Posted on 08/23/2023 6:24:27 AM PDT by Red Badger
(Last Updated On: August 14, 2023)
NATIONAL CUBAN SANDWICH DAY | AUGUST 23
On August 23rd, celebrate a sandwich that originated in Cuba, but grew up in Florida. National Cuban Sandwich Day is a tribute to flavor found in a toasted pressed sandwich.
#NationalCubanSandwichDay
While the Cubano traditionally consists of ham, roast pork, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread, restaurants and home cooks serve up different versions. While the sandwich alone may serve as a satisfying meal, some very flavorful sides complement this globe-trotting sandwich. Like any grilled sandwich, a creamy, dunkable soup makes the perfect complement. Consider making this delicious Smoky Roasted Corn Soup. Another favorite side dish is seasoned sweet potato fries.
The sandwich brings together flavor and history, too. By combining traditions from Cuban, German, and Italian immigrants, the sandwich offers a world tour of simple ingredients. If you’ve never had one, this is the day to try it.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CUBAN SANDWICH DAY
Many restaurants offer specials on their Cuban Sandwich to celebrate the day. You’ll want to give the place that makes your favorite Cubano a shout-out, too! You can also make your own. Try a traditional recipe or change it up with your own distinctive style. You can also share the day with others while exploring new side dishes and recipes. Be sure to use #NationalCubanSandwichDay to share your celebrations on social media.
NATIONAL CUBAN SANDWICH DAY HISTORY
Journalist Christopher Spata of the Tampa Bay Times set out to test the National Day food celebration waters in 2016. In his mission to make up a new food holiday, he managed to create a celebration that has gone around the world. According to his article, he chose August 23rd because the only other food holiday was National Sponge Cake Day, “and who cares about that?” (He’s obviously never had sponge cake or tried making one.” And while some articles call it a hoax, those who celebrate food days take them seriously.
Sandwich FAQ
Q. When is National Sandwich Day?
A. National Sandwich Day is November 3.
Q. How many sandwich holidays are on the calendar?
A. The short answer is there are 13 sandwich-specific days on the calendar. But, define sandwich. Most people (and dictionaries) define “sandwich” as a food comprised of two pieces of bread with a filling of meat, cheese, or other food items in between the bread. Hoagie, hamburger, and sloppy Joe easily fit that description. Grilled cheese sandwich has the word “sandwich” in its name. Those are no-brainers. But, what is a hot dog? Chili dog? What about the Oreo? Is it a sandwich or can you count desserts? Speaking of desserts, how about a s’more? Are graham crackers bread? That brings us to quesadillas. Tortillas are bread and some quesadillas use two tortillas. Is a quesadilla a sandwich? And then there are the open-face sandwiches. Is an egg benedict considered an open-face sandwich?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
August 23rd Celebrated History
1305
King Edward I of England has the Scottish revolutionary, William Wallace, executed. Wallace was hung and then disemboweled, beheaded, and quartered.
1617
London establishes the first one-way street.
1859
The Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City opens and is the first American hotel to include a passenger elevator.
1889
The message “Sherman is sighted” is the first ship-to-shore message sent by wireless.
1902
Fannie Farmer opens the Miss Farmer’s School of Cookery. She was also a cookbook author and proponent of standard measures in cooking
1904
Harry D. Weed patents “Grip-Tread for Pneumatic Tires” making traveling icy roads less hazardous. That same year he establishes the Weed Chain Tire Grip Company.
1918
Frank King’s comic strip, Gasoline Alley, premieres in the Chicago Tribune.
1929
Anne Morrow flies solo for the first time, only months after marrying Charles Lindbergh.
1946
The Big Sleep starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall is released.
1955
Hail pummels the small town of Rushmore, Minnesota. The thunderstorm dumped hail a foot deep on the Nobels County town.
1963
The Beatles release their single “She Loves You” from their Twist and Shout album in the United Kingdom.
1966
NASA’s Lunar Orbiter 1 captures the first photograph of Earth from the Moon’s orbit.
1973
A bank robbery went wrong in Stockholm, Sweden, leading to a hostage crisis. The drawn-out event lasted five days. During that time, the hostages begin to sympathize with their jailers. This phenomenon becomes known as “Stockholm syndrome.”
1977
The Gossamer Condor 2 flew the first man-powered flight for at least 1 mile.
1998
The sitcom, That 70’s Show premiered its first episode.
August 23rd Celebrated Birthdays
Louis XVI – 1774
Born Louis Auguste, he took the French throne at the age of 20 after the death of his grandfather, Louis XV. His policies created insurmountable debt for the country which would eventually lead to the French Revolution.
Sarah Frances Whiting – 1847
The first director of the Whitin Observatory, Whiting taught astronomy and physics at Wellesley College.
Edgar Lee Masters – 1869
The author of more than 30 books and plays is best known for his work, Spoon River Anthology.
Will Cuppy – 1884
Combining dry wit with a little bit of fact, the American humorist and journalist commented on nature and historical personalities.
Grace Chu – 1899
Also known as Madame Chu, the cooking enthusiast began hosting cooking classes in her home while her husband was posted at the U.S. Embassy. She would later continue the courses and become a U.S. citizen. Chu also published two popular books on Chinese cooking.
Ernie Bushmiller – 1905
Best known for his comic strip, Nancy, the artist once thought he couldn’t draw.
Hannah Frank – 1908
The Art Nouveau artist is best known for her black and white drawings and sculptures.
Gene Kelly – 1912
The talented singer, dancer and actor starred alongside Judy Garland, Debbie Reynolds, Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, and Spencer Tracy to name a few.
Barbara Eden – 1931
Eden co-starred in the sitcom I Dream of Jeannie alongside Larry Hagman. During her career, Eden made more than 90 appearances on film and television.
Keith Moon – 1946
Best known as the drummer for The Who, Moon also played several roles in film.
Shelley Long – 1949
The actor is best known for her role as Diane Chambers in the sitcom Cheers.
River Phoenix – 1970
Before his tragic death, the talented young actor appeared in several films including Stand by Me, Running on Empty, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and My Own Private Idaho.
Kobe Bryant – 1978
Drafted into the NBA in 1996, Bryant would go on to an All-Star career with the L.A. Lakers. In January 2020, he was tragically killed in a helicopter accident.
Natalie Coughlin – 1982
The 12-time Olympic medalist is a powerhouse swimmer who started her swimming career at the age of 6.
PING!................
Loves me some Cuban sandwiches.
Publix has a pretty good one....................
Vicente's in downtown Detroit makes a great Cuban.
https://www.vicentesdetroit.com/
Make sure it’s made by real Cubans. Some restaurants will try to sell you one rolled by Dominicans.
All our Chinese restaurants have Mexican cooks.................
ICWYDT
"You wouldn't be tryin to sell ol' Earl Haffler Dominicans in a Cuban wrapper would ya?"
Yes!
That will have to suffice.
LOL
Too salty for me.
A must is a bowl of Cuban black bean soup (Sopa de Frijol Negro) on the side. The two are a serious meal.
Got to have it with Yuca.
Yeah, there was a sushi buffet/restaurant where I live that had a series of Mexican "sushi chefs" in open view behind the preparation area. They played their Mexican music as well. And this wasn't a cheap operation either. They've subsequently gone out of business.
O.K., I’ll take Ithaca. Give ya a sporting chance.
I have never had a Cuban Sandwich.
Maybe someday!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.