For too long, bologna has been relegated to the realm of cheap eats, often overlooked and underappreciated. But what if there was a way to elevate this humble luncheon meat? Enter mortadella, bologna’s sophisticated Italian cousin. This pork delicacy, hailing from Bologna, Italy, boasts a rich, fatty flavor punctuated by generous flecks of pork fat and sometimes pistachios. While mortadella’s origins trace back to ancient Rome, finding a sandwich that truly celebrates its unique taste can be a challenge, especially in a city brimming with deli options. However, nestled in the West Village, the Japanese izakaya Katana Kitten on Hudson Street offers the perfect solution: the mortadella katsu sando, a sandwich that redefines expectations.
Elevating the Bologna Sandwich: Discover Mortadella
Mortadella is more than just an upgraded bologna; it’s a culinary experience in itself. This large Italian sausage is crafted from finely ground pork, generously studded with cubes of flavorful pork fat, and subtly spiced. Unlike its American counterpart, mortadella offers a more nuanced and richer taste profile. Historically, mortadella’s name is linked to the mortar and pestle used to grind the pork in ancient Roman times, originally flavored with myrtle berries. Today, while myrtle is less common, the dedication to quality and flavor remains, making mortadella a gourmet delight.
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Katana Kitten: Your West Village Izakaya Destination for Sando Perfection
Forget the typical Italian deli – for a truly exceptional mortadella sandwich, head to Katana Kitten at 531 Hudson Street in New York City. This stylish Japanese izakaya has mastered the art of the “sando,” the Japanese word for sandwich, and their mortadella katsu sando is a standout. In Japan, “sando” often refers to crustless white bread sandwiches, frequently featuring fried cutlets. Katana Kitten expertly applies this concept to mortadella, creating a unique and unforgettable culinary experience.
The Mortadella Katsu Sando Experience at Katana Kitten
Katana Kitten’s mortadella katsu sando ($15) is a masterpiece of textures and flavors. A thick square of premium mortadella is coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried to golden perfection, achieving a delightful crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, flavorful interior. This crispy mortadella cutlet is then placed between slices of soft, crustless white bread, reminiscent of classic English tea sandwiches. The bread is generously spread with tonkatsu sauce, a savory and slightly sweet Japanese brown sauce akin to ketchup, and a sharp mustard that adds a welcome zing. The combination is simply divine – the richness of the mortadella, the crunch of the panko, the tang of the mustard, and the sweetness of the tonkatsu sauce all harmonize perfectly. It’s a sandwich that truly allows the garlicky, fatty glory of the mortadella to shine.
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Visit Katana Kitten on Hudson Street Today
For sandwich aficionados and adventurous eaters alike, the mortadella katsu sando at Katana Kitten is a must-try. Located in the heart of the West Village at 531 Hudson Street, between West 10th and Charles streets, Katana Kitten offers not only exceptional sandwiches but also a vibrant izakaya atmosphere. Whether you choose to enjoy your sando upstairs or in their cozy downstairs dining area, you’re in for a treat.
Katana Kitten
531 Hudson Street, Manhattan, NY 10014
(347) 866-7739
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