(WXYZ) — Detroit's tastiest week is officially here as the 12th annual Sandwich Week kicked off today, bringing together local restaurants, bold flavors, and some seriously creative stacks of bread, meat, and everything in between.
The week-long event is aimed at bringing in new customers to local establishments across the Motor City.
See the full story in the video below
I stopped by Mudgie's Deli in Corktown to see what makes the sandwiches so special at one of Detroit's favorite eateries, where people are kicking off Sandwich Week by taking a bite out of some of the city's most creative and delicious sandwiches.
"Sandwich week is great. You know I am a big sandwich person as it is," Craig Gonzalez of Detroit said.
"I am a sandwich enthusiast. I don't know if I can claim connoisseur," Christian Buckler of Detroit said.
If there's one thing Detroiters know how to do, it's comfort food, and this week it's all about what's in between the bread.
"As a fan of sandwiches, there's no better place to kick it off than here at Mudgie's," Carlos Parisi said.
I spoke with Carlos Parisi, who 12 years ago, started a new Detroit tradition called Sandwich Week. It's a week that brings dozens of local restaurants together serving up signature sandwiches — some classic and some not so traditional.
Hear more from Parisi in the video below
"There's so many sandwiches that define Detroit. People know Detroit because of corned beef, the ruban, people know detroit because of our love for even simple like a grilled cheese," Parisi said.
"If I see the baloney on a menu. I am going to get the baloney," Parisi said.
Many local spots are taking part in a new addition of sidequests, including Last Chance Saloon, JP Makes and Bakes, and Gonellas.
"Last chance saloon, jp makes and bakes, gonellas, all these places care about Sandwich week want to be apart of sandwich week," Parisi said.
"Yeah. I do have my own sandwich at Mudgie's," Gonzalez said.
Craig Gonzalez is known as the "mayor" at Mudgie's. He was friends with Greg Mudge, who started the iconic Detroit deli and wine shop.
"There's turkey, salami, with smoked chedar, chipotle mayo, banana pepper and lettuce and on the rye which is intentional because it's easily crushable and not as bready," Gonzalez said.
Sandwich Week isn't just about eating — it's about celebrating the Motor City's food scene and supporting locally owned restaurants like Mudgie's and others.
"We're thrilled to have everyone come out to just come to this small business frankly. The end of the year ends up being really important for small independent restaurants," Liza Pulgini, owner of Mudgie's Deli and Wine Shop, said.
For customers, Sandwich Week is the perfect excuse to try something new.
"I love whatever is new and whatever is fresh. So literally I get the special. So today I am getting the Cuban. I want to see what's new and what's unique," Nick Britsky of Royal Oak said.
The full schedule is:
- Friday, 12/26 - Mudgie's from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Saturday, 12/27 - Vesper & Ayiti Spaghetti from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, 12/28 - Ladder 4 Wine Bar from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, 12/28 - Ticketed dinner at Dakota Inn at 6 p.m.
- Monday, 12/29 - Roccos Italian Deli from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, 12/30 - Tall Trees Cafe from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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