Belle’s distracted me with their CUBAN SANDWICHES AND EMPANADAS sign on what would have otherwise been a routine trip to Louis III Burger for a pastrami burrito. Above all else, Belle’s managed to alter my perception. First, they taught me that a “CUBAN SANDWICHES” sign doesn’t necessarily imply that a variety of sandwiches are offered. In fact one type of sandwich is offered, it’s name is “Cuban Sandwich”, aptly enough (for the record, cursory Wikipeding shows that the Cuban sandwich is a gold standard Cuban/American lunch item, not just an apt name Belle’s came up with). They’re on-hand baked good variety doesn’t seem too extensive, either, but that’s alright. Being a master of one trade always trumps a jack of all. Inside, the room is tiny, I ordered the sandwich, waited ten minute and took it home with an Ironbeer (btw NOT BEER lol) in tow for good measure. Here it is, with me, in my kitchen:

The sandwich was hot and gargantuan, fresh baked Cuban bread enveloped hot pork, ham, swiss, mustard and pickles. Cuban cuisine is more subtle and soft than outspoken, which isn’t to say that it’s bland. Ideally, a good Cuban dish will strike up a feeling of contentment, comfort and warmth that no taco, BLT or pizza would ever be capable of. I’m proud to say that Belle’s Cuban sandwich strikes that exact chord. The sandwich runs for $6.50 (plus a buck for the soda), so you’re not making a huge investment, especially considering the amount of food you’re in for. Finally, through Belle’s School of (so-much-more-than) Cake Decorating, I learned that a bakery is perfectly capable of making a delicious sandwich.

BELLE’S SCHOOL OF CAKE DECORATING | 621 ATLANTIC AVE LONG BEACH | 562) 436-7007

Tags: altered perceptions, cake decorating, cuban food, First Bite, IRONBEER, lessons, signs