Cuban sandwich smackdown is coming

Tampa claims the Cuban sandwich as its own, but Miami begs to differ. On news of Thursday's upcoming resolution in Tampa to adopt what it calls the "Historic Tampa Cuban sandwich'' as the town's "signature sandwich," Miami Mayor (and Cuban exile) Tomas Regalado challenged Tampa to a sandwich smackdown (only half in jest). As it happens, the Latino Times publication is organizing a Cuban sandwich festival in Tampa on May 26 at which sponsors will revive the city's dormant tradition of Cuban-sandwich competitions. Organizer and Tampa native Victor Padilla said he welcomes contestants from Miami. The Cuban Sandwich Festival will be at the Ybor City Saturday Market, at Centennial Park in Historic Ybor City at 1800 E Eighth Ave., on May 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's free to attend and restaurants that think they make the best Cuban sandwich in town are invited to register for the contest by emailing Jolie@Latin-Times.com. Space is limited.