Monte Cristo Sandwich: What Say Ye?

The Monte Cristo has always struck me as a bizarre entry into the sandwich category, one that combines main meal and dessert into one.

The basic design of the sandwich starts okay, I suppose, but then something seems to go terribly awry when it morphs into french toast. And I can certainly see why heart surgeons would appreciate the ability to create good patients for their art.

But whether going the route of the worst version I've seen (actual fat french toast around the sandwich, which was deep fat fried and totally drenched in maple syrup before serving), or the best I've seen (rich egg bread with the requisite filling and a side of berry compote for slathering), I've never seen the charm of the Monte Cristo.

Any Monte Cristo fans that can convince me otherwise?

I say I had to look up what a Monte Cristo was, but what I found sounds awful. Like a mad pastry chefs version of a croque monsieur. Is this served for breakfast or lunch?
Seems to me part of the trend towards "it's good, but wouldn't a lot of sugar make it better?" I was discussing with Betsy last week (road trips is only time I usually eat real breakfast) how one used to be able to find muffins that weren't cakes in a different shape.

[Jenise]

I've never eaten one. Too scary.

Although it's not originally from there, so it's said, it taste better in 'Nawlins'.

As Abraham Lincoln put it so nicely: "This is the kind of thing that people who like this kind of thing will like". As for me, I'll stay with either croque monsieur or the croque madame.

Best
Rogov

I can't for the life of me figure out why someone would want to eat one of those things. But, I guess..some do.

Richard

I've never had one, could not grasp the idea of eating a sandwich with French Toast on the outside. Very yucky, I think.

Loved them as a kid. Our club served them and I ordered them often. They were of the ilk of the best Hoke has seen. Later as an adult I was sorely disappointed when I ordered one and it arrived as the worst Hoke has seen. Deep fried and really icky. I haven't had one since.

My mental name is "Monte Crisco". I don't think I've had one in 40 years.

John

Haven't had one in some time now, but I used to like them. I think at this point in my life, a really sweet, deep-fried version would be too much. One that went towards the leaner end (which is how I remember them) would still be worth a try. It's something of a campy food (in the sense that the Rocky Horror Picture show is a campy movie) and I think that has to be part of the attraction.

I'd never heard of a monte cristo sandwich, so I googled it. The image results were fascinating: sandwiches oozing melted cheese, stacked full of ham - with icing sugar sprinkled on top. Different.

In some places in Atlanta you can get sandwiches on freshly fried beignets. In lots of place around the world there sandwiches on toasted croissants. Considering the popularity of such "things", I suppose the Monte Cristo has its place.
....But then again, so do snakes and spiders.

Best
Rogov

A well-made Monte Cristo is a thing of joy. Full stop.

The best let you enjoy a savory, cheese covered sandwich with a crispy fried coating, and dipped in berry preserves for a hit of sweetness. I first tried one in the Blue Bayou at Disneyland, and it's pretty good. Definitely split it with someone.

Walt