It’s unanimous. The “Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich” is now officially Tampa’s signature sandwich.
The reading of the resolution and the vote by Tampa City Council took less time – about 2 minutes – than it takes to order a Cuban at some of Tampa’s more popular lunch spots.
Councilwoman Yvonne Yolie Capin also wanted to trademark the term “Historic Tampa Cuban Sandwich.” However, she decided against the trademark when she found out the it would require anyone using the phrase to get city permission.
“The idea of the trademark was to protect the original ‘Tampa Historic Cuban Sandwich,’ not limit or stop the creativity that comes with the culinary business,” Capin said.
But, it gave Council Chairman Charlie Miranda an opportunity for some good-hearted ribbing.
“Alright, so you don’t want to trademark it? Leave it the way it is ... with or without the mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce and tomatoes?” Miranda teased playing off the Cuban sandwich debate over ingredients. “Do you want it cooked?”
The meat-laden sandwich of marinated pork, Genoa salami and sweet ham is now defined, authenticated and official.
