Discover the intriguing origins behind well-known sandwiches like Sloppy Joe, Hot Brown, and Reuben, all named after people. Unravel the disputed history of the Sloppy Joe, explore the savory delight of the Hot Brown, and delve into conflicting narratives on the creation of the Reuben sandwich. Learn about the culinary innovation and controversies surrounding these iconic dishes.
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Quick takeaways
The origin of the Sloppy Joe sandwich is debated between Sioux City, Iowa, Key West, Florida, and Havana, Cuba, reflecting the sandwich's evolution during the Depression era.
The Reuben sandwich's creation is linked to Arnold Reuben from New York and Bernard Schimmel from Omaha, Nebraska, with ongoing debates about the authentic inventor supported by the National Sandwich Idea Contest in 1956.
Deep dives
Origin of Sloppy Joe Sandwich
The sloppy joe sandwich has contested origin stories, with versions claiming its invention in Sioux City, Iowa, Key West, Florida, and Havana, Cuba. Originating in the 1930s during the Depression era when ingredients were scarce, the sloppy joe was a way to stretch meat fillings. In Havana, Jose Abiali Otero owned a bar and named it 'Sloppy Joe's' after being called messy, serving a sandwich resembling a popular Cuban dish. Interestingly, Ernest Hemingway's influence led to the sandwich being added to menus in Key West, continuing its culinary evolution.
Reuben Sandwich Contest
The Reuben sandwich has dual origin stories attributed to Arnold Reuben from New York and Bernard Schimmel from Omaha, Nebraska. Arnold Reuben's tale involves creating a signature sandwich in 1914 inspired by a hungry actress, while Bernard Schimmel's granddaughter claims it originated during poker games at the family's hotel. The National Sandwich Idea Contest in 1956 propelled Schimmel's version into the limelight, sparking ongoing debates about the authentic creator of the iconic Reuben sandwich.
Hot Brown Creation
The Hot Brown, an iconic open-faced sandwich, originated at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. In the 1920s, during late-night dancing events, the hotel's chef Fred Schmidt innovatively combined turkey, bacon, tomato, and Mornay sauce atop toast, broiling it to perfection. While a chef from a Schimmel hotel won a contest propelling the Reuben into popularity, the Hot Brown's legacy is deeply rooted in Louisville's social and culinary history, making it a beloved dish for locals and visitors alike.
Impact of Sloppy Joe and Reuben Sandwiches
Sloppy Joe and Reuben sandwiches, with their intriguing origins and evolving recipes, have become culinary icons with lasting impacts. The convenience and adaptability of the Sloppy Joe sauce revolutionized home cooking, providing cost-effective meal options and inspiring creativity with canned sauces. Similarly, the Reuben sandwich's blend of flavors and textures, whether attributed to Arnold Reuben or Bernard Schimmel, has captured the taste buds of sandwich lovers nationwide, sparking lively discussions on its true creator.
Sloppy Joe, Hot Brown, and the Reuben are all well-known sandwiches, and they are all named after people. Though the specific person is argued in two of these cases.
Research:
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