National Sandwich Day in the USA

Sandwich is, actually, two slices of bread with any filling (it might be meat, fish, sausage, cheese, jam, peanut butter, greenery or any other ingredients). By the way, the usual sandwich could be called as ‘open’ one. Sandwiches lead its story from the old times.

It is well-known that in the 1-st century Hillel the Elder who was considered as the teacher of Christ introduced the Easter tradition to fold in the piece of matza the mixture from the crushed apples and nuts mixed with the species. This food embodied the sufferings of Jewish nation. In the Medieval Ages there was a tradition to bring the stew on the big pieces of the dry bread which in the process of food consumption were nourished with the juice so as to make it satisfying and allowed to save money on the meal. There are other examples in the literature but the dish ‘sandwich’ received this name in the 18-th century, as it is said by the legend.

It received such a loud name in honor of John Montague (1718-1792), the 4-th lord Sandwich, English diplomat and national activist, the First Lord of Admiralty. By the way, its name was given to the South Sandwich Islands discovered by James Cook during its third world cruise. According to the most widespread version, sandwich was produced by Montague for the quick meal during the card game. Indeed, everything is very trite. The earl was the avid player, and he could spend almost days and nights sitting at the game table. Certainly, when he was hungry, the food was given to him. In the course o such a many-hour game the failed competitor in impetuosity blamed the earl that he had trickled the cards with his dirty hands. So as not to get similar occasions, the earl ordered his servant to give a piece of a roast beef put between two slices of bread. It allowed him to continue game not interrupting for a quick meal but not spoiling the cards. Everybody who witnessed this decision liked it, and soon such a original bread-and-butter dish ‘like Sandwich had’ became very popular among the local avid card players. This is how the name of a new dish appeared and changed the culinary world. As well, it is considered that in such a way fast food appeared.