The Bistec sandwich is my tribute to those childhood summers spent in Tampa, Florida, with my father and grandma.

My grandma and I used to cook together a lot, and she’d take me to these little Cuban markets that were unlike anything I’d seen back in New York. Instead of the usual deli cuts, these places had breaded steaks ready to go. We’d pick up those steaks, some black beans, and rice, and then head home to make what became one of my favorite comfort meals.

This sandwich is a little homage to that delicious memory. On a toasted hero roll, I layer a smooth black bean mousse, then add crispy fried breaded sirloin steak, a handful of peppery arugula, some salted tomatoes, and a bright, tangy aji mayo to top it all off.

It’s a bite of nostalgia and a little taste of those sunny Tampa days with my grandma.