The new Paseo ownership never got the pork recipe quite right since part of the sales agreement they didn’t get the roast pork recipe. The pork was the only thing the original owner didn’t allow anyone else to make. Will say if you been around since the beginning, the whole situation was weird as you see some of the original Paseo staff part of Un Bien. Personally I go Un Bien, Bongos, El Cubano, Paseos for Caribbean sandwiches.
Un Bien gets the old Paseo's salad recipe/dressing closer to the original as well. They both make great sandwiches and it's somewhat obscene that we get to argue about which one is best.
@@RadianIndustries "Somewhat obscene that we get to argue about which one is best," is perhaps the most self-aware comment. Here, I am living in Germany and I have had to make due with the sad excuse that they call Mexican and Caribbean food here :(.
I don't know why people here are so positive about Un Bien. The original owner of Paseo skipped town with all the cash to evade taxes and left his employees without their paychecks. While out of the country, he sold Paseo to an investor who was a fan of the sandwiches and that guy was able resurrect the business by rehiring many of the old employees and working with them to recreate the menu. Meanwhile, the sons of the original owner worked with their dad to open Un Bien and seemingly everyone has forgotten/excused what their father did. In my opinion, the sandwiches between Paseo and Un Bien are basically identical, but I haven't forgotten how we got to this point. You guys are free to do so, but I'm a little disappointed in the ones that do.
Too true. I usually end up basically wearing this sandwich by the time it's done. The lettuce later really helps the whole thing slide apart. It is tasty, though.
No dis-ing the limp romaine. My kids loved it when I would cut a head if romaine in half lengthwise, dip in beaten egg whites, then in grated parm. Right onto the grill, but not too long, get a bit of char on the edges for more flavor. The kids only added salt and pepper. No limpness. No grill? Broil or saute in a hot pan❤
Google maps collections are way more useful, shareable, and interactive. Not to mention the direct links to their locations, menus, etc@@danielrasmussen2167
maps.app.goo.gl/V299SA6sszi3ZbZw8 here ya go! I've been keeping a list of places all over the world and have a Seattle eats list. It's mostly Kenji recommendations but maybe not completely
It exists, but made by someone who mapped every single place mentioned on Kenji’s Instagram (even the ones he didn’t particularly praise): Kenji Seattle/PNW+ recs by @rajawashere · Raja H maps.app.goo.gl/CdU6EM9n6g5XVdkL6?g_st=i
The native Philadelphian in me would probably love this. Roast pork with provolone and broccoli rabe is my favorite sandwich in the world but honestly if you give me roast pork with whatever on any kind of crusty roll I'd probably enjoy it
It's kinda like a braise? Similar to my approach to carm onions, though I often do the reverse as well-- start low, end high. I'd like to see a comparison, if there's a significant difference.
The Stop in Pioneer Square is also a solid sandwich shop which has one of these caribbean pork sandwiches on the menu (called the "Cubana"), highly recommended, they do it with a jalapeño aioli
It's the perfect combo of flavors. I'm also in the same boat that I can't really tell the difference between the modern, the original, and the Un Bien, but I do remember the first time I had the OG Paseo sandwich, and it was mind blowing. That sandwich and the Fast Eddie from HoneyHole (another storied sandwich location that is in an unfortunate world of drama) are the two things I crave when I'm away from Seattle.
My one visit to Seattle was capped off with a trip there before heading to the airport and I STILL dream about that sandwich. My goodness now I’m sad I haven’t been back since 😂
Weirdly enough there was also a Paseo in Key West that became Bien. Had this same sandwich. We would eat it every year. One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.
YES! Same! We miss that place so much since it closed in recent years. I asked on Kenji's IG page if that Key West location was related. It had to have been, I think
Hey Kenji, that sandwich looks awesome! Whenever I make a pulled or shredded pork sandwich I do the onions similarly, but I also always put pickles on it to get a bit of the sweet/sour contrast with the onions. I'll have to try it without pickles sometime, it honestly never occurred to me. Also, I'd love to see some variations you might do with some of your restaurant favorites. I steal your ideas a lot _(or buy them in the form of your cookbooks)_ and I love seeing you do variations on things you enjoy.
