For the true sandwich enthusiast, sandwiches are more than just a source of sustenance. They’re not just food. They are not just a lunchtime distraction or an afternoon afterthought. No. Sandwich straddle the line somewhere between lifestyle tenet and religious experience. The quest for the perfect sandwich is the reason true sandwich enthusiasts even roll out of bed in the morning. The quiet, delicious, often messy moments shared between them and the objects of their heart’s (& mouth’s & stomachs) desire are what makes life worth living. Today, we are going to take a look at three of the best traditional sandwiches.
The Reuben
According to legend (yes, this sandwich is legendary) the Reuben was invited by one Reuben Kulakofsky, a Jewish grocer living in Omaha, Nebraska sometime between 1920 and 1935. The appeal of the Rueben is its rich, melty, crunchy, tart, and fatty array of flavors. In the profile of a perfect Reuben, sauerkraut, corned beef, Russian dressing, and Swiss cheese is gently cooked between two crusty slices of rye bread. Crunch on the outside, warm, juicy, and rich on the inside, the Reuben truly is one of the best traditional sandwiches.
The Grilled Cheese
Speaking of crunching on the outside and warm on the inside, we could not discuss the best traditional sandwiches without touching on the grilled cheese. This timeless delight invokes nostalgia and childhood in a direct and tasty way. Have you seen Ratatouille? The experience that the legendary food critic has when he takes a bite of the delicious ratatouille? When he is whisked away to simpler times, to the innocence and wonder of childhood? Yes, that is exactly what happens when you take a bite of a perfect grilled cheese sandwich. There is a reason this is a timeless classic. Because everyone, regardless of age and experience, where they came from, where they have been, what they have tasted – everyone likes a grilled cheese.
