Introduction
The Reuben sandwich is a classic favorite among foodies the world over. It features corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing, all served between two slices of rye bread. But where did it come from? In this article, we’ll explore the mysterious origins of the Reuben sandwich and uncover the story behind its invention.
An In-Depth Look at the History of the Reuben Sandwich
The earliest known mention of the Reuben sandwich comes from an Omaha, Nebraska newspaper in 1925. The advertisement for the Blackstone Hotel described a “Reuben special” which featured corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on rye bread. This ad is often cited as the first record of the Reuben sandwich.
However, some people argue that the sandwich was invented in New York City in 1914. According to this story, Arnold Reuben, owner of the famous deli Reuben’s Restaurant and Delicatessen, created the sandwich when a customer asked him to make something special. He combined corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing between two slices of rye bread, and the Reuben sandwich was born.
The Mystery Behind Who Invented the Reuben
The truth about who invented the Reuben sandwich is still unclear. While the Omaha newspaper ad does suggest that the sandwich existed before Arnold Reuben’s deli, there is no way to know for sure who invented the sandwich or when it was invented.
One thing is certain, however: the Reuben sandwich has been around for more than 100 years. It has become a staple in delis and restaurants across the country, and its popularity continues to grow.
Tracking Down Where the Reuben was Invented
Though the exact origin of the Reuben sandwich remains a mystery, most scholars agree that it was likely invented in either Omaha or New York City. Both cities have strong claims to the sandwich’s invention, and both have their own versions of the Reuben.
In Omaha, the sandwich is made with pastrami instead of corned beef, and Thousand Island dressing is replaced with Thousand Island salad dressing. In New York City, the Reuben is served with Russian dressing instead of Thousand Island dressing.
Uncovering the Origins of the Reuben Sandwich
Though the exact origin of the Reuben sandwich may remain a mystery, the sandwich itself has endured for more than 100 years. It has become a beloved staple of delis and restaurants across the country, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down.
As food historian Sarah Lohman explains, “It’s one of those dishes that has really stood the test of time. It’s been around for over a hundred years, and it’s still incredibly popular today.”
Conclusion
The Reuben sandwich is a classic favorite that has stood the test of time. Though the exact origins of the sandwich remain a mystery, it is clear that it was invented sometime in the early 1900s. Whether it was invented in Omaha or New York City, the Reuben sandwich continues to delight diners everywhere.
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