I know this happens everywhere, but it amuses me how one restaurant will become well-known for a sandwich and all of a sudden you get a bunch of places in the area making a version of that sandwich.
This brings me back to good times :) The secret to the sandwich is how the aioli interacts with the caramelized walla walla sweet onions. Also great bread, tender juicy pork, really everything about it is amazing. You could also make the case that this is the best onion dish in the world!
Hey Kenji! I'm curious if you've ever had a roast pork sandwich from John's or Dinic's in Philadelphia and if so, how they stack up in comparison to this one? Thanks!
Hi @JKenjiLopezMain, thinking of doing a daytrip from Vancouver, Canada down to grab the Wok book and try this sandwich out across the street. Was thinking sometime in mid January but couldn't find the schedule of the next book signing online. Hopefully I'll get to meet you in person but worst case I'll get them to hold a book for me!
Trying to round out my seattle sandwich tier list --- haven't gone to paseo yet. Un bien was honestly a little disappointing for me, but all of my friends speak very highly of paseo. Will need to check it out. Have you been to royal grinders? I fucking love their Italian grinder. In fremont as well.
Their shrimp sandwich is also amazing. They had a location in the Ballard neighborhood near the beach when we had just moved to Seattle. We couldn't remember the name of Paseo back then so we just called it "Shrimp Shack" for years even though it wasn't known for that particular sandwich. 😅
I was literally just trying to figure out how to burn an hour in Fremont, as I have to make a stop there on my way home for Thanksgiving next week. Very interested in swinging by now.
it is legitimately one of the best sandwiches in the world (or that i've experienced anyways). i keep trying to find the time/an excuse to go to seattle based solely on this sandwich.
Are the Seattle Paseo/Un Bien at all related to the (now-closed) Key West restaurant Bien (formerly Paseo) that sold very similar sandwiches? I feel like they must be. I loved those sandwiches and would happily travel to Seattle to get another one.
I haven't lived in Seattle long enough to have nostalgia for the original Paseo, but I will say I've had Un Bien and modern Paseo both, and I think the Un Bien sandwich is tastier. They are both pretty good, and both are very messy to eat.
I like sandwiches a lot. Like probably too much, a lot. I will totally agree with you on this, one of the best sandwiches you can put in your mouth. I actually went and got one years ago as a celebration of finishing my divorce.
Might be too late to this but I gotta ask, a sandwich lover, I am willing to go to Seattle for this sandwich alone however, with that being said, if I were to go to Seattle and you being the local you are, you should do a video of places in Seattle worth checking out, or like a playlist or what have you.
Kenji.. best sandwich I have ever had was a BLT with pesto on baguette. So that's 2 world class sandwiches with baguette.. plus the bahn mi of course.. which I haven't tried yet. But my point is that I think you need to help us perfect the baguette at home if haven't already. P.S. I got an old Wolfgang Puck pressure oven from a family member and I heard they are great for making baguette or bread at home.. is this true? Does it help much? Have you ever tried his pressure oven's? What's your review?
In search of the best sando, did your friends go try the calamari sandwich at Marechiaro's on Olde Highway 80 in East County San Diego? I will put this up against any sando you and your colleagues put up! Love your vidyas, thanks Kenji!
Do you know specifically what that Patagonia outer jacket you are wearing is? I think it might be the Torrentshell 3L, but was just looking for confirmation.
I gotta try to make this sammich. What do they do with the pork? I need to know! 😭 😐 Oh. There's a Seattle Times article. I might actually be able to do this....
There’s something about sloppy food (i.e. where you have to get messy eating it) that weighs heavily against a meal for me. I always rush through eating the sandwiches at Paseo & Un Bien because I want to minimize the amount of time I feel sticky.
