The Best Things Happen Between The Bread

Classic and comfort; thats what was on the menu at this year's Sandwich Showdown at The New York City Wine and Food Festival.

Among the 20 personalities and restaurants participating, the stations were graced with go-to creations: philly cheese steaks from Phil's Tavern, Little Muenster's grilled cheese and tomato soup, summer reminiscent lobster rolls from Capital Grille and Luke's, and salumi staples from Salumeria Rosi and Lexington Brass. "It doesn't get more classic than this," said Charles Compagnucci of Phil's Tavern. "People like what they know and they know Philly cheese steaks." The Sandwich King himself, Jeff Mauro stayed simple with hearty on the mind: plates with an honest braised brisket sandwich with slaw on them scattered his table.

For some, Thanksgiving was on the mind, which turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce renditions scattered amongst a few different stations, one even a Thanksgiving panini from the chefs at Whole Foods. 

However, as the sandwich begins to become more gourmet and less casual these days, so were some of the chef's creations. Home by The Range's Indian Style Braised Beef was sprinkled with pickled giardinia and married with a tart cranberry sauce making it power packed with flavor. 

No sandwich, both of comfort and of imagination proved better than Marble Lane's Manuel Trevino and his Kobe beef Patty Melt which took the crown as sandwich champ by the people's vote. The melt, which also made an appearance at last year's, but apparently proved worthy this year with it's juicy beef, oozy cheese, and toasted white bread accompanied by a pickled slaw.