08.01.2024

Today’s Forecast

92º | 25% chance of precipitation |
Sunrise 6:51 a.m. | Sunset 8:17 p.m.

More than just ham and cheese

The Cuban sandwich’s connection to Florida and where to get one in Lakeland

Customize your Cuban at Divicious, because what’s a classic without a few remixes? | Photo by @eataduck

The Cuban sandwich is a lunchtime staple here in the Sunshine State. But where did it come from?

The history

The toasty handheld is said to have originated either in Miami or Tampa. Some also claim that it could’ve actually originated from the Taíno tribe in Cuba.

If you ask anyone in Ybor City’s restaurant scene, you’ll likely be told that the Cuban sandwich you know and love was constructed around 100 years ago at a regionally famous eatery: The Columbia. It was popular among Cuban workers in the cigar factories that dotted the city.

Department of Commerce Collection — Cuban sandwiches being made in Ybor City | Photo via Florida Memory
|
State Archives of Florida/State Archives of Florida

Who made it best?

If the Taíno tribe did build the first Cuban sandwich 500 years ago, it consisted of a yucca bread called casabe stuffed with fish and poultry. Meats such as ham and pork weren’t introduced until Spaniards made their way to Cuba, along with softer bread.

From the beaches of Miami to the streets of Ybor, one thing’s for certain: The way a Cuban is made differs regionally. Historically, the Miami version excludes lettuce, mayo, or tomatoes, while in Tampa, you might find some, if not all of those additions. Tampanians also include salami while Miamians typically don’t. And neither side can agree on whether or not the sandwich should be pressed or cold.

Where to get a Cuban sandwich?

Now that you’re hungry, try one for yourself at one of these local eateries.

Cuban Delight Cafe, 1039 E. County Rd. 540A | Regulars rave about the Cuban sandwich, as well as the rice + beans and the croquettes.
Divicious Deli, 128 E. Main St. | Order the Divicious Cuban. If you’re feeling extra, order it with avocado.
Julio’s Sandwich Shop, 4525 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 33 | Stop in on Super Saver Wednesdays to get your Cuban for $5.

Is your favorite Cuban-serving biz not on this list? Tell us about it.

6 more sandwich spots

Asked

Which style of Cuban sandwich is best?

A. Miami version
B. Tampa version
C. Taíno version
D. Other (let us know)

Make us a sandwich

Events

Thursday, Aug. 1

Summer Film Fest | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 10 a.m. | CMX Lakeside Village 18, 1650 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | $1.99 | Head ogre to the box office to grab discounted tickets to see the movie “Shrek.”
“The Wedding Singer” | Thursday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 4 | Times vary | Theatre Winter Haven, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven | $33-$36 | This romantic musical comedy will take you right back to the 1980s.

Friday, Aug. 2

Lakeland Cruisers Cruise Night | Friday, Aug. 2 | 5-8:30 p.m. | Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | Free | View modern and classic cars at this family-friendly car show.
First Friday: Back to School | Friday, Aug. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Downtown Lakeland | Free entry | Kick off the month with family activities in Munn Park, plus later hours at downtown shops + restaurants.

Sunday, Aug. 4

Book Signing — Tillie Cole + Jennifer Hartmann | Sunday, Aug. 4 | 2-5 p.m. | Books-A-Million, 1520 Town Center Dr., Lakeland | $13-$14 | Have your books signed and meet the authors behind novels “A Thousand Broken Pieces” and “Catch the Sun.”

Monday, Aug. 5

Stuff the Bus 2024 | Monday, Aug. 5 | 7-8:30 a.m. | Hall Communications, 404 W. Lime St., Lakeland | Free | Volunteer to sort, load, and deliver boxes of school supplies for 28 local schools with the Kiwanis Club of Lakeland.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Three School Board seats are on the Primary Ballot for Polk County. Learn about the six candidates and vote on Tuesday, Aug. 20. Pro tip: Early voting is open Aug. 10-17. (The Ledger)

Tech

Art lovers can now enjoy the public sculptures + art of Swan City with the Downtown Public Art Trail. The interactive walking tour features 27 artworks along a 1.7-mile route. (LkldNow)

Community

The Polk Arts & Culture Hall of Fame will induct five honorees in October: Canter Brown Jr., Frank Howes, Jessie Owens, Jim Stafford, and Myrtice Young. Read more about the inductees and how they contribute to Polk’s arts and cultural heritage. (The Ledger)

Shop

The Cleveland Heights Mini Market will be between Pour Bear Coffee and Sabrina’s Delicacies this Sunday, Aug. 4, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Check out local vendors, plus have fun with felines from Botany Cats.

Arts

Take a peek at two new murals around town. Visual artist Kate Hall just finished a swan mural at Talbot House Ministries + muralist Gillian Fazio gave us a preview of what’s in store at Black & Brew’s downtown location.

Try This

Bartow Con returns to the Bartow Civic Center on Saturday, Aug. 3. Shop comic books, meet authors, and show off your cosplay. Tickets are $15.

Eat

Add croissants to your calendar. Meraki Bakehouse released its August schedule. Pre-orders will be available for pick up at Catapult on specific dates. Plus, look forward to a back-to-school bash at Concord Coffee on Saturday, Aug. 10.

Announced

Congrats to @calgolden on winning our Lakeland Summer Staycation Giveaway in partnership with Welcome Canary. Enjoy your luxury apartment stay + local coffee, fine dining, and shopping.*

Home

Even if you’re a seasoned Lakelander, it never hurts to double-check the latest Hurricane Guide from Lakeland Electric, featuring pet tips, emergency evacuation plans + up-to-date contact info. Download for free.*

Civic

🎉 Political party

Politics can be a party in Polk County

A decorative sign over the Munn Park entrance with treetops and the sunshine in the background

Munn Park provides a chill environment for civic education. | Photo via @coolhandneal

Polk County residents planning to vote have two opportunities to meet the candidates this month.

Politics in the Park

Connect with local + state candidates, learn more about the electoral process, and get your questions answered — all in a relaxed setting. Plus, voice your preferences in the straw poll.

The event will be on Tuesday, Aug. 6 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Munn Park in Lakeland.

Polk Politics Candidate Rally

Meet the candidates and eat a free hotdog at this event in Bartow. Local candidates will be available to speak and answer questions. There will also be a straw poll + results will be announced at the end of the event.

The rally takes place on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bartow Civic Center.

The Buy

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More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Jessalin

From the editor

If you want to sample Cuban sandwiches in one of the possible birthplaces, might I direct you to our friends over at TBAYtoday. They have a fabulous round-up of Cuban sandwiches in Tampa Bay.

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