Yeah they are messy. Me and family got sandwiches from the original one and we ate them in my vehicle. Luckily it didn't get everywhere. But my vehicle smelled for days.
Hey Kenji, just a heads up, the link on your website for signed books returns an error. Went there to add it to my Christmas list for my wife and I saw that. Thanks for all you do.
I am absolutely loving these side quest restaurant lunch videos.
The Main quest
Couldn’t agree more
Use your big boy vocabulary.
The new Paseo ownership never got the pork recipe quite right since part of the sales agreement they didn’t get the roast pork recipe. The pork was the only thing the original owner didn’t allow anyone else to make. Will say if you been around since the beginning, the whole situation was weird as you see some of the original Paseo staff part of Un Bien. Personally I go Un Bien, Bongos, El Cubano, Paseos for Caribbean sandwiches.
True, the new Paseo just never got it right. Un Bien definitely still brings me back to the first time I had this great sandwich though
Un Bien gets the old Paseo's salad recipe/dressing closer to the original as well. They both make great sandwiches and it's somewhat obscene that we get to argue about which one is best.
the paseo now definitely doesnt live up to what un bien is offering
@@RadianIndustries "Somewhat obscene that we get to argue about which one is best," is perhaps the most self-aware comment. Here, I am living in Germany and I have had to make due with the sad excuse that they call Mexican and Caribbean food here :(.
I don't know why people here are so positive about Un Bien. The original owner of Paseo skipped town with all the cash to evade taxes and left his employees without their paychecks. While out of the country, he sold Paseo to an investor who was a fan of the sandwiches and that guy was able resurrect the business by rehiring many of the old employees and working with them to recreate the menu. Meanwhile, the sons of the original owner worked with their dad to open Un Bien and seemingly everyone has forgotten/excused what their father did. In my opinion, the sandwiches between Paseo and Un Bien are basically identical, but I haven't forgotten how we got to this point. You guys are free to do so, but I'm a little disappointed in the ones that do.
I've not lived in Seattle for probably 8 years and I still think about that sandwich.
"It is a sloppy one" is a big understatement for that sandwich, but it is so good!
It's probably his favorite phrase 😂 He said it too about the Smash That Burger one
Napkins aren't enough, I always want a pail of water.
Too true. I usually end up basically wearing this sandwich by the time it's done. The lettuce later really helps the whole thing slide apart. It is tasty, though.
No dis-ing the limp romaine. My kids loved it when I would cut a head if romaine in half lengthwise, dip in beaten egg whites, then in grated parm. Right onto the grill, but not too long, get a bit of char on the edges for more flavor. The kids only added salt and pepper. No limpness. No grill? Broil or saute in a hot pan❤
Yep…Amazing Sandwich, even better story. Thanks Kenji.
Some of the other sandwiches on their menu are also tasty, but that #1 is what keeps me coming back. Love it!
Sandwich aside, gotta say you're looking great Kenji :) keep these videos coming they're very comfy
Would you ever consider making a shareable google maps “saved places” collection of Seattle spots?
U could just write them down
Google maps collections are way more useful, shareable, and interactive. Not to mention the direct links to their locations, menus, etc@@danielrasmussen2167
maps.app.goo.gl/V299SA6sszi3ZbZw8 here ya go! I've been keeping a list of places all over the world and have a Seattle eats list. It's mostly Kenji recommendations but maybe not completely
maps.app.goo.gl/1JhuUrT4LmNxrUm2A
I use this one. Someone else made it, based on his Instagram posts.
It exists, but made by someone who mapped every single place mentioned on Kenji’s Instagram (even the ones he didn’t particularly praise): Kenji Seattle/PNW+ recs by @rajawashere · Raja H
maps.app.goo.gl/CdU6EM9n6g5XVdkL6?g_st=i
First I'm seeing this new channel. It's great seeing Kenji out and about talking about food places.
