Thanksgiving is a few short weeks away. But what if you like having turkey-based dinners all year long? One chain excels in making a turkey sandwich, and they happen to have their biggest presence in Florida.
Eat This, Not That recently published a feature focusing on the fast-food establishments that cook up the best turkey sandwiches in the country. Here, they claim Panera Bread is the number one option. "While you can buy decent sliced turkey at your supermarket deli, some chains are going beyond that and roasting their own turkey," they said.
In addition, the turkey sandwich may be the most flexible regarding what it can be paired with. There are the classic sliced versions stuffed between two pieces of sourdough bread with crispy lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise or mustard. You add in the bacon and make a turkey BLT. A few slices of cheddar, American, or provolone cheese are never a bad idea, either.
Here is where things get interesting with the turkey sandwich. You have the Thanksgiving sandwich options, which is an entirely different world unto itself. Over the next few weeks, you will certainly see the hot open-faced turkey sandwich special being on special at many of your local pubs. Then, of course, you have the post-holiday recipe. This is where you load up the rolls with that thick-cut sliced Thanksgiving turkey. Then, it's imperative you load it with all the other leftovers in the fridge. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, and anything else you'd like.
However, prior to that exciting and indulging time of year, let's look at some options in Florida to get a consistently great turkey sandwich.
Panera Bread
According to ScrapeHero there are 188 Panera Bread locations in Florida where you can snag that turkey sandwich. "If you want the healthiest and best quality turkey sandwiches, Panera is the place to go," Eat This, Not That states. Their current menu includes the Bacon Turkey Bravo, the Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT, and the Deli Turkey Sandwich.
Where Else?
Jersey Mike's, Potbelly, and Jimmy Johns are also worth noting from Eat This, Not That's feature. Though each of them offer their own takes on a classic turkey sandwich, they also let you customize your order. Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, which ranked second with Eat This, Not That, currently has "The Bobbi," a Thanksgiving turkey "sandwich you'll be thankful for." Although there are only six Capriotti's locations in Florida, three of them are in the greater Tampa area.
Two Florida Restaurants Named Among The Best For French Fries
Do you want fries with that? Tasting Table recently published a list of restaurants with the best French Fries in the country and two New Florida establishments were named.
"From high-end steakhouses and neighborhood brasseries' to fast food restaurants and even grocery store freezer aisles, fried spuds can be found in just about every type of restaurant or shop across the country," Tasting Table explains. Their feature is specific to non-fast food restaurants.
French Fries are always a fan-favorite whether a side dish, an appetizer, or just a snack. They come in all shapes and sizes. Shoe strings crispy versions, thick-cut steak fries, seasoned curly fries, waffle fries, and even tater tots (are those considered fries, though?).
French Fry Fun Facts
In a 2019 story published by the Daily Meal, they discussed unique facts on French Fries in America. Two of the most fascinating have to do with McDonald's. "Approximately 7 percent of the potatoes grown in the U.S. meet the same fate: they become McDonald's french fries," they said. They later stated that this fast food chain sells one-third of the French Fries consumed in the United States.
French Fries are like music. They are a common bond, and they are subjective. What one person prefers may be completely different from another. Better yet, both choices are correct.
For example, Best Things Florida released their list of best French Fries in the Sunshine State. It is completely different from Tasting Table's. However, Tasting Table went and explored all corners of the country to crown their French Fry kings.
The two restaurants in Florida that were recognized for having some of the best French Fries in the country serve two very different styles. One of them is part of a restaurant that has expanded to other markets. The other is served in a restaurant where fries compliment BBQ.
Broken Shaker - Miami
Located on 2727 Indian Creek Dr. in Miami Beach, Broken Shaker has fries that are so good, they even get their own line item on the menu. These are Shawarma Fries, served with Harissa ketchup. You can order them on their own or have the fries paired with any of their burgers or sandwiches. Although Broken Shaker does also have restaurants in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Madrid, their menus show a some different takes on their hand-cut fries in certain markets. For example, Los Angeles has Carne Asada fries. New York and Miami both have the Shawarma recipe.
The Polite Pig
"In terms of meaty all-American food pairings, french fries go just as well with barbecue as they do with burgers," Tasting Table exclaims. The Polite Pig is located in Disney Springs. They describe their menu by saying, "Our menu is inspired by the best seasonal food that Florida has to offer, bringing new twists to local flavors and BBQ." They serve waffle fries with a polite rub. They can be selected as a side to any dish or in a giant platter to accompany your catering order. In addition, sweet potato tots are on the menu as well.
