Sandwich Matters
Sandwich, one of America’s most popular menu items, is celebrated this month.
A sandwich typically consists of vegetables, cheese, slices of meat, and at least two pieces of bread. This simple and comfy food makes it a popular choice for school lunch, taking to work, or carrying to picnics. It is also a household staple that you can find at the deli across the street or in a diner by the highway.
Who came out with the idea of making “sandwiches”? If you are curious like us. Sandwich is named after its supposed inventor, John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. It is said John Montagu liked to order his “sandwich” during his long cribbage and other game session because that food allowed him to continue gambling while eating without needing other utensils. Then sandwiches slowly began appearing in society as a late-night meal among these aristocrats.
In the 19th century, when the rising industrial society took off, the sandwich became popular among the working classes. People like to consume sandwiches because they are fast, portable, and fairly inexpensive.
In America, sandwiches became the standard menu item during the first diner boom. Those diners typically serve casual American cuisine such as hamburgers, fries, pancakes, or sandwiches. From 1920 to 1940, those diners were commonly known as the “lunch cars” because many were refurbished from a retired train or trolley. After World War II, as the economy returned to civilian productions and many people drove across towns, diner became popular and frequently stayed open 24 hours a day. Sandwiches offered at the diner were no longer linked to a specific meal schedule but rather a comfy food always available.
The sandwich was created while its inventor focused on something else. Ironically, as our lifestyle evolves, we now have an elaborate club sandwich with fries and a milkshake as we desire. We can also eat alone or attentively with our friends or family in most diners.
Reading the sandwich’s interesting gastronomy, which surprisingly tied to the progression of our built environment, reminded us of a WELL feature.
“In addition to eating and space, having designated meal periods can help ensure individuals have and take time to eat mindfully.” — WELL N08, Mindful Eating
On sandwich day, we dedicate this card to the first pioneers who salvaged old train cars into uniquely designed diners. Thanks to their creativity, we now have more mindful-eating places to enjoy.
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By the way, if you are interested in seeing how the beauty of quintessential diners was recorded in history, visit “Nighthawks” (1942), a painting by Edward Hooper at the Art Institute of Chicago. For those who also live in the same county as us, stop by the Tastee Dinner at 8601 Cameron Street, Silver Spring. According to Maryland’s Historical Trust’s inventory description, this diner was “exceptionally significant as an extremely rare building type and a classic example of Art Deco/ Moderne commercial architecture.” Imagine yourself having a meal in its streamlined-curved window seat would surely be an exceptional and mindful dining experience!
