MARCH 2014: Sandwich Day

illustrated by D. Liongson

According to Wikipedia, March 1 is Sandwich Day!  It may be listed in the American calendar of food feasts, but why not use it as the theme for this blog entry?  Hard for me to find a calendar that glorifies food by the day or week or month internationally.  So why not play along with Sandwich Day?

Ah… a good excuse to glorify sandwiches!  The glorious food you can pick up with your hands with the lesser mess on them (compared to eating this food breadless).  Some people eat them with a fork and knife.  I think there is some sensuality with eating with clean bare hands.  (Eating sandwiches is included.)

There is a charming classic resto (restaurant) in Manila called  "Pancake House". 

photoed by D. Liongson

When I had afternoon tea, I ordered their Grilled Cheese Sandwich. 

photoed by D. Liongson

For a drink, chilled water is fine.  Water had its way of not stealing the thunder of the sandwich which I ate.  (But then if I want a flavorful drink, I will order it after my meal.)  It is a joy to savour the flavors the food already has.  The best times to drink water is before and after eating.  (Drinking while eating wet blankets the fun of exploring the flavors the food we eat slowly.)

The meal consists of light toasted bread with melted cheddar cheese in between with a moderate helping of potato salad and with tidbits of pineapple and sweet cuke (cucumber) pickles.  I know anyone can make this at home.  But since I like to order this at a resto when the purpose is to eat while meeting a friend in a cozy resto ambiance.  (And not to forget, to free myself from tidying and dishwashing after the meetup.)

Here is some trivia about the humble sandwich: 

--This word "sandwich" is eponymous* to 4th Earl of Sandwich  (John Mantagu)  from south-east England

--This earl usually asks his servants to bring him slices of meat in between two pieces of bread so he can eat this food while he gambles at the card table

--This was his habit witnessed by his gambling friends, that they also ordered their food "the same as Sandwich's"

If you want to read more about the 4th Earl of Sandwich, click THIS.

So much for trivia, it is time to look forward for your chance to grab two pieces of bread and fill it with the filling of your choice!  If mess is less, try one piece of bread for an open sandwich.  Combinations are endless…

*Eponymous may mean the word is based on a real or fictional character.  Some sources state that the exact circumstances of its invention (4th Earl of Sandwich and the food we call "sandwich") and original use are still debatable.
--D.L.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D' HAIKU
Between bread slices
And any filling you love
Then grab and eat it.
--D.L.

… and D' JOKE
Q: What do dentists serve you for lunch?
A: A sandwich with your choice of filling.
--D.L.