The very artful Torta Cubana

Are you looking for a great downtown lunch? Well there’s a sandwich at the Fire & Ice Museum Café that is Heaven sent. Literally, once you pick it up you wont be able to put it down until every morsel of this Cuban explosion of flavors is gone…if only to take a quick bite of the spicy slaw salad and red pepper sauce that comes with it. The Torta Cubana is a signature offering from Chef-owner Peter Sonderegger who says his many years sampling the iconic Cuban sandwiches found on the streets of Miami gave inspiration to his creation. It features a locally baked butter griddled roll, topped with charred pasilla pepper aioli, roasted chicken, smoked ham, bacon, Havarti cheese, pickled red onion, avocado and organic tomato. One big, messy Latin lunch that is to die for!

The best drink pair, especially in summer months, is the house special Liquao de Fruita, which is essentially fresh squeezed ginger lemonade. Very refreshing with just the right amount of bite to go with the spice of the torta.

Sonderegger says all his menu is seasonal and sourced from local farms and purveyors and is rich in worldly flavors, including a truly handcrafted family coffee. The coffee is exclusive to the café and is grown in the El Imposible region of El Salvador.

Fire & Ice also features a catering menu for corporate and private events, which they’ve been an industry leader for over 20 years. --RB

1130 State St, adjacent to the Museum of Art gift shop. 805-698-8478 www.fievents.com