Bodega to Host Inaugural “Best in Bread” Sandwich Competition

This January, Uptown Hospitality Group’s downtown sandwich spot Bodega will host its inaugural “Best in Bread” sandwich competition, where nine restaurants from across the Lowcountry will compete for the title. Participants include chefs from Brown Dog Deli, Circe’s Grotto, Indaco, Malika Canteen, Maya, Renzo, Rue de Jean, Slightly North of Broad, and Storey Farms. Each week, three creative sandwich creations will go head-to-head, and attendees can cast a vote for their favorite to advance to a final showdown where they’ll have the chance to be named “Best in Bread.”

“While we won’t be competing, organizing Bodega’s ‘Best in Bread’ competition represents a long-awaited dream of mine as a way to bring together Charleston’s diverse F&B community for good food and a good cause,” said Uptown Hospitality Group executive chef Alec Gropman. “We’re looking forward to seeing how each chef brings their personality, experience and passion to create an amazing array of sandwiches for you to judge.”

The South’s best condiment, Duke’s Mayo, is Bodega’s premiere partner for the series, supporting each chef as they incorporate one of Duke’s famous mayonnaises or sauces into their sandwiches.

Exclusive Duke’s Mayo and “Best in Bread” T-shirts will be available for purchase for those looking to further support the hospitality industry, as a portion of proceeds from all ticket and merchandise sales will benefit local nonprofit Pay It Forward, which supports members of the food & beverage community in times of crisis.

Each Monday from January 9th to 23rd, Bodega will host a preliminary round where three sandwiches will compete during a ticketed tasting event. Attendees will receive a half-size portion of each sandwich and a ballot card to cast their votes. Then, on February 6th, winners from each round will showcase their sandwiches in a finale, with the most votes receiving a grand prize and the coveted title of “Best in Bread”—along with a chance to return and defend their title next year.

Tickets, available here, are $25 for each event or available as a special $80 bundle for all four events. Hospitality workers are invited to email events@uptownhospitality.com with proof of employment for an even further discounted ticket bundle.

Follow along on Instagram @eatdrinkbodega for results from each competition.

The full schedule of events is as follows:

First Preliminary Round, January 9

Brown Dog Deli: Chef Wes Denney

Indaco: Chef Josh Begley and Chef Mark Bolchoz

Rue De Jean: Chef Marcus Shell

Second Preliminary Round, January 16

Malika Canteen: Chef Maryam Ghaznavi

Maya: Chef Brett Riley

Storey Farms: Chef Forrest Hogsette

Third Preliminary Round, January 23

Circe’s Grotto: Chef Nick Stella

Renzo: Owner Nayda Freire and Chef Colin Marcelli

Slightly North of Broad: Chef Hunter Pugh

Finale, February 6

Finale party showdown at Share House

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