Torta Cubano

Torta Cubano – Tahona Kitchen & Bar, Blue Ash, OH

Nestled in the quiet Cincinnati suburb of Blue Ash, OH, Tahona is a hip little taco joint that is both family and millennial-friendly. The ingredients are fresh, the salsa bar is bountiful, and the ambiance is lively. The taqueria is one of four eateries in Summit Park, a massive enclave that boasts a skating rink and a 150-foot observation tower to enjoy a panoramic view after you’re done devouring tacos.

If you’re in the mood for something a little hardier than a taco, I highly recommend the Torta Cubano. The sandwich features braised pork, bacon, a medley of pickled vegetables, chipotle mustard, and jack cheese. If you’re enticed by the picture above, I also recommend the movie, Chef , for a fully-fledged spank reel on the Cuban sandwich.

The more kinds of pork you can pile onto bread, the better. Why have 1 violin in an orchestra, right? In this case, the unctuous pulled pork and crispy bacon compliment each other wonderfully. However, it would all be moot if it were stacked on two soggy pieces of wonder bread. The jam-packed panini is held intact by their telera roll—a less-dense cousin of ciabatta bread that is the real secret to the torta’s success. Combine that with the day-brightening pickle garnish and the sinus-clearing mustard, and you have a sandwich that will slide down your gullet faster than your second margarita.

If you’re a real suburban thrill seeker—grab yourself a torta, knock back a few drinks, and waddle your way to the skating rink outside of Tahona for a perilously fun time.