Otago has two finalists in the search for New Zealand’s best toasted sandwich — Ferg Butcher, of Arrowtown's Texas Showdown (left) and the Welcome to the Club sandwich by Johnny Crema, of Queenstown.
Two Otago eateries have made the final round of an annual competition naming New Zealand’s best toasted sandwich.
A statement released by Cook & Nelson, the organisers of the 2024 Great NZ Toastie Takeover, announced the 14 finalists to head into the final round of judging this week.
Queenstown food truck Johnny Crema and Arrowtown’s Fergbutcher are among those to secure spots.
Arrowtown's Fergbutcher is a new entrant this year, making waves with its creation, "The Texas Showdown".
This sandwich features Texan spiced beef brisket, McClure’s Sweet & Spicy Pickles, house-made bourbon BBQ sauce, Emmental and cheddar cheeses, roquette, red onion, mustard aioli, all encased in brown butter toasted turmeric ciabatta.
Queenstown's Johnny Crema, a previous finalist, returns with "Welcome To The Club", a club-style sandwich containing shredded chicken, whipped cream cheese, house-made McClure’s Sweet & Spicy pickle juice bechamel sauce, and Egmont cheese, layered between European Bakery bread and topped with more McClure’s Sweet & Spicy Pickles.
The competition, open to all New Zealand eateries, has specific criteria.
Sandwiches must be toasted between two slices of bread, easily eaten by hand, and include cheese or a vegan substitute, and McClure’s Pickles. The rest of the ingredients are up to the entrant's creativity.
Head judge Kerry Tyack said there were high standards for this year’s competition.
"Twenty twenty-four has been a challenging year in so many ways, not least choosing a set of finalists from a stellar lineup of top-tasting toasties.
"The judging team has noted a much higher standard of bread being used in this year’s toasties."
But there were still some areas that needed improving, Mr Tyack said.
"Where we see a need for some extra care is in consistency and for taking the number of ingredients used a step too far.
"While the wild and wacky approach can yield some terrific toasties, it can also result in key ingredients being lost in a maelstrom of disparate tastes and textures."
Since the first round of judging in late June, 100,000 toasties had been served nationwide.
From 170 entries, the competition had been whittled down to the top 14, representing a mix of eateries from Auckland to Arrowtown.
The competition featured a mix of city bistros, neighbourhood cafes, delis, butchers, coffee roasters, bars, breweries, and food trucks.
The other finalists were from Nelson, Wellington, Christchurch, Petone, Greytown, Palmerston North, Taupo, Hamilton, Auckland, and Rotorua.
Queenstown’s Billy’s Espresso and Toasted Foodtruck, as well as Clyde’s Monte Christo Winery, also received a special mention for their toasties.
With the final round of judging in full swing, each toastie would be evaluated on presentation, preparation technique, “eatability”, taste, innovation and originality.
The winner will be awarded a year’s worth of McClure’s Pickles, a custom Rikki Berger trophy, and the prestigious title of New Zealand’s best toasted sandwich.
Toastie enthusiasts were encouraged to try the competing toasties while there was still time.
The final winner is announced on August 21.
