About Club Sandwiches
A club sandwich is a sandwich within a sandwich. This double- or triple-decker creation can be pulled apart into lots of smaller sandwich pieces, complete with their own ends of bread. Better still is to try to bite into the sandwich without separating the layers and to enjoy the mingling flavors and textures stuffed between the outer layers of toasted bread. Does this Spark an idea?
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Identification
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One version of the club sandwich includes three slices of toasted white bread buttered with mayonnaise. Between two slices of the toast are layers of sliced chicken breast, crisp bacon, tomato slices and the other piece of toast. Other variations of the sandwich include sliced ham and turkey instead of the chicken, a slice of cheese and a leaf of lettuce. The sandwich is usually cut diagonally, into four triangles, with each section secured with a frilly toothpick.
History
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There are several speculations about how the club sandwich originated. According to one story, the club sandwich was created at the famous New York Saratoga Club-House in 1894. Another story from a 1916 publication reported that a man invented the sandwich after throwing together whatever ingredients he could find in the pantry, including two extra slices of bread. He so liked his invention that he shared it with fellow members of a club he belonged to, hence the name "club sandwich."
A recipe for the club sandwich appeared in the 1903 edition of "Good Housekeeping Everyday Cookbook." The following year, three restaurants featured their version of the club sandwich at the St. Louis World's Fair. The 1903 recipe called for just two slices of toasted bread, and it is unclear how the extra slices of toast made it into the sandwich. -
Types
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Over the years different types of club sandwiches have evolved. Some restaurants offer a cheeseburger club, which is a double-decker cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce and tomato. Other multidecker sandwiches featuring chicken, tuna or roast beef have been labeled club sandwiches because of their multilayered feature. Club sandwiches that include avocado have been dubbed California clubs.
Significance
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Club sandwiches are a standard lunch menu item offered at American-style restaurants. Other standard sandwiches offered at similar restaurants might include the BLT, grilled cheese or beef dip. Private clubhouse restaurants, such as those at a golf or social club, often include their own signature version of the club sandwich.
Features
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Some sandwiches that claim to be club are not multideckered but have multiple meats. Many fast food restaurants have developed their own version of the club sandwich. Both Wendy's and McDonald's have items they call chicken clubs. These are actually chicken breast sandwiches served on a roll with bacon, lettuce and tomatoes. Subway's club is also served on a roll, but instead of chicken, it includes slices of roast beef, ham, turkey and vegetables.
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