Celebrate National Sandwich Day with a visit to one of OKC’s many shops or delis
If you enjoy a good sandwich, you are not alone. Billions of people around the globe relish in partaking in a tasty sandwich, especially here in the United States where just mentioning names like New Yorker, club or Reuben can elicit an instant mouthwatering response. And who doesn’t crave a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich every once in a while?
It’s this love for this versatile snack that eventually spawned the first National Sandwich Day back on Nov. 3, 2010. This year, National Sandwich Day will be celebrated on Friday, Nov. 3.
It is understandable why the sandwich is loved by so many people around the world, but you might wonder when the sandwich was first created or even who invented it. There is some debate surrounding this topic, but most foodie historians believe the sandwich’s creation can be attributed to Englishman John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, in 1762.
Tradition has it that the Montagu was a big gambler, who, during a long 24-hour gambling streak, asked his cook to prepare him a simple meal that he could hold in one hand so as not to interfere with his streak. At Montagu’s suggestion, the cook subsequently slapped together some meat between two pieces of bread (and maybe even some Grey Poupon to boot!) and within an instant, the sandwich was born.
Sandwiches grew steadily in popularity among the English soon thereafter. But it wasn’t until 1815 when sandwich recipes appeared in an American cookbook that the delicious and convenient meal began its ascension as an American staple.
Now that you know the quick history of the modern-day sandwich, why not begin making plans for Nov. 3 by considering a few suggestions from the Better Life staff for some favorite Oklahoma City-area sandwich shops or cafés that serve some very appetizing and flavorful sandwiches?
According to reviews from a couple of national websites, the Oklahoma City metro is filled with many excellent sandwich shops and delis. Below is just a handful, along with their specific locations and a sampling of their menus:
- The Mule — 1630 N. Blackwelder Ave. in Oklahoma City and 16 S. Broadway in Edmond
Sandwich choices include the Macaroni Pony (jalapeño cornbread, chipotle BBQ pulled pork, three-cheese mac and cheese, pickles), Angry Texan (baguette, braised short rib, cheddar, onion ring, mayo, red cabbage slaw, BBQ sauce), Cortez (jalapeño cornbread, braised short rib, pepperjack cheese, grilled jalapeño, caramelized onion, spicy aioli) and Fancy Pants (Vienna wheat, roasted chicken, brie, gruyere, caramelized onions, pear, basil pesto, balsamic reduction), as well as several other tasty choices. - Krell's East Coast Style Delicatessen — 2121 S. Yukon Parkway, Suite 150, in Yukon
Offers a large assortment of deli-style sandwiches, including pastrami, corned beef, BLT, turkey club, Reuben, Philly cheesesteak, Italian Stallion, both chicken and tuna salad, hot ham ‘n’ cheese, and more. - 30th Street Market — 407 NW 30th St. in Oklahoma City
A small but lip-smacking assortment of “Sammies,” including the BLT, turkey, Italian, beef & cheddar, eggplant & zucchini, pastrami, grilled cheese, and pimento. - Harvey Bakery & Kitchen — 301 NE 13th St. in Oklahoma City
Served daily from 11 a.m. to closing, sandwiches include the classic chicken salad, turkey & bacon club, bacon jam & pimento grilled cheese, the Harvey Club, the Giovanni and Green Goddess, among others. - The Gilded Acorn — 146 Park Ave., Oklahoma City (located in downtown’s historic First National Center)
Sandwich menu touts the champagne poached chicken, egg salad and French dip. - Lee's Sandwiches — 3300 N. Classen, Oklahoma City
This popular chain restaurant features a large variety of Vietnamese bánh mì, including the pork roll, Asian BBQ pork, sardine, pork roll & pâté, and jambon & pork roll, as well as many classic European sandwich choices offered on croissant or baguette.
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