This intersection at Georgia Tech taught the love of the Cuban sandwich. It’s a little odd that I liked it. I not a big pickle fan. But I’d never had pressed sandwiches before. This deli’s version made my taste buds sing. I’ve since gone back, but not for a few years (limited by kids and time visiting family). I’m not even sure the place still survives. Other than that place, I haven’t gotten Cubans at many other places. I had one in Miami when at John’s wedding. I don’t remember that one so much.
So this weekend, on Blake Island, I overheard a group of parents swooning over Paseo’s. That reminded me that I’ve been trying to go. It’s so close.
So today was the day. Nice weather. Hungry stomach. No kids. I jumped in the car and went. Spontaneous as the wind. I got a Midnight Cuban press. It was a monster. The wrapping paper was wet with the liquids coming out of the bag. Not sure you can press a baguette, but these folks sure tried. It was very good. Yummy, delicious. Amazing carmelized onions. No the same as my beginnings in Georgia. But a nice substitute here in the NW.