The native Philadelphian in me would probably love this. Roast pork with provolone and broccoli rabe is my favorite sandwich in the world but honestly if you give me roast pork with whatever on any kind of crusty roll I'd probably enjoy it
Would love to see a video where you try to emulate these onions
110%
It's kinda like a braise? Similar to my approach to carm onions, though I often do the reverse as well-- start low, end high. I'd like to see a comparison, if there's a significant difference.
I prefer Un Bien these days, but definitely the first time I had a Press at Paseo was incredible! definitely top 5 sandwich.
I wonder if he's actually been given he pronounced the name wrong
The idea of sending a signed book to your enemies is very funny
The Stop in Pioneer Square is also a solid sandwich shop which has one of these caribbean pork sandwiches on the menu (called the "Cubana"), highly recommended, they do it with a jalapeño aioli
Yep, Paseo is incredible! Un Bien and Bongos are both amazing as well.
Love Paseo, It has been a must stop spot for us whenever we are in the Seattle area.
Kenji! You look terrfic! You actually look 10 years younger! And thank you for yet another terrific video! Love what you do for us foodies! Cheers!
It's the perfect combo of flavors. I'm also in the same boat that I can't really tell the difference between the modern, the original, and the Un Bien, but I do remember the first time I had the OG Paseo sandwich, and it was mind blowing. That sandwich and the Fast Eddie from HoneyHole (another storied sandwich location that is in an unfortunate world of drama) are the two things I crave when I'm away from Seattle.
I've been there and absolutely agree. This may be my favorite sandwich of all time.
Its such a hard choice for me for the "best" sandwich. Its a tie between Un Bien/Paseo and Al's Italian Beef
I'm making Italian beef this week. Made the giardinare last week in preparation.
If I remember right, the original Paseo's didn't even have a business sign. And it still had a line around the block. The sandwiches were that good!
Thank you for your lovely compliment. I hope my recipe was able to help you in your cooking.
my lord to be sat up with that sammy in that spot😫 stay blessed kenji
I tried this sandwich when I visited Seattle way back in 2014 and I still remember it was fantastic!
oh my god, you posted this on the weekend I visited Seattle for the first time, and the DAY i went to that bookstore across the street. i must return.
Paseo's fish sandwich is very underrated. I usually get that when I go.
I go with the chicken thighs version…much juicier.
My one visit to Seattle was capped off with a trip there before heading to the airport and I STILL dream about that sandwich. My goodness now I’m sad I haven’t been back since 😂
Love a lazy afternoon at golden gardens with a sandwich from un bien.
you make a lot of lunch videos but i liked this one a lot, it's one of the all time for sure
Weirdly enough there was also a Paseo in Key West that became Bien. Had this same sandwich. We would eat it every year. One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.
YES! Same! We miss that place so much since it closed in recent years. I asked on Kenji's IG page if that Key West location was related. It had to have been, I think
I almost forgot I was watching a restaurant review. All the love, Kenji. Thanks for your part in making me the chef I am today.
I lived in Seattle for just a few years shortly before Kenji did and I’m so sad about all these recs that I never appreciated or knew about
Glad you are shouting out bongos. The west-indies sandwich from bongos is maybe my favorite sandwich in seattle.
Hey Kenji, that sandwich looks awesome! Whenever I make a pulled or shredded pork sandwich I do the onions similarly, but I also always put pickles on it to get a bit of the sweet/sour contrast with the onions. I'll have to try it without pickles sometime, it honestly never occurred to me.
Also, I'd love to see some variations you might do with some of your restaurant favorites. I steal your ideas a lot _(or buy them in the form of your cookbooks)_ and I love seeing you do variations on things you enjoy.
These Sandos also have pickled jalapeño so there’s definitely that vinegary bite in them that’s important.
@@JKenjiLopezMain Try the scallop sandwich next time! It is even sloppier and even better imo!
I know this happens everywhere, but it amuses me how one restaurant will become well-known for a sandwich and all of a sudden you get a bunch of places in the area making a version of that sandwich.
