From Delightful Delicacy to Cultural Icon: The Etymology of the Reuben Sandwich
The Reuben sandwich, a culinary masterpiece known for its delectable combination of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, has captivated taste buds for generations. However, the origin of its intriguing name remains shrouded in mystery. This blog post will delve into the fascinating history of the Reuben sandwich, uncovering the tantalizing tale behind its moniker.
The Birth of a Culinary Icon
The story of the Reuben sandwich begins in the bustling heart of New York City in the early 1920s. At the Blackstone Hotel, a renowned gathering place for Omaha businessmen, a fateful encounter would forever alter the culinary landscape.
Bernard Schimmel: The Culinary Pioneer
Bernard Schimmel, a Lithuanian-born grocer and poker enthusiast, frequented the Blackstone Hotel’s poker room. One evening, after a particularly intense game, he approached the kitchen and requested a midnight snack. The chef, unable to find any leftover meat, improvised a sandwich using ingredients found in the kitchen: corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing.
The “Reuben Special”
Schimmel was so impressed by the sandwich that he asked the chef to add it to the hotel’s menu. The chef, eager to please his loyal customer, named it the “Reuben Special” in Schimmel’s honor.
A Culinary Tribute
The Reuben Special quickly gained popularity among the hotel’s patrons. Schimmel’s friends and fellow poker players would often order “the Reuben’s sandwich,” further solidifying its connection to its namesake.
The Spread of the Reuben
As the fame of the Reuben Special grew, it spread beyond the confines of the Blackstone Hotel. Other restaurants and delicatessens began offering their own versions of the sandwich, gradually popularizing it across the country.
Variations and Adaptations
Over the years, the Reuben sandwich has undergone various adaptations and variations. Some versions have omitted the sauerkraut or replaced Thousand Island dressing with Russian dressing. However, the core ingredients of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and rye bread have remained constant.
The Reuben’s Enduring Legacy
Today, the Reuben sandwich stands as an American classic, enjoyed by generations of sandwich enthusiasts. Its unique flavor profile and historical significance have cemented its place in the culinary canon.
The Man Behind the Name
Bernard Schimmel, the man whose name became synonymous with the Reuben sandwich, passed away in 1950. However, his culinary legacy continues to live on, inspiring sandwich lovers to this day.
Questions You May Have
1. Who invented the Reuben sandwich?
Bernard Schimmel, a Lithuanian-born grocer and poker enthusiast, is credited with inventing the Reuben sandwich.
2. Why is the Reuben sandwich called that?
The sandwich is named after Schimmel, who requested a midnight snack at the Blackstone Hotel in New York City. The chef improvised a sandwich using ingredients found in the kitchen and named it the “Reuben Special” in Schimmel’s honor.
3. What are the main ingredients of a Reuben sandwich?
The main ingredients of a Reuben sandwich are corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, served on rye bread.
4. Are there any variations of the Reuben sandwich?
Yes, there are variations of the Reuben sandwich, including versions that omit sauerkraut or replace Thousand Island dressing with Russian dressing.
5. When was the Reuben sandwich invented?
The Reuben sandwich was invented in the early 1920s at the Blackstone Hotel in New York City.