The Reuben sandwich, a delicious combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread, has been a staple of American cuisine for decades. However, the origins of this tasty treat have long been shrouded in mystery, with several individuals and establishments claiming to be its creator. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Reuben sandwich, exploring its possible origins and the stories behind its creation.
The Omaha Connection
One of the most widely-accepted stories behind the Reuben sandwich is that it was created in the 1920s by Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who owned a deli in Omaha, Nebraska. According to this story, Reuben created the sandwich as a specialty item for his restaurant, Reuben’s Delicatessen, which was a popular gathering place for local politicians, businessmen, and socialites.
The story goes that Reuben was looking to create a new sandwich that would appeal to his customers, and he began experimenting with different combinations of meats, cheeses, and condiments. After several trial runs, he finally settled on a combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, which he grilled between slices of rye bread.
The Reuben’s Delicatessen Story
Reuben’s Delicatessen was a beloved institution in Omaha, and its story is closely tied to the origins of the Reuben sandwich. The deli was founded by Arnold Reuben in the early 1920s, and it quickly became a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Reuben’s was known for its wide variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads, as well as its extensive selection of meats, cheeses, and condiments. The deli was also famous for its lively atmosphere, with a long counter where customers could sit and chat with the friendly staff.
A Hub for Local Politicians and Businessmen
Reuben’s Delicatessen was a hub for local politicians and businessmen, who would often gather there to discuss the issues of the day. The deli was also a popular spot for socialites, who would come to see and be seen.
According to local legend, it was during one of these gatherings that Arnold Reuben created the Reuben sandwich. The story goes that a group of local politicians and businessmen were meeting at the deli, and they asked Reuben to create a new sandwich that would satisfy their hunger and impress their guests.
The New York Connection
While the Omaha connection is the most widely-accepted story behind the Reuben sandwich, there is another theory that suggests the sandwich may have originated in New York City. According to this story, the Reuben sandwich was created by a German-American restaurateur named Reuben Kulakofsky, who owned a deli in Manhattan.
Kulakofsky’s deli, which was located on the Upper West Side, was a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The deli was known for its wide variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads, as well as its extensive selection of meats, cheeses, and condiments.
The Reuben Kulakofsky Story
Reuben Kulakofsky was a German-American restaurateur who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s. He settled in New York City, where he opened a deli on the Upper West Side.
Kulakofsky’s deli was a beloved institution in the neighborhood, and its story is closely tied to the origins of the Reuben sandwich. According to local legend, Kulakofsky created the Reuben sandwich as a specialty item for his deli.
A Popular Spot for Locals and Visitors
Kulakofsky’s deli was a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The deli was known for its lively atmosphere, with a long counter where customers could sit and chat with the friendly staff.
According to local legend, it was during one of these gatherings that Kulakofsky created the Reuben sandwich. The story goes that a group of local politicians and businessmen were meeting at the deli, and they asked Kulakofsky to create a new sandwich that would satisfy their hunger and impress their guests.
The Blackstone Hotel Connection
Another theory behind the origins of the Reuben sandwich suggests that it may have been created by a chef at the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha, Nebraska. According to this story, the chef, whose name is unknown, created the sandwich as a specialty item for the hotel’s restaurant.
The Blackstone Hotel was a beloved institution in Omaha, and its story is closely tied to the origins of the Reuben sandwich. The hotel was built in the early 1900s, and it quickly became a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
The Blackstone Hotel Story
The Blackstone Hotel was a grand hotel that was built in the early 1900s. The hotel was known for its luxurious accommodations, as well as its excellent restaurant, which served a wide variety of dishes, including sandwiches, soups, and salads.
According to local legend, it was during one of these gatherings that the chef created the Reuben sandwich. The story goes that a group of local politicians and businessmen were meeting at the hotel, and they asked the chef to create a new sandwich that would satisfy their hunger and impress their guests.
A Popular Spot for Locals and Visitors
The Blackstone Hotel was a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The hotel was known for its lively atmosphere, with a grand lobby where customers could sit and chat with the friendly staff.
According to local legend, the Reuben sandwich was an instant hit with the hotel’s customers, and it quickly became a staple of the hotel’s restaurant.
Conclusion
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are shrouded in mystery, with several individuals and establishments claiming to be its creator. While the Omaha connection is the most widely-accepted story behind the Reuben sandwich, there are other theories that suggest the sandwich may have originated in New York City or at the Blackstone Hotel in Omaha.
Regardless of its true origins, the Reuben sandwich is a delicious and beloved treat that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for decades. Its combination of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread, is a true culinary delight.
