Toastie finalist hot off the press
Ben and Bridget Smith sample their toastie creation, ‘The Pickled Peppered Philly’ - which has earned them a place as a finalist in the Great NZ Toastie Takeover. Photo: Gordon Preece.
Ben Smith is known as the “sandwich guy” to his family and friends, so it probably comes as no surprise that the Nelson chef has possibly created the best toasted sandwich in the county.
Street Food on Washington has been named as one of 14 finalists out of 170 entries in the 2024 Great NZ Toastie Takeover, a nationwide competition which is now in its seventh year.
The Washington Rd eatery, which also has a food cart in Wakefield, has clearly impressed judges with ‘The Pickled Peppered Philly’ - which really is a pickle-lover’s dream.
Think pickled pulled brisket with chargrilled capsicum, onions, provolone, burger cheese and cheddar in pickled sourdough bread by Big Score (a Richmond based bread company), served with a crumbed McClure’s pickle and pickled ranch. Ben says the toastie is based on a Philly cheesesteak - what he says is “the best sandwich in the whole world”.
He, his wife Bridget, and their four kids, who all work for the business, spent many hours perfecting what they believe to be the best toastie in New Zealand.
“We took all the food home and lived on toasties for a whole weekend.”
Ben says they have entered the competition twice before without success.
“We had last year off and came back this year with a bit more of a solid entry. Our last entries were probably a bit too experimental; it still has to look like a good old toastie.”
So, it’s safe to say they are “rapt” with reaching the finals.
“We’re really excited, it’s nice to have some recognition.”
Locals can try the creation until 21 August when the top toasted sandwich will be revealed.
Ben says it’s not your average toastie, and you can expect to not be hungry for a while after eating it.
“It will shut you up for the rest of the day.”
Other local eateries also got a special mention in the competition, including Little Nessie for ‘The Black Magic Melt’ and Sprig + Fern Tāhuna for their ‘Indonesian Buttermilk Chicken’.