Tag: sandwich

Is a taco a sandwich?

In the last post we discussed whether a burger is a sandwich. This topic may seem like a trivial issue, and often it is, but the definition of a sandwich was recently debated in an Indiana courtroom where a judge had to rule whether tacos are sandwiches.

There is a zoning policy in Fort Wayne where a shopping center can’t have fast food outlets but it can have sandwich shops. A taco restaurant wanted to open but was told it wasn’t allowed. Apparently the restaurant owner was adamant about getting that location, so he took it to court. The judge ruled that tacos and burritos are “Mexican-style sandwiches”, so the taco place can open there.

So add that to your debate with friends about the definition of a sandwich. There’s legal evidence to support one side. Although personally I would not consider tacos or burritos to be sandwiches.

So let’s look at the official definition of a sandwich, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

1a) two or more slices of bread or a split roll have a filling in between.
1b) one slice of bread covered with food.
2) something resembling a sandwich.
especially : composite structural material consisting of layers often of high-strength facings bonded to a low strength central core.

That last definition seems problematic. I figure it’s referring to a generic use of the term for non-food items, but it doesn’t seem like a valid definition to say if something looks like a sandwich then it is. Perhaps they should clarify it as non-food usage. But I’m no etymology expert.

Also, back on topic, the first definition seems legit, but it does not include tacos or burritos, unless you are going to argue that a taco shell or tortilla is bread. I’m not prepared to go that far.

The second definition (1b) doesn’t work for me. If you accept that, then pizza is a sandwich. That stretching it too far.

Who knew it was so difficult to decide what a sandwich is? That’s what makes this a potentially fun conversation with your friends.

Is a burger a sandwich?

If you’re with a group of friends and looking for something to discuss, here’s an idea. Also, this works particularly well at a restaurant, since it’s about food. You could start the discussion with the premise of, “I heard something unusual and want to get more opinions on it.” Then ask:

“Is a cheeseburger a sandwich?”

Then just sit back and watch… 🙂

It’s obviously a simple question, but it often provokes debate. One could argue that it’s just meat and cheese and toppings between slices of bread, which is what a sandwich is. The counter argument is that it’s grilled food, so it’s not just a sandwich. Also, it just seems wrong to call it a sandwich. They seem like different categories of food.

Someone may argue that a sandwich is made with sliced meat, deli-style, which seems like a valid point. However, many restaurants sell a chicken sandwich which has fried or grilled chicken. If someone claims the chicken sandwich is mislabeled, then ask if it’s a chicken burger. 🙂

FYI, according to an official definition at Britannica, a burger is a sandwich, but feel free to draw your own conclusions.

If the topic was fun to discuss, follow it up with, “Is a hot dog a sandwich?”

the ultimate BLT sandwich

I saw a commercial the other night for an “Ultimate BLT” from Arby’s.  It had my attention because of how often they said bacon (probably 7 times).  They used big grandiose terms like “monument to bacon”, etc.  So naturally I was expecting good things from this new food of theirs.

Then they actually shows the sandwich, which contains only 5 pieces of bacon.  I was suddenly disappointed.  And that’s with their commercial depiction.  Here’s a picture of one that someone purchased.

Arby’s “Ultimate BLT”. There might be 5 pieces of bacon, but not 5 full strips of bacon. This is so not the ultimate BLT.

I realize fast food often does not look like the commercials — I get that — but this is not an “Ultimate BLT” by any stretch!

So a question arises.  For something to be declared the ultimate BLT, how many slices of bacon are required?  And should any other ingredients be included?  (I realize there may be purists who say a BLT cannot have extra ingredients, but what if it makes it better?  Plus, we are talking about a modified title of “Ultimate BLT”, which implies it should be the best possible BLT.)

I’d like to hear your thoughts on this, because you might have ideas I haven’t thought of.  To get the discussion started, the Buffet o’ Blog staff talked about it around the virtual water cooler:

* I think anything to be declared the “ultimate” in bacon should have a minimum of 1/4 lbs of bacon… anything less and it just sounds a bit puny.  I’d laugh if I saw a commercial touting something like 1/8 a pound of bacon!

* Even if one cares about the other 2/3 of a BLT, you’d still need bacon to be prominent over the LT.  I’d say at least 1/4 lbs, but I’d recommend (and like to research) 1/2 lbs.

* To be “ultimate”, they’ve got to take it to the next level.  BAM!  For starters, add melted cheese to it, and Miracle Whip.  Some chipotle sauce would go well with it, too, I think.  For the cheese, could probably use cheese dip with Rotel to pour on it, just make it thick enough to stay in the sandwich.

* Add a fried egg to it!  Well, if you’re gonna call it ultimate, add several eggs and more bacon.  And cheese, of course.  Tell me this wouldn’t sell like hotcakes!  I would eat this for any meal of the day.

Any more ideas?

Does bacon make your sandwich better?

A while back I ate at Applebee’s, and it was before a concert so I was eating a light meal.  I ordered a bacon chicken sandwich, but it failed to have any bacon on it.  Obviously that is unacceptable, so I pointed this out to the waitress, and she took it away and brought it back with bacon.  A few minutes later she came by the table to ask, “Is it better now?”  What kind of question is that?  Of course it’s better with bacon!  What sandwich wouldn’t be?

I didn’t embarrass her about the dumb question.  She probably never realized what she was asking, and it’s her job to make sure that the dining experience is going well.