Memories from Miami Weekends: Sunshine and Cuban Sandwiches

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Every time I go to Miami, I mean to find a souvenir.

But when I visit this tropical city, its white sand beaches, crimson sunsets and electric vibe all seduce me away from any premade plans. Weekends pass so quickly here it feels like they’re over before they’ve barely begun. Then before I even realize it, I’m on the plane home, already missing this lush city.

In Miami, I’m in my happy place.

Who says you have to leave the country for gorgeous beaches?

On my last visit, Miami was the setting for a caper-filled weekend with friends old and new. This is a rare quiet moment in my friend’s backyard.

I took my coffee here every morning.

When not a houseguest, I like to stay at the low-key Raleigh, mostly so I can plant myself around the gorgeous palm-fringed pool. Like every other visitor, I love Miami’s art deco design. But while I find the buildings interesting, my true obsession are the interiors. I adored the curves of this coffee bar.

Walk the boardwalk and stop for cocktails along the way (I recommend the beach club at the Ritz Carlton).

Outdoor dining is everywhere– but keep in mind Miami does get chilly on winter evenings. In early March, we dined outdoors but had to bundle up with blankets.

Plenty of beach chairs for lounging.

No photographer available? Default to the classic hot dog pose selfie.

Hanging out on my friend’s dock.

When I’m back home in New York City, I’m always a little wistful that I didn’t take the time to bring home a souvenir to remember my trip. Well, unless you count the menu from my favorite Cuban joint (since lost) and the giant shell I came home with after an evening out (don’t ask).

This shell is my only Miami souvenir.

Souvenir Recipe: a Miami Cuban Sandwich

But while I haven’t yet found a traditional souvenir in Miami, I can still bring home my favorite Miami dish, the Cuban sandwich (also called the Cubano). I’m going to make a bold statement here and say that the Cuban sandwich is my favorite sandwich in the world. Yes, I know that the Cuban isn’t as trendy as other sandwiches– but really how many Vietnamese Banh Mi can you have before tiring of them? I’ve ordered Cubans three times in one weekend– and still could have eaten more. For me, it’s the combination of crusty, yet soft bread and oozing cheese, cut by the sharp bite of pickles that sets off my cravings. The pork is tasty too, but I am mostly concerned about the cheese to pickle ratio.

When in Miami, it’s easy to try a Cuban sandwich– you’ll find them pretty much everywhere. While there are all sort of “best” lists out there, I doubt you’ll want to run around and try them all (some are inconveniently located, so unless you want to spend half a day hunting down a sandwich, you might want to forget the lists). After taste-testing a few, I can recommend two exceptional, and centrally-located Cuban sandwiches that are worth a stop.

Unless you’re dining at an ethnic restaurant, pretty much every restaurant in South Beach will offer a version of the Cuban sandwich, some better than others.

David’s Cafe Cafecito

David’s (919 Alton Road) is the go-to Cuban spot of my friend and her Cuban-born husband. I loved the bright and airy layout, with plenty of comfortable seating and a long counter, perfect for watching the action. While the Cuban sandwich here was tasty, we also loved the amazing roasted pork, mariquitas (banana chips), and stellar croquettes. My friends also recommend the traditional soups, especially the sopa de pollo.

The cafe con leche at David’s is delicious.

The mariquitas (banana crisps) are thin and airy, served with an addictive garlic sauce.

The tasty Cuban sandwich.

Las Olas

If you’re staying in South Beach, the most accessible yet still authentic Cuban spot is Las Olas (644 6th Street). While the atmosphere here is bare bones (don’t expect table service or spacious seating) the Cuban sandwich here is bar none. Expect flavorful pork and ham, held together with lots of melty swiss cheese and balanced perfectly by the acidic bite of dill pickles.

Place your order at the counter.

Cuban sandwiches are made to order.

Perfection.

Souvenir Recipe: Easy Cubans at Home

At home, I recreate my favorite Miami snack by making my own bastardized version of the Cuban sandwich. To make a truly authentic Cuban sandwich is a lot of work– especially if you’re cooking for only one or two people. So I sub out the traditional long marinade and large hunk of pork shoulder for a more manageable pork tenderloin.

One ingredient that I find irreplaceable though, is the Cuban bread. If you live somewhere with no Cuban population, well I feel sorry for you. If you absolutely must use something else, others have suggested lightly crusty rolls with a soft interior (like a Portuguese roll). Under no circumstances should you use a baguette, it might look the same in shape but is completely wrong in texture.

I bought this Cuban loaf at my local supermarket.

Miami Cuban Sandwiches (the Lazy Way)

Slice Cuban bread. Butter insides. Spread yellow mustard on one side. Add pickles, then ham. On other side, layer swiss cheese, then pork. Brush top and bottom of bread with more butter.

Now you are ready to grill and press the Cuban sandwiches. I recommend improvising with whatever cookware you have. A panini press works, as does a grill pan with something heavy on top (I use a dutch oven or cast iron skillet, but you can wrap a brick with foil if you need to). Toast over medium high heat until golden and cheese is melted, 3-6 minutes.

Special thanks to friends L., N., J. and of course the adorable A. for making my latest stay so memorable!

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