Want to start a really good argument? Sit down at any café in Ybor City and ask who makes the best Cuban sandwich. It’s a matter of great debate. But Tampa City Council made it official April 19. The Cuban sandwich was named the city's signature sandwich. So at least that much is certain. But who makes the best? See at this weekend’s Cuban Sandwich Festival. The Cuban Sandwich Smackdown does have a more important purpose, and that’s to help raise funds to help the family of baby Emberlynn Padilla, a 6 month miracle baby born with Congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Donations will be accepted at the festival from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is free, but please feel free to leave a donation. 

   It’s going to be a tasty task for the judges with 40 Florida Restaurants participating in the Cuban Sandwich Smackdown to find the best Cuban sandwich in Florida, including Restaurants from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Hernando and Broward Counties. Those judges include Mayor Bob Buckhorn, Tampa Chief of Police Jane Castor, State Representative Janet Cruz, Richard Gonzmart of the Columbia Restaurant, John Oliva of Oliva Tobacco Co, Cigar City Magazine founder; Lisa Figueredo, Pedro Galvez, Ana Cruz of Floridian Partners, City Councilman Mike Suarez, Congressional Hopeful Evalio “EJ” Otero, Tampa Steve of the Tampa Native Show, HART Board Chair John Melendez, David Audet of Audet Productions and Daytime TV’s Food Critic Larry Cotton. So what will they look for in a true Cuban?  That’s where we start. According the The Short List on tbo.com, the top five come from Hugo’s Spanish Restaurant on South Howard, Brocato’s Sandwich Shop on Columbus Drive, The West Tampa Sandwich Shop on Armenia, The iconic Columbia on Seventh Avenue, and Wright’s Gourmet House on South Dale Mabry. But what goes into a classic Cuban? If you take a look at  tasteofcuba.com, on a traditional Cuban, there should not be any mayonnaise, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers or lettuce. The fresh, crusty Cuban bread is traditional of course, but we’ve seen them use French bread (but not in Ybor!). Ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard and pickles complete the classic, and then it’s pressed. 

   If you’ll forgive me…I want one. Now! Oh, and once you’re done with that fantastic sandwich, don’t forget to join me in the evening for the 23^rd annual Abilities Wine Tasting at the Armed Forces History Museum, 2050 34^th Way N., Largo. This event features premium wines, auction items, and gourmet restaurants. Presented by Raymond James, the event is Florida’s longest-running and most prosperous one-night tasting, netting $3.48 million to date. For information visit www.abilitiesfoundation.com. See you tonight. 

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN 

It has been well said that a hungry man is more interested in four sandwiches than four freedoms- Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr.