Our city is home to some of the greatest sandwich creations since sliced bread. And no one knows this better than Sara Reistad-Long and Jean Tang, the authors of the new book “The Big New York Sandwich Book: 99 Delicious Creations from the City’s Greatest Restaurants and Chefs.” Here, they share their advice on where to grub — for any mood.
Best spot to get a sandwich when you’re lonely
“In the afternoon, I’d have to say the front room at Maialino. It’s across from Gramercy Park with big windows that let the light just pour in,” says Reistad-Long. “The space is incredibly convivial, and every day there’s a great soup and sandwich special.”
Most innovative sandwich
“We came across so many in the assembly of this book. But one of my favorites is Ratha Chau’s Spicy Veal Meatball from Num Pang Sandwich Shop. It’s a Cambodian num pang love-child of Italy and New York. You shape veal meatballs with dabs of hoisin sauce,” notes Tang. “You cook them in marinara touched with fish sauce. There’s basil, pickled daikon radish and garlic butter.”
Best deli sandwich?
“It’s tough to compete with the Moshe Dayan Hero at Artie’s Deli; it’s timeless, easy and has all the elements I crave when I think of true New York deli fare –from challah and pastrami,” says Reistad-Long.
Best romantic sandwich? Is there such a thing?
“If you were feeding love sandwiches to your intended, I’d start with Brad Farmerie’s dainty but explosive tea sandwich trio. Then, I’d dish up Delmonico’s New York Cheesesteak, which is essentially filet mignon in a veal demi-glace and cheese,” says Tang. “Last course? SHO Shaun Hergatt’s Lamingtons: jam spread amidst layers of sponge cake, dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut. It says, ‘I love you, and I want you to get thick around the middle so nobody gives you a second glance!’”
