Central Grocery in the French Quarter

Believe it or not, its primary influence is Italian. We serve ours with thinly sliced Capacola, Pepperoni, Ham and Salami topped with fresh Mozzarella on a toast French Bowle. The key to this New Orleans classic is the olive relish. A generous amount of fresh Kalamata and green olive relish is spread on both sides of the bun. It is filling and it is good! It originated in the French Quarter at a local grocery called Central Grocery in 1906.   If you have never experienced this taste, trust us, you’ll be hooked.

If you’re not within the vicinity of New Orleans or The Winehouse Bar & Bistro in Norfolk VA, then make this beautiful sandwich at home following this simple recipe:

To make the relish:  place the olives, garlic, peppers, olive oil and spices into a food processor and pulse to a rough cut consistency.  Adjust olive oil to increase or decrease desired “wetness” of sauce.

The Winehouse Muffuletta

Side cut the bread and layer with ample amounts of deli meats and topped with a thin layer of the mozzarella.  Apply a generous portion of the olive relish on the top piece of bread and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 6 minutes (just till bread begins to brown and cheese begins to melt).  Now serve!

Although our approach is a slightly different take on The Big Easy classic, you’ll love the result.  A great example of a wonderful sandwich made from simple yet fresh ingredients.

It is hearty, it is messy and it is good.