Ultimate Grouper Sandwich Showdown in Tampa with Food Challenge King Joel Hansen

Exploring Tampa's Grouper Sandwich Scene

• 📍 David and food challenge legend Joel Hansen embarked on a mission in Tampa, Florida, the self-proclaimed "Grouper Capital of the World," to find the best grouper sandwich.
• 💡 The journey explored various preparations including fried, grilled, and blackened grouper, highlighting Tampa's rich seafood culture and history.

First Stop: Frenchy's Rockaway Grill

• 🍽️ The first tasting featured a massive, colossal fried grouper sandwich, described as the "OG fried."
• 🌶️ The sandwich was enjoyed with tartar sauce, lettuce, and optional hot sauce, with the addition of hot sauce adding a smoky acidity that complemented the richness of the fried fish.
• ⚖️ Other preparations sampled included grilled and blackened grouper, with the blackened version being a standout for its Cajun seasoning and buttery mouthfeel.
• 🇯🇲 A unique jerk grouper sandwich was also tried, offering a distinct flavor profile with spices and sauce on top.

Second Stop: Big Ray's Fish Camp

• 💥 This location offered a different take on grouper sandwiches, including a blackened grouper as their original and a fried version for comparison.
• 🤯 A unique "Grouper Reuben" featuring sauerkraut and Swiss cheese melted over the grouper was also a notable item.
• 🌽 An unexpected highlight was a lobster corn dog, described as a childhood favorite with buttery lobster inside, paired with honey mustard.
• 🥧 The fried key lime pie, originating from Key West but a popular item in Tampa, was declared the "best thing of the day" for its oozing filling.

Third Stop: West Tampa Sandwich Shop

• 🇨🇺 The focus shifted to the iconic Cuban sandwich, with a special mention of their "Honey Cuban" sandwich.
• 🍯 This unique preparation involves dunking the pressed Cuban sandwich in honey, creating a sweet and savory contrast that was highly praised.
• ☕ The shop is also known for its strong Cuban coffee and breakfast Cubans, with the Honey Cuban being their top seller.
• 🤝 The history of the shop is tied to a visit from President Obama, who had the Honey Cuban, now sometimes called the "Obama sandwich."

Final Stop: Salt Shack

• 🌊 The final tasting took place at Salt Shack, a waterfront restaurant, featuring grilled, blackened, and fried grouper sandwiches.
• 🐟 The fried grouper had a moist fish with a consistency like chicken-fried chicken, and was enjoyed with tartar sauce and hot sauce.
• 🌶️ The grilled and blackened versions were also sampled, with the blackened grouper noted for its Cajun seasoning, though one opinion suggested it could have used more seasoning.
• 🏆 The day concluded with a reflection on the diverse flavors and preparations of grouper sandwiches experienced across Tampa, making it difficult to pick a single best.