NYC bakery sparks outrage over $29 ham and cheese sandwich: ‘This is criminal’

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Eli Zabar’s on Madison between 80/81st.” The pre-packed ham and cheese sandwich seemed just like any other sandwich. In fact, it’s Eli Zabar’s “signature sandwich since Eli first opened in 1973.” The $29 ham and cheese sandwich is actually two sandwiches packed into one wrapping. A single ham and cheese sandwich at the eatery goes for $16, but the double sandwich is made with the intention of “having one now and then the second sandwich later.” The pre-packed ham and cheese sandwich on “health” bread costs $29 ) Surprisingly, the pricey sandwich is also one of the cafe’s most popular items. Even a decades-old New York Times article noted the disgruntled reactions from shoppers back in 1993, who are “cordially invited to spend $3 on one brownie, $7 on one hallah, $12 on one chicken salad sandwich.” “But if they stop complaining long enough to get the object of their disaffection into their mouths – especially the bread, Eli’s bread, which in the last few years has transformed the staff of life in this town – the outrage inevitably gives way to a rush of warm, mushy adjectives.