Inspired Cuban at Frita Batidos in Ann Arbor
In and around metro Detroit, there aren’t many places serving Cuban cuisine. But for the lovers of all things porcine, you must search out a proper Cuban sandwich.
Last night I was lucky enough to sample the Inspired Cuban at Frita Batidos in Ann Arbor. It’s rare that a sandwich blows my mind, but this lovely morsel still has me smitten as I write this 24 hours later.
The ingredients are straight forward: pork, bacon, ham, gruyere, cornichons, and chipotle mayo on Cuban bread. Let’s delve a little deeper, though. Chef and owner Eve Aronoff has taken steps to ensure that nearly each and every item on her menu is sourced locally. Pork comes from Black Oak Farms.
Bread, which is so often a forgotten aspect of the sandwich, is the star of this sandwich. Nothing against pork, bacon, and ham – I still love each of them dearly, but the bread. Oh my god, the bread. The bread used to be made in house, but given the fact that Batidos’ kitchen is the size of a closet, they’ve outsourced the bread making.
Outsourced to a small family. Yes, this outrageously flaky and life altering bread is literally homemade. Using Eve’s recipe, which even uses lard, the family bakes each loaf to golden brown perfection.
When each element of the sandwich is so meticulously thought out and prepared with such care and love, how could I not fall in love? The first bite did me in. Layers of texture and flavor. Complex – savory, salty, spicy, chewy, crunchy, lovely. I want it again.
I want it now.
The Mini Bar may soon include various alcoholic beverages - stay tuned!
Frita Batidos is located at 117 W. Washington :: Ann Arbor, MI 48104 :: p 734.761.2882
I believe it is impossible to discuss a Cuban
Sandwich if you have not been to 8th Street in Miami.
I am a native Floridian. Media noche is what we called it.
I have craved the real thing since my family moved here
In 1991. Cuban food is rarely a topic in A2. I enjoyed the
article. Thank you
Gail