BBQ Pulled Pork Cuban Flatbread Sandwich

My first Gr(eat) Pl(ates) blog post featured a Banh Mi Flatbread Sandwich from Gourmet Food To Go in Downtown Cincinnati. Well, they did it again. I had another blogworthy experience today.

Gourmet Food To Go is a relatively new breakfast and lunch spot located in the downtown sky walk maze between the Federal Building and Fountain Square. For more information about Gourmet Food To Go, check out the June 24, 2015 issue of the Cincinnati Business Courier or just click here.

Here's why Gourmet Food To Go keeps making blogworthy Gr(eat) Pl(ate)s:

• All of the breads, cookies and desserts are made daily from scratch.
• All of the meat is roasted and pulled in-house, not cold cuts. 
• All of the jams, sauces, dressings and compotes are homemade, too.
• The chili and soups are made from scratch, hearty and full flavored.

All of the homemade breads are really, really good. The croissants are buttery and flaky, the kaiser rolls taste great and hold up well for their ample, two-fisted sandwiches....but the Turkish flatbread---now that's something special.

Today, I devised a plan to start at the top of the sandwich menu and work my way down. I ordered the BBQ Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwich. I started with the Turkish Flatbread. Chef Sarah placed the flatbread on a screen, added a smear of BBQ sauce (I love the BBQ sauce), piled on some pulled pork, a slice of salami (or capicola) and topped it off with a slice of swiss cheese. Then, it entered the oven and when it popped out the other side, I added pickled cucumbers, some House Blend Greens (romaine, kale and napa cabbage) and the finishing touch...apple slaw.  All sandwiches are served with a side of Saratoga Chips with a side of BBQ Sauce.

Drum Roll...Wait for it...FANTASTIC. The sandwich was unbelievably delicious!
The bread to "stuff" ratio was perfect.
Every bite had the right balance of tang from the BBQ sauce, crunch from the pickled cucumbers and apple slaw, and tenderness from the slow-roasted pork and melted cheese.
The Turkish flatbread held up throughout the whole process. It didn't fall apart or get soggy. It even held up to being dipped in the side of BBQ sauce.

As I was spell checking and checking my blog facts, I realized that I ordered a "BBQ Pulled Pork Cuban" and Chef Sarah happily indulged me. I really should wear my glasses. It turns out that I combined the top two sandwich listings "BBQ Pulled Pork" and "Cuban". I know Cuban sandwiches typically have yellow mustard instead of BBQ sauce....but to that, I say "Whatever!" My cr(eat)ion was delicious and should be on the menu.

By the way, I have a very healthy appetite as those of you who have eaten with me know. I also ordered the Yogurt Parfait, a large fresh fruit cup with creamy vanilla yogurt and topped with homemade granola AND a cup of Curried Green Lentil Soup. Both were very good and quite filling---I could only eat half of my sandwich for lunch and had the other half for dinner.

What was better the Banh Mi or the BBQ Pulled Pork Cuban?
Good thing I don't have to pick. The sandwich combinations at Gourmet Food to Go are limitless. You can order any of the Signature Sandwiches or do what I did....CR(EAT)E your own.

Gourmet Food to Go

580 Walnut Street, Plaza Level

Cincinnati, OH 45202

Phone Number (513) 500-7273

Business Website www.gourmetfoodtogo.co