S4 Ep 57: The History Of The Reuben Sandwich With Guest Drew Droege
In this episode of Sprung On Food, special guest, actor and writer Drew Droege, joins to share his passion for his favorite food: the Reuben sandwich, and dive into the history and pop culture behind it.
The Allure of the Reuben
What's so special about the Reuben sandwich? It's a concoction of flavors that might seem chaotic to the uninitiated but are sheer perfection to those in the know. Drew tells us his love for the Reuben goes back to his childhood in North Carolina, where the sandwich was an exotic treat. With ingredients like Corned Beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and dressing, all pressed between buttered rye, it's a symphony of salty, sour, creamy, spicy, and buttery flavors.
Two Rival Origin Stories
The Reuben sandwich's history is a fascinating tale with two main origin stories vying for recognition.
1. The Omaha, Nebraska Tale
This story suggests that in the early 1920s, a Jewish Lithuanian immigrant, Reuben Kulakofsky, rustled up what would become the Reuben sandwich during a poker game at the Blackstone Hotel. His creation was elevated to fame when the hotel chef buttered and grilled the bread to perfection. This version gained traction when the Reuben won a National Sandwich Idea Contest in 1956, cementing its reputation.
2. The New York Tale
In this narrative, the sandwich is attributed to Arnold Reuben, the proprietor of Reuben's Restaurant and Delicatessen in Manhattan. As the story goes, around 1914, he made a sandwich for a hungry actress with meats, cheese, and dressing, a precursor to the Reuben we now know. Though early menus suggest a different composition, the New York claim remains strong, rooted in its rich deli culture.
Cultural Significance and Controversy
The Reuben's popularity rose throughout the 20th century, appearing on menus across the U.S., including big city delis and fast-food chains. In pop culture, it even has a cameo in films and TV shows like "Seinfeld."
Improv in the Kitchen
The creation of the Reuben parallels the act of improvisation, where inventiveness meets necessity. Whether the sandwich was conceived in the improvisational spirit of a poker game or a theatrical moment in a New York deli, this essence resonates with Drew, who reveals his own impromptu culinary skills in crafting salad dressings.
Which Camp Do You Belong To?
Are you Team Omaha or Team New York when it comes to the Reuben's origin? With no definitive proof, perhaps both stories are true, speaking to a shared cultural moment that saw similar creations emerge simultaneously.
A Sandwich for the Soul
The Reuben sandwich, steeped in immigrant culinary traditions, offers a hearty slice of American history and a reflection of its rich, diverse culinary tapestry. This sandwich might not grace your diet regularly, but it’s a joyful indulgence worth savoring for its complex flavors and storied past.
Drew Droege sums it up best: like life itself, the Reuben is about choosing your adventure, whether it's the origins you believe in or the flavors you prefer, Russian dressing or Thousand Island, Turkey or Corned Beef.
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