A culinary marvel took centre stage during Yonkers Arts Weekend, as local entrepreneur A.J. Chiarella unveiled an extraordinary bacon, egg and cheese sandwich that tipped the scales at over 30 pounds. Crafted in collaboration with local establishments, the creation was designed to not only tantalise taste buds but also to foster community spirit.
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Chiarella, the owner of the 914 Collective, partnered with the Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company and Yonkers Brewing Company to realise this ambitious project. Describing his vision, he noted, “I’ve been contemplating making New York’s largest bacon, egg and cheese for over a year.” This yen for culinary record-breaking follows previous whimsical endeavours, such as hosting the world’s shortest parade and marathon, adding yet another feather to his cap.
The primary challenge Chiarella encountered was sourcing bread large enough to support his colossal sandwich aspirations. “I contacted several bakeries about creating a custom sheet pan, but quickly realised that none of them made pans large enough for this project,” he explained. However, his efforts paid off when he reached out to Brooklyn Bagel & Coffee Company, whose owners were eager to accommodate his request. The following day, they sent him a photo of an 18-inch bagel, exciting Chiarella further.
In the end, the sandwich featured a 20-inch bagel weighing 17 pounds, along with a whopping 250 eggs and approximately 45 slices of cheese. This unique creation attracted not just attention but also support from Yonkers Brewing Company, which provided key ingredients for the filling. Chiarella did face challenges during the process, notably in achieving the perfect melt for the cheese, but ultimately, the taste remained impressive.
The grand reveal took place at the arts festival, where Chiarella unveiled the sandwich alongside Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, generating a buzz among attendees. With the sandwich estimated to feed around 40 people, the event epitomised community engagement and local collaboration.
Though Guinness World Records currently lacks a category for the largest bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, Chiarella was motivated by a rival eatery in Queens that boasts a 20-pound version containing 110 eggs. His desire to surpass this benchmark was driven not merely by competition but also by the joy of uniting local businesses and invigorating the community.
“The best part of this project for me has been the collaborative effort among local businesses, bringing everyone together for an event that’s fun and draws positive attention,” he shared. This sentiment was echoed by both participants and attendees who revelled in the combination of food, art, and community camaraderie.
Reflecting on the successful execution of the sandwich, Chiarella expressed hope that such events would inspire further community engagement in Yonkers. As he continues to explore new culinary ventures, he remains committed to promoting local businesses and providing entertaining experiences for the public.
The event has not only highlighted gastronomic creativity in Yonkers but has also underscored the importance of collaboration in building a sense of community. For Chiarella, this project is yet another step in fostering a lively and interconnected local culture that celebrates both food and the spirit of togetherness.