The creation of the sandwich is widely credited to John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich. The story behind the sandwich is that Montagu was an avid gambler who created the hand-held meal so he could keep one hand free and continue to gamble while he ate.
The sandwich has evolved since Montagu’s stubborn, yet brilliant idea to put meat between two slices of bread. It comes at no surprise given the versatility and variety of the sandwich that it has become one of the most popular food items in the United States. It has even inspired its own day (and month).
The variety of amazing sandwiches in the City of the Arts, Costa Mesa, is no exception. Travel Costa Mesa has compiled a two-part list of the top restaurants to enjoy the art of an amazing sandwich. Be sure to try these sandwiches before we share the second half of our list. Each sandwich tastes so good that even Montagu would take a break from gambling to enjoy one!
Monte Cristo from Le Chateau Garden Bistro
The Monte Cristo from Le Chateau at the Ayres Hotel and Suites Costa Mesa has received numerous accolades and has been hailed as the best Monte Cristo in Orange County. The deep-fried, double-decker of bliss is turkey, ham, Swiss cheese and powdered sugar dipped in egg batter and served with raspberry Chambord jelly. Although Monte Cristos are not a common menu item, it is hard to find one that can compare to Le Chateau’s.
Grilled Cheesy Goodness from Avanti Café
With a blend of havarti and white cheddar, blood orange honey Dijon, garlic shallot arugula and spinach, all melted on Avanti Café’s own cranberry walnut bread, the grilled cheesy goodness title is certainly true to its taste. The grilled cheesy goodness is a great choice any day of the week, but it’s perfect for followers of Meatless Monday!
Banh Mi from East Borough
Inspired by the street cart food of Vietnam, the grilled pork banh mi packs a spicy kick with lemongrass marinated, flame grilled pork and cucumbers, cilantro, jalapeno, pickled daikon and carrots on a freshly baked baguette. Although every sandwich comes packaged to-go, it’s best to enjoy one in the East Borough dining patio for the best experience.
Media Noche Cubano from Eat Chow
Eat Chow boasts an eclectic menu, and is full of dining gems, but the media noche cubano sandwich is a must-try. With slow roasted pork loin, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, house made pickles and spicy mustard, to eat the media noche cubano is to taste the best of Cuban flavors without the risk of an embargo violation.
Prosciutto and Gruyère from The Iron Press
The prosciutto and gruyère sandwich from The Iron Press is rich, sweet, savory, salty – pretty much everything you’d want in one bite. The waffle adds some sweetness, while the thick gruyère cheese provides a smooth texture. The thinly slice prosciutto adds saltiness and the stone ground mustard provides a slight kick. The only thing that could make this sandwich any better is a cold beer, fortunately, The Iron Press has an impressive selection of craft beers on tap.
Image courtesy of Anne Watson
