Growing up in the heart of Queens, specifically around Jamaica Avenue, one of the staples of my childhood was the Jamaican beef patty. These patties were everywhere, and the classic way I enjoyed them was tucked into soft, slightly sweet coco bread with a slice of cheese. It was a simple, delicious comfort food that’s a real icon in the neighborhood.

When I was developing sandwiches for a fundraiser for my son’s baseball team, I knew I wanted to pay tribute to those flavors. But I also wanted to put my own spin on it. So I created the Jamaica Ave sandwich. It’s my version of a Jamaican beef patty, but instead of just the traditional filling, I blended 80% chuck roast with 20% oxtails to give it a rich, hearty flavor. The spices are true to the classic patty—allspice, a hint of ginger, curry, and those warm, aromatic seasonings that just bring the Caribbean to life.

This sandwich is my homage to the flavors I grew up with on Jamaica Ave, a little taste of Queens and a whole lot of Caribbean soul in every bite.