So the next time you bite into a Reuben sandwich, remember the rich history and mystery behind this tasty treat. Whether it was created by Arnold Reuben, Reuben Kulakofsky, or a chef at the Blackstone Hotel, the Reuben sandwich is a true American classic that is sure to satisfy your hunger and impress your guests.
| Reuben Sandwich Ingredients | Description |
|---|---|
| Corned Beef | A type of cured beef that is typically sliced thin and served in sandwiches. |
| Sauerkraut | A type of fermented cabbage that is typically served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in sandwiches. |
| Swiss Cheese | A type of cheese that is typically sliced thin and served in sandwiches. |
| Thousand Island Dressing | A type of salad dressing that is typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish. |
| Rye Bread | A type of bread that is typically made with rye flour and caraway seeds. |
In conclusion, the Reuben sandwich is a delicious and beloved treat that has a rich history and mystery behind its origins. Whether it was created by Arnold Reuben, Reuben Kulakofsky, or a chef at the Blackstone Hotel, the Reuben sandwich is a true American classic that is sure to satisfy your hunger and impress your guests.
What is a Reuben sandwich?
A Reuben sandwich is a type of sandwich that typically consists of corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing, grilled between slices of rye bread. The combination of flavors and textures in a Reuben sandwich has made it a popular choice in many restaurants and delis.
The ingredients in a Reuben sandwich are carefully chosen to complement each other. The corned beef provides a salty, meaty flavor, while the sauerkraut adds a tangy, slightly sour taste. The Swiss cheese melts and binds the ingredients together, and the Thousand Island or Russian dressing adds a creamy, slightly sweet element to the sandwich.
Where did the Reuben sandwich originate?
The origins of the Reuben sandwich are not well-documented, and there are several different claims about its creation. One story is that the sandwich was invented by Arnold Reuben, a German-American restaurateur who owned a deli in New York City in the early 20th century. According to this story, Reuben created the sandwich as a specialty item for his deli, and it quickly became popular with his customers.
Another story claims that the Reuben sandwich was actually invented by Reuben Kulakofsky, a Lithuanian-American grocer who lived in Omaha, Nebraska. According to this story, Kulakofsky created the sandwich as a way to use up leftover corned beef and sauerkraut, and it became a hit with his friends and family.
What is the difference between a Reuben and a Rachel sandwich?
A Rachel sandwich is a variation of the Reuben sandwich that uses pastrami instead of corned beef. The Rachel sandwich is often served with the same ingredients as a Reuben, including sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island or Russian dressing, but the use of pastrami gives it a slightly different flavor profile.
The Rachel sandwich is often considered a more modern variation of the Reuben, and it is not as widely known or recognized as the Reuben. However, it is still a popular choice in many delis and restaurants, and it offers a slightly different twist on the classic Reuben sandwich.
Can I make a Reuben sandwich at home?
Yes, it is easy to make a Reuben sandwich at home. The ingredients are widely available in most supermarkets, and the sandwich can be assembled and grilled in just a few minutes. To make a Reuben sandwich at home, start by slicing the corned beef and sauerkraut thinly, and grating the Swiss cheese.
Next, butter two slices of rye bread and place them in a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Assemble the sandwich by placing the corned beef, sauerkraut, and cheese on one slice of bread, and topping with the second slice. Cook the sandwich for several minutes on each side, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
What type of cheese is best for a Reuben sandwich?
Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich, and it is still the most widely used cheese in Reuben sandwiches today. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of Swiss cheese complements the other ingredients in the sandwich perfectly, and its creamy texture helps to bind the ingredients together.
Other types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, can also be used in a Reuben sandwich, but they do not have the same flavor and texture as Swiss cheese. If you want to make a traditional Reuben sandwich, it is best to use Swiss cheese.
Can I use different types of bread for a Reuben sandwich?
While rye bread is the traditional choice for a Reuben sandwich, other types of bread can also be used. Pumpernickel bread, for example, has a slightly sweeter flavor than rye bread and can add a nice depth to the sandwich. Sourdough bread can also be used, and it will give the sandwich a slightly tangy flavor.
However, it is best to avoid using white bread or whole wheat bread for a Reuben sandwich, as they do not have the same flavor and texture as rye bread. Rye bread is a key ingredient in a traditional Reuben sandwich, and it helps to give the sandwich its distinctive flavor and texture.
Is a Reuben sandwich a healthy option?
A Reuben sandwich is not typically considered a healthy option, as it is high in calories, fat, and sodium. The corned beef and cheese are high in saturated fat, and the sauerkraut is high in sodium. Additionally, the Thousand Island or Russian dressing adds extra calories and fat to the sandwich.
However, it is possible to make a healthier version of a Reuben sandwich by using leaner ingredients, such as low-sodium corned beef and reduced-fat cheese. You can also use a lighter dressing, such as mustard or mayonnaise, instead of Thousand Island or Russian dressing.