Tyler Kord’s A Super Upsetting Cookbook About Sandwiches is not your typical cookbook—and that’s exactly its charm. As the chef behind No. 7 Sub in New York, Kord approaches sandwiches with both irreverence and creativity, giving readers a book that’s equal parts recipe collection, personal essay, and playful manifesto on what a sandwich can (and should) be. From the very first pages, it’s clear this is not just about stacking meat and cheese between bread, but about rethinking how we interact with food.
The recipes themselves are bold, unexpected, and sometimes delightfully odd. Kord uses ingredients that may not normally be in your kitchen and in ways that feel daring yet approachable, like fried clams paired with pickled strawberries. These sandwiches push the boundaries of what we imagine belongs between two slices of bread. For home cooks, the book encourages experimentation rather than strict adherence. Even if you don’t make every sandwich exactly as written, the spirit of invention will inspire you to play with your own combinations.
What sets this book apart from traditional cookbooks is its personality. Kord’s voice is witty, self-deprecating, and sometimes a little absurd, making the book as entertaining to read as it is to cook from. The essays interspersed between recipes—on topics like the philosophy of sandwiches, or confessions about culinary missteps—add depth and humor. It’s the kind of cookbook you might keep on your nightstand as much as in your kitchen.
Visually, the book strikes a balance between polished food photography and quirky design. The images are vibrant, capturing the playful messiness of a sandwich done right. The layout feels lively, never stiff, which mirrors the book’s central message: food should be fun, surprising, and personal. Unlike glossy chef-driven cookbooks that can feel intimidating, this one invites you in with a wink and a grin.
In the end, A Super Upsetting Cookbook About Sandwiches is less about rigid recipes and more about a philosophy of joy and exploration in cooking. It’s a refreshing reminder that food doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful, and that a sandwich can be as transformative as a three-course meal if you give it the chance. For anyone who loves food, humor, and creativity, this book earns a spot on your bookshelf.
