Food Fight: The Commodore vs Van Horn Sandwich Spot

30 Dec

The inaugural Food Fight pits two of Brooklyn’s best: The Commodore in Williamsburg against Van Horn Sandwich Spot in Cobble Hill.

The Hot Fish Sandwich at The Commodore

Hot Fish Sandwich at The Commodore

vs

Fish Sandwich at Van Horn.

Fish Sandwich at Van Horn

Winner: The Commodore. The catfish at Van Horn is crispy, greaseless, and arrives on toasty, crunchy Caputo’s bread that unfortunately overwhelms the ingredients packed inside. The catfish at The Commodore is a thing of beauty: spicy, tangy, and refreshing with a hint of coleslaw aboard a soft sesame bun; the whole deep-fried production is sloppy and messy, and completely satisfying.

The adult cheese at The Commodore.

Adult Cheese at The Commodore

vs

Pimento Cheese at Van Horn.

Pimento Cheese at Van Horn

Winner: The Commodore. Both sandwiches are overflowing with pimento cheese, but the addition of The Commodore’s spicy sauce–the same kick that infuses the Hot Fish–brings out the flavor. The simple cushions of “lunchbox” white bread at The Commodore is softer, sloppier, and more satisfying than the carefully-arranged, toasted Caputo bread in Van Horn’s version.

Hot Breast Sandwich at The Commodore.

Hot Breast Sandwich at The Commodore

vs

Chicken Sandwich at Van Horn.

Chicken Sandwich at Van Horn

Winner: Van Horn. The Commodore gets a lot of attention for its fried chicken but here, its overshadowed by Van Horn’s zesty coleslaw, chopped pickles, and perfectly-fried, greaseless breast. The chicken is tender, juicy, crunchy, and subtly spiced. It’s the best thing on Van Horn’s menu.

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