Ybor City hosts 7th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Ybor City is hosting its 7th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival this weekend and we're taking a look at how to make the perfect Cuban.

Felicia Calle, the chef and owner of Hemingway's, says there are five key ingredients in the perfect Cuban Sandwich.

First, the bread. It's important to have a crispy outer crust and a fluffy, chewy inside. Calle says they buy their bread at La Segunda Central Bakery.

Next, the meat. Pork and ham are the traditional meats in a Cuban, but you can add salami, pepperoni, or even chicken if you like.

Third is the cheese. Most Cubans and Tampa residents will tell you Swiss cheese is the only cheese that should go on a Cuban. 

Fourth and fifth are the dressings. Pickles and mustard are standard condiments on a traditional Cuban sandwich.

Once your sandwich is built, it should be pressed and grilled until the cheese melts and melds the ingredients together.

If you want to try a Cuban made by one of the pros, visit the festival Sunday, April 1 from 1-4 p.m. The festival is being held at 1320 E. Palm. and is free to the public. VIP tickets are available at http://www.thecubansandwichfestival.com/vip-tickets.html.