Submarine sandwich
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A submarine sandwich (or just submarine where context would exclude the sea vessel, or even just sub) is any of various sandwiches made on a long roll or baguette (called "French bread" or a "submarine roll" in the U.S.) , so called because of its shape. The contents typically include meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and various condiments, sauces or dressings.
According to legend[1], the submarine sandwich was brought to the US by Dominic Conte, an Italian immigrant who came to New York in the early 1900s. He named the sandwich after a submarine hull he had seen on display. During World War II, the sandwiches were served by the thousands to soldiers at the submarine base in Groton, Connecticut which cemented the legend that the sandwiches originated in Groton.
[edit] Regional names and variations
In the United States, the terms "submarine" and "sub" are widespread[2], but there are also many regional names for the sandwich, especially in the northeast part of the country:
- Bomb — New England, usually used for hot sandwiches with melted cheese & other toppings, such as a Steak bomb
- Bomber — New Jersey
- Cosmo - North Central Pennsylvania in and around Williamsport, PA - a cosmo is an oven toasted sub.
- Grinder — New England (some say this refers specifically to an oven-toasted sub) and Riverside, CA
- Hero — New York, northern New Jersey and the Eastern United States
- Hoagie — Philadelphia and environs, including South Jersey
- Italian — New Jersey, Maine, Maryland
- Poor boy or Po' boy — Gulf Coast, especially around New Orleans
- Spuckie — Boston, Massachusetts (now rare)
- Torpedo — New Jersey
- Wedge — New Jersey and Westchester and Rockland Counties in New York and southwestern Connecticut
- Zep (for zeppelin) — New Jersey and Norristown, Pennsylvania
- Italian - Maine, where "Italian" is used regardless of the filling--which is specified separately. For instance, a "ham Italian", a "veggie Italian" or a "roast beef Italian". A regular Italian tends to be a ham Italian. Italians are made to order at most convenient stores and gas stations. A typical italian is made up of: ham, cheese, onions, olives, green peppers, pickles, and tomatoes.
In South Florida, the Cuban sandwich is the local variation, typically a roast pork, ham and some times salami on pressed Cuban bread.
An Italian sub, Italian combo, or Italian hoagie consists of Italian luncheon meats, typically capicola, prosciutto, and Genoa salami, with provolone, lettuce, tomato, oil, and vinegar. Thinly sliced pepperoni and bologna are sometimes added, and less expensive ham is often substituted for capicola and prosciutto. Subway refers to its Italian sub as a B.M.T.
A cheesesteak or steak and cheese is grilled sliced steak with melted cheese on a submarine roll. Common local variations include grilled onions, peppers, lettuce, tomato, and sometimes mayonnaise. The cheese is usually American, cheddar, provolone, or Cheez Whiz. Cheesesteaks are strongly associated with the Philadelphia area, while "steak and cheese" is more often heard elsewhere.
Submarine sandwiches are sold by delicatessens and a number of fast-food restaurants and chains, including Charley's Grilled Subs, Jersey Mike's Subs, D'Angelo Sandwich Shop, Subway, Quizno's, Mr. Sub, Blimpie, Port of Subs, Schlotzsky's, and Jimmy John's. Submarines are especially popular in Pennsylvania. There are many "Mom and Pop" subs shops in the cities and boroughs of Pennsylvania. These sub shops are some of the most popular eateries in Pennsylvania. A small town will usually be the host of 2 or 3 sub shops. Larger cities have 2 or 3 sub shops per neighborhood.
