Best Cuban Sandwich west of Havana!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at 04:11PM 
On a warm Thursday night this past summer, I tasted the absolute best Cuban sandwich I have ever eaten in my life. No, I was not in Miami, or anywhere in Florida for that matter. I was in Oceanside, California at the Thursday night Farmers Market.
Anytime I see a Cuban sandwich on a menu, I am immediately skeptical. And for good reason, because most of the time I come away from the experience more than a bit disappointed. Now, let me preface by saying that I am not your average Cuban sandwich consumer. I am (in my opinion) a bit of an expert in these matters, having grown up in a Cuban family with an Uncle that owned a Cuban Sandwicheria on the Las Vegas Strip. I guess that it’s safe to say that I am a harsh critic when it comes to the art of making a Cuban sandwich. Side note, I’ve never made one, I just eat them.
Everything changed for me and my world was turned upside down after one bite from a sandwich at Annel and Drew’s Kitchen. The first thing that I thought to myself was, “surely this guy has to be Cuban”. To my surprise, the answer was no. The truth is quite simply that Annel and Drew are just really good at what they do.
The inspiration for the sandwich came courtesy of Annel, who had worked at a well-known Cuban restaurant in Los Angeles years ago. Their thoughts echoed mine in how hard it is to find a good Cuban sandwich in the area. Well folks, the search is over.
Annel and Drew’s Kitchen started just under 3 years ago when the pair decided that their goal was to serve great food with good ingredients. The rest is history! Both have an outstanding culinary pedigree; with Annel having grown up working in her family’s restaurants all her life, and Drew having worked his way up the “food chain” since the age of 16, and graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York.
For those that live here in the North County, you cannot afford to miss this duo’s cuisine. The kitchen is open for business 4 days a week at various locations along the coast. They are:
- Wednesday- Ocean Beach Farmers Market (4-8)
- Thursday- Oceanside Farmers Market (5-9)
- Sunday- Leucadia Farmers Market (10-2)
- Saturday- Pop-up Stand at 184 N. Coast Hwy 101 in Encinitas (11-3)
I highly recommend that you check them out. Along with the Cuban sandwich, try their grilled Artichoke. You’ll be glad you did. There is plenty more to eat and all of their food is fabulous! They also provide catering services. Here’s their menu.
Enjoy, and make sure to tell them Ernie sent ya!
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Reader Comments (3)
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Nice blog.That looks really delectable. I can't wait to taste it. I'll definitely look for that place. :) Thanks for the info.
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