How many of you enjoy a submarine
sandwich, also known as a sub, hoagie, hero, or grinder consisting of a length
of bread or roll split lengthwise and filled with a variety of meats, cheeses,
vegetables, and condiments from time to time?
My family and I treat ourselves to a sandwich such as this
from time to time...not often, but occasionally.
My husband and I have our favorites and they aren't the same.
I'm more of the toasty kind of person and he wants his cold. I like different
pieces of bread and he is plain and simple.
After researching this topic in preparation for writing this
blog, I learned through Wikipedia that The Italian sandwich originated in
several different Italian American communities in the Northwestern United
States from the late 19th - mid 20th centuries. There are a couple of states
Portland and Maine who claims they are the birthplace of the Italian sandwich.
The popularity is evident in the Eastern states such as Connecticut,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and
Rhode Island.
I recall my one and only trip to New York City back in 1996 -
walking through the mass city - there was a deli shop on every corner. They had
fresh meats and fresh cheese among other items in their shops. It was
amazing...growing up in Amarillo, Texas - the only thing close to this was
the local butcher shop. (I frequented that with mom/dad on numerous occasions
watching them pick just the right cut of meat or a random soup bone from time
to time). I was amazed by the Deli shops in NYC.
When I began putting thoughts to this blog - I posted a
comment on Facebook asking my friends and family to share their favorite
submarine sandwich. I wanted to see what their choices were. Did they like
toasted, condiments, vegetables, more meat, this type of bread or that type of
bread...the results were quite fascinating, and I replied to each of them. Some
of the items they stated wouldn't be my choice - but none the less, they all
sounded delicious. It's funny the content that will drive a conversation. I
even had other friends chiming in on the comments. It was great!!!
From the comments, Black Forest Ham seemed to rank high for
individual choices. Following close behind were turkey, tuna, roast beef and Italian meats such as Genoa Salami, Pepperoni, and Spicy Sausages. I
enjoy Pepperoni - does that count? Someone also mentioned a Muffuletta. I had
no idea that was a type of round Sicilian sesame bread and a popular sandwich
that originated among Italian immigrants in New Orleans, Louisiana, using the
same bread. (my 52% Italian heritage didn't teach me
that).
The
vegetable choices were also very close. Whether it be pickles, tomatoes,
olives, cucumbers, assorted peppers, lettuce, purple onions, or spinach.
Condiment choices were consistent across the board too. They ranged from
mayonnaise, brown/yellow mustard, vinegar, and oil.
Cheese
choices were interesting. Several individuals chose Pepper Jack Cheese (which
I'm not a fan of), while others chose Swiss or American. (I'm
straight-up American - but I enjoy eating Gouda, Gruyere and other fine cheeses
not found in your local submarine shops).
Now
that we have the meats, vegetables, cheese, and condiments chose - there was
the choice of bread. For myself, I enjoy grains and nuts - Italian bread, and
wheat. (I'm not big on plain ole white bread). A few chose simple bread, and
another wanted Rye bread. My mom enjoyed Rye bread...not me! It's obvious that
in order to have a delicious submarine sandwich, sub, hoagie, hero or grinder
it's all about preferences.
I'd
add a touch of salt and pepper to the mix of things and others also indicated
they would do the same.
Finishing
up this post, I'm reminded of a show I used to watch as a little girl - maybe
some of you remember - Blondie and Dagwood? THAT Dagwood sandwich...Does
that fall in the lines of a submarine sandwich? I always wondered how on earth
he could eat such a sandwich...but he did! LOL
It's
clear that these types of sandwiches are still favored today across the United
States and abroad. What're your favorites? Anything unusual not mentioned above
or would you like to add anything I didn't include? Let me hear from you...
I
need to raid the kitchen now; I need a sandwich!
Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020
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