This brings me back to good times :)
The secret to the sandwich is how the aioli interacts with the caramelized walla walla sweet onions. Also great bread, tender juicy pork, really everything about it is amazing. You could also make the case that this is the best onion dish in the world!
We always go to the one in SoDo whenever we go to a concert at the Showbox SoDo or a ballgame. Messy but awesome!
The ripe plantains are called "maduros". Grew up in Miami, so I am familiar with all this stuff and really curious how this take on the Cubano tastes.
I love this format! All the best from Germany 🫶🏽
Team Un Bien, it’s the most like the original, and better overall
Hey Kenji! I'm curious if you've ever had a roast pork sandwich from John's or Dinic's in Philadelphia and if so, how they stack up in comparison to this one? Thanks!
Oh yeah I’ve been tk John’s. It’s really a completely different thing. Hard to compare.
Sometimes the algorithm hits just right, glad to discover your channel.
Bongos is so good. I live just a few blocks south and I'm there all the time.
I need to try that place. I've heard it's good.
That looks gorgeous!
Also loved the For science little note on the signed copy. Glados would approve
Hi @JKenjiLopezMain, thinking of doing a daytrip from Vancouver, Canada down to grab the Wok book and try this sandwich out across the street. Was thinking sometime in mid January but couldn't find the schedule of the next book signing online. Hopefully I'll get to meet you in person but worst case I'll get them to hold a book for me!
I got really excited when I saw Fremont; then realized it was not Fremont California so a bit far away for me hahaha ! Love these side quests
nice to see Paseo’s is still around
Trying to round out my seattle sandwich tier list --- haven't gone to paseo yet. Un bien was honestly a little disappointing for me, but all of my friends speak very highly of paseo. Will need to check it out.
Have you been to royal grinders? I fucking love their Italian grinder. In fremont as well.
ok 🙂
paseo carribean roast is out of this world good.
best sandwich in the world for sure
Love the shout out to Bongos, that place SLAPS and has a really good burger
its the best sandwhich ive eaten around the world for sure, no question
Ah, the Shop of Theseus. A well-known paradox.
Their shrimp sandwich is also amazing. They had a location in the Ballard neighborhood near the beach when we had just moved to Seattle.
We couldn't remember the name of Paseo back then so we just called it "Shrimp Shack" for years even though it wasn't known for that particular sandwich. 😅
Un Bien is amazing! Though I’ve never had Paseo.
Paseo has some of the most indulgent cross-sections and amazing grilled onions
I was literally just trying to figure out how to burn an hour in Fremont, as I have to make a stop there on my way home for Thanksgiving next week. Very interested in swinging by now.
You should have been all like "Congratulations! You guys did it! Best sandwich in the world!"
Looking good, kenji
I saw the thumbnail and thought "Man that looks a lot like Paseo's" 😂
I keep forgetting you moved to the PNW and thought you meant Bay Area Fremont :(
But, we have Roli Roti at the Ferry Building in SF which is similar!
At Bongo's I highly recommend trying their jerk chicken sandwich! Also a sloppy one, but so darn good.
it is legitimately one of the best sandwiches in the world (or that i've experienced anyways). i keep trying to find the time/an excuse to go to seattle based solely on this sandwich.
I thought you meant Fremont, CA and I got so happy then sad when it says Seattle
Hi Kenji, can I get the link to that serious eats article? Thanks!
One of the major downsides of no longer working downtown is that I can no longer easily get Paseo. :(
Also the odds . I was just there a few days ago having that sandwich.
Tre's House of Cheesesteak is also near there (it keeps moving) and it's pretty awesome
Are the Seattle Paseo/Un Bien at all related to the (now-closed) Key West restaurant Bien (formerly Paseo) that sold very similar sandwiches? I feel like they must be. I loved those sandwiches and would happily travel to Seattle to get another one.
i love how he just filmed the grill from a distance lol
Un Bien is marginally better!
Do Salumi in Pioneer Square next.
