Rob Judges Reuben Throwdown at Manny’s Uptown Kitchen

Reuben Throwdown

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a great Reuben sandwich, and I recently got to taste several in the “Reuben Throwdown” for various charities at Manny’s Uptown Kitchen at Gateway Plaza.

I sampled entries from the NeWorlDeli on Guadalupe, Fricano’s Deli on Speedway, The Garden Spot Café, and Manny’s Uptown Kitchen.

The essence of a great Reuben, in my opinion, is a crispy exterior (grilled Rye bread) and a moist and tender interior (usually corned beef or pastrami) along with varieties of cheeses and sauces.

There were two categories of judging at the event: the public got to taste everything we judges tasted and cast their ballots as well. The public score counted for 40% and the judges for 60%. The public voted the Manny’s Reuben first while the judges voted the Fricano’s Reuben first.

But in my book they were all quite good. One contestant (The Garden Spot) entered a turkey Reuben that was also quite tasty. Over 250 tickets were sold to the event with all the proceeds going to local charities. Manny’s owner Aaron Mayers was a gracious host and said he plans to do this again in other food categories. I am all for that.