I have given a lot of love to Lardo in the past, in particular their Chefwich series which spotlights a collaboration with a local chef with a portion of the sales going to a charity near and dear to that guest chef’s heart. For December, the chefwich spotlight is to XLB‘ s Jasper Shen + Laura Tran. Together, they created a Char Siu Reuben that stars roasted Chinese pork, spicy cabbage, Swiss, XLB secret sauce on griddled rye bread.
Proceeds benefit the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), a non profit organizing and advocating for Asians and Pacific Islanders in Oregon for social justice. Their work includes important work such as helping immigrant/refugee parents get involved in their children’s education, creating opportunities to have conversations, build connections, and create projects to raise consciousness of being part of the community but also not losing identity, political advocacy, and host the Jade International Market Night to promote small businesses and promote culture.
This sandwich is super juicy – grab lots of napkins is my advice. Don’t worry about the spicy cabbage description – it’s not spicy, but I like it better then sauerkraut. Here expect the Char Siu to be less meaty and thick compared to normal cuts – I’ve never seen Char Siu sliced this thin before in a deli meat fashion. Unlike the regular Reuben meat, expect less smoky flavor as the caramelization from roasting makes this meat a little sweet, and it’ll be a little fattier. So, enjoy while knowing you are supporting a great cause while enjoying deliciousness.
Have you been to Lardo or XLB? What has been your favorite items to enjoy at either or both locations? Have you heard of the Lardo Chefwich series before?
I can’t eat sandwiches for 3 more months because of my tooth issues, but have never been a big sandwich person in general. I do love the dirty fries at Lardo, though! And this reuben looks so flavorful and juicy.
I feel you on the limited diet – I’ll be on soft foods too after the first week of January while I heal too!
Your posts always make me want to grab my wallet and go to all the restaurants and food you write about!!! This sandwich looks incredible. I don’t eat too many sandwiches, but when I do I go big with something like that! Looks like the perfect combo of juiciness, buttery crust, and flavor.
I don’t eat sandwiches often either, but many of the times when I do it’s from Lardo!
I’m so curious about the spicy cabbage component! Poor cabbage ends up as the butt of vegetable jokes, but I really like it.
Yuuuuuuummm!! We looove Lardo, we get their sandwiches on lettuce as salads, so good! Would be fun to try this new one!
This sounds like a really delicious sandwich – I would eat it in a heartbeat!