Oh man, the Mole sandwich is so good.
I love Paseo and Un Bien, but usually go to Un Bien because the parking is easier
I haven't lived in Seattle long enough to have nostalgia for the original Paseo, but I will say I've had Un Bien and modern Paseo both, and I think the Un Bien sandwich is tastier. They are both pretty good, and both are very messy to eat.
Lol I’m from the Caribbean , I’ve never had anything like this , which Caribbean island did it come from?
You should make a trip up to El Cubano in Shoreline. Their classic cubano is damn good.
I like sandwiches a lot. Like probably too much, a lot. I will totally agree with you on this, one of the best sandwiches you can put in your mouth. I actually went and got one years ago as a celebration of finishing my divorce.
Might be too late to this but I gotta ask, a sandwich lover, I am willing to go to Seattle for this sandwich alone however, with that being said, if I were to go to Seattle and you being the local you are, you should do a video of places in Seattle worth checking out, or like a playlist or what have you.
Just ate one. Can confirm, it’s pretty good.
Their scallop sandwhich is also pretty bomb!
Kenji.. best sandwich I have ever had was a BLT with pesto on baguette. So that's 2 world class sandwiches with baguette.. plus the bahn mi of course.. which I haven't tried yet. But my point is that I think you need to help us perfect the baguette at home if haven't already.
P.S. I got an old Wolfgang Puck pressure oven from a family member and I heard they are great for making baguette or bread at home.. is this true? Does it help much? Have you ever tried his pressure oven's? What's your review?
I love that sandwich
It was amazing when i had it last
Looks delicious.
But in my opinion the best type of sandwich is the Bahn Mi.
Didn't expect to find a Ship of Theseus on a sandwich review video 🤣
Had this place a while back. So good and so big
OMG please teach us how to make this in your main channel!!!
well i am in Fermont (Vermont)
Funny how so many great sandwiches end up having baguette as the bread of choice. Maybe it's that buttery outside?
Indeed. I've only eaten at Un Bien...many, many times, but, yes. It is the best sandwich in the world. One day I will get to Paseo 😂
If you've had Un Bien, you've had the real deal.
In search of the best sando, did your friends go try the calamari sandwich at Marechiaro's on Olde Highway 80 in East County San Diego? I will put this up against any sando you and your colleagues put up! Love your vidyas, thanks Kenji!
Caribbean as in jerk, mojo, or something else?
4:41 jumpscare!
Do you know specifically what that Patagonia outer jacket you are wearing is? I think it might be the Torrentshell 3L, but was just looking for confirmation.
Oh no idea. It’s about 10 years old.
@@JKenjiLopezMain Thanks for the response. Living in Seattle yourself, I imagine a rain jacket is in the mainstays of your outdoor clothing rotation.
I gotta try to make this sammich. What do they do with the pork? I need to know! 😭
😐 Oh. There's a Seattle Times article. I might actually be able to do this....
I dream about this sandwich. Def one of the best sandwiches I've ever had.
There’s something about sloppy food (i.e. where you have to get messy eating it) that weighs heavily against a meal for me. I always rush through eating the sandwiches at Paseo & Un Bien because I want to minimize the amount of time I feel sticky.
That's why I take mine to go and eat it in the shower at home.
@@Alex-kd5jt Now there’s a life hack I have to try!
@@Alex-kd5jt Dr. Fünke?
Yeah they are messy. Me and family got sandwiches from the original one and we ate them in my vehicle. Luckily it didn't get everywhere. But my vehicle smelled for days.
Lmao I legit live a few blocks up the road from there and never went because i hate cilantro. I'm gonna go there friday for lunch because of this.
Looks delicious!
People have fought battles over that recipe.
Uhhh have you tried Griot?
no Dutch crunch?
Dutch crunch doesn’t really exist outside the Bay Area.
Hey Kenji, just a heads up, the link on your website for signed books returns an error. Went there to add it to my Christmas list for my wife and I saw that. Thanks for all you do.