Each Friday, this list will track five of the best things Heavy Table’s writers, editors, and photographers have recently bitten or sipped. Have a suggestion for the Hot Five? Email editor@heavytable.com.
The Hot Five is a weekly feature created by the Heavy Table and supported by Shepherd Song Farm.
Muffaletta Sandwich at The Original on 42nd
The Muffaletta sandwich at the newly opened The Original on 42nd was described by owner Andy Lilja as the shop’s most popular. After having it, that’s no surprise: It’s all about the balance, with rich and tender meat, a yielding roll, plus nice crunch, acid, and heat from the giardiniera.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]
Patina Cocktail from Copperwing Distillery
The gin-based Patina at Copperwing Distillery is made with fresh basil and lemon juice. The refreshing acidity along with the savory herb restrain the gin and allow the botanicals to take the stage.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from a story by Paige Didora]
Local Strawberries at the Seward Co-op
We stopped by the Seward Co-op yesterday and found the first local strawberries of the season. And since we had been to the gym, we felt justified in thinking about a strawberry sundae with lunch. We used Sweet Science vanilla ice cream and a nicely bittersweet, homemade tangerine-caramel sauce based on syrup left over from candying peel. The berries were red throughout, tender and juicy, and sweet with a slightly tart undertone … in no way like their plastic-foam winter avatars.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by Jane Rosemarin]
Banh Mi at Peeps Hot Box
Encased in the quintessential banh mi baguette (crackly thin crust, impossibly soft interior), Peeps Hot Box’s version ($10) is just a slight tilt off the standard version. With its beautifully charred sliced pork, just enough cilantro and pickled vegetables to add fresh crunch, and rooster mayo (thank you for not calling it sriracha aioli!), this is a fantastic sandwich that marches boldly across the full spectrum of flavor. I’ll be looking for their truck again. Probably tomorrow.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted from an upcoming review by Ted Held]
Black Currant Dry Cider by No. 12 Cider House
Hard cider has come a long, long way from the sugary, watery, chemical-y garbage foisted upon us by massive multinational companies. Case in point: Minnesota-made No. 12 Cider House, which puts out a range of subtle products including its Black Currant Dry. Dry, subtle, and flavored with a mellow amount of tart astringency, this is a cider that would pair beautifully with any number of foods, playing well with citrus and/or earthy flavors.
[Debuting on the Hot Five | Submitted by James Norton]