Addictive Baguettes and Sandwiches from Around The World
The summer of sandwiches is upon us
I am officially declaring this the summer of the sandwich. Sexy, right? Nothing gives you the feel-good vibes of leisurely summer days better than eating a sandwich. Unless you live in South Florida, in which case you get feel-good summer vibes by driving through two feet of standing water on your way to Flannigan’s.
I say this because my Instagram has been filled for the last two weeks with something called a “Viral Beef Carpaccio sandwich.” Back in the 1300s, a viral beef carpaccio sandwich was generally considered the fastest way to get Black Death. Today, it just means a lot of people make videos of your sandwich from their front seat, often without a shirt.
I also say this because in addition to Buccan Sandwich Shop opening in Coral Gables, we got another top-notch sandwich shop this week at Maison Baguette in North Bay Village. This one comes to us from the world’s most renowned French-Kosher chef Olivia Ostrow, who’s now making fresh baguettes and sandwiches from around the world. What’s better, they come in adorable little blue lunchboxes that announce to the world “This is a very fancy sandwich, and definitely didn’t come from Publix.”
Why is a French-Kosher chef making gourmet sandwiches?
To paraphrase Kat Williams, “For the money, bitches!” But also because Olivia is supremely talented, and has crafted a menu of sandwiches from across the world on piping-hot French bread. The menu is a lineup of Kosher takes on classic sandwiches ranging from Cuban to Meatball to Croque Monsieur, all made with vegan cheeses and beef or lamb-based meats that make them a-ok for our observant Jewish friends.
What to eat and drink: The bread is spectacular, and each baguette is made fresh that day, heated to a crisp whenever you order. This results in piping hot sandwiches – almost as hot as the ones you put in the microwave at 7-11. So my first piece of advice is in addition to getting a sandwich, order a baguette on the side to snack on later. Carbs don’t count when they’re French.
The Merguez – a North African specialty, - comes filled with spicy lamb sausage, caramelized onions, pepperade, and Dijon, and might be the best blend of flavors I’ve ever had on a sandwich. The Chicken Bistro is brilliant in its simplicity with only grill chicken and caramelized onions, but showcases the ingredient and bread quality. Others worth trying include the Meatball from Italy; the Ribeye Steak and au Poivre Sauce, and the Wagyu Brisket, that tastes like your Jewish grandma won the lottery and didn’t tell anyone.
You can pick one of four different baguettes – original, harissa, herb, or sun-dried tomato. Then finish off with Olivia’s famous chocolate mousse.
The scene: It’s a take-out and delivery operation, so the scene is basically a lot of bags on the Maison Ostrow bar, and delivery drivers popping in and out.
Don’t miss: The flavored, non-daily butters including harissa, truffle, and blue cheese. In my best Fabio voice, I can’t believe they’re not butter.
Perfect for: Lunch delivery. Albeit a lunch that might put you in a food coma.
Expect to pay: $20-30, depending on how gourmet you go.
How’s the parking: Rough. There’s a ton of construction going on and people who work in the office building have the nerve to park their cars there. The police station is also right next door, so the “let me put my flashers on and run in” thing could backfire. You’ve been warned.
@maisonbaguettemiami // 1666 79th Street Causeway Suite 102, North Bay Village