National Cuban Sandwich Day
America has never quite decided what to do with Cuba. One decade it’s enemy, the next it’s exotic fantasy — a forbidden island of cigars, rum, bright cars, baseball players, exotic women and complicated politics. Yet in the middle of embargoes and obsessions, one export slipped through and became an icon: the Cuban sandwich. Roast pork, ham, cheese, and pickles pressed together until even rivals find common ground.
Today is “National Cuban Sandwich Day”, a moment to appreciate this classic of Cuban-American cuisine, rooted in Tampa and Miami and carried far beyond. Traditionally made with roast pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, the sandwich is pressed until the flavors meld into something greater than the sum of its parts.
My photograph shows two Cuban sandwiches plated with fried plantains, another staple of Cuban cuisine. The pulled pork and ham layers contrast with the tang of pickles and melted cheese, while the plantains add a caramelized richness to the plate. Presented against a dark background, the bold textures and colors stand out, highlighting the character of this dish.
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National Panini Day — Grocery Store Counter Style
Finding a panini in the world of fast food is a bit like spotting a vintage sports car in a grocery store parking lot — rare, but worth the stop. My hunt ended here in Palm Springs, not at a café or chain, but at the counter of Jensen’s Foods. Freshly made when ordered for takeout. Not fast food fast, but quick enough.
This is their Arrivederci Panini: peppercorn turkey, white cheddar, Genoa salami, onion, pepperoncini, and basil on focaccia bread, finished with Italian vinaigrette. Pressed to order, sliced, and packed to go — it’s proof that “fast” can still be fresh.
The panini — an Italian term for a small bread roll or sandwich — became popular in Italy in the mid-20th century and found its way into American cafés in the 1980s and 1990s, often prepared on a ridged grill to create its signature pressed texture and golden stripes. Once considered an upscale alternative to the standard sandwich, today the panini is a staple in cafés and delis around the world.
Photographed here against my signature black background, the stacked halves show off the grilled bread, melted cheese, and layers of savory filling. A fitting way to mark the day — and maybe an excuse to pick up lunch.
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