Psst. Down here.
Yeah, here. The guy hiding under your breakfast table.
Kneel down, lean in close, this is extremely important:
I’m sick of regular breakfast.
Scrambled eggs. Burnt bacon. Toast. I’m tired of this grandpa.
I’m down here today to propose a new breakfast. One that will lead us into the future wiser, ham-ier, more fulfilled.
The Cuban sandwich.
I’ve tried to start my Saturday with one every week for roughly the past year, given I’m waking up in Tampa on that particular Saturday. It’s done my spirit wonders. And I implore you to do the same. Doesn’t matter where you get the Cuban sandwich—La Segunda, West Tampa Sandwich Shop, the lot—we’re not here to debate the best or tell you which one you should like. Just that you should eat it as early as you’d like.
Is this a controversial take? Maybe not! Maybe there’s others out there with a similar frame of mind. If you’re reading this, let’s all meet at La Teresita at 10 a.m. Saturday and eat exactly the below, a perfect Tampa breakfast.
Small Cuban Sandwich, with Lettuce and Tomato
Traditionalists be damned, I like a little cold lettuce and tomato on my morning Cuban sandwich. The tomato provides a juice and brightness that my mouth desperately needs after being withered and wide open for eight straight hours. And I recommend getting the small. We have essential sides to consume.
Spanish Bean Soup
Delicious and stocked with all the warm, porky broth and garbanzo-forward nourishment that the weekend requires. An elite hangover soup.
Two Ham Croquettes
I mean, we’re already here, might as well have some croquettes.
Orange Juice
Some pulp. Though we’ll gladly hear your case if you’d like to replace this with a beer.
Cordadito
One could argue that Cuban coffee is the linchpin to which the Cuban Sandwich Breakfast is tied to a true breakfast. Now we can all go forth into a brighter tomorrow.
And oh yeah, happy National Cuban Sandwich Day to those who celebrate.
I’ve had the La Teresita Cuban Sandwich for breakfast many, many times. It is fine. I take out the salami…And Tomato & Lettuce…yuck… Their croquetas are pretty good. The best things there are the hot pastries brought out around 8 AM, all for about $1 each. The quesito, guava, the churro…I buy a bunch of items and bring to local bakery owner friends and they devour the warm pastries!!! Also, get the tostones *fried plantains) comes with the yummiest garlic dipping sauce.
Want a better sandwich? Head to West Tampa Sandwich Shop, order the Tripleta and with fried eggs (put in the sandwich). You can thank me after eating one…or three… Plus, the coffee here is so much better than LT’s coffee.