Reuben Sandwich


Norms Restaurant
Grilled Reuben Sandwich $7.99
Deep-Fried Jalapeño $0.25

“Reuben, make me a sandwich, make it a combination, I’m so hungry I could eat a brick,” said actress Annette Seelos to Arnold Reuben, owner of Reuben’s Deli in NYC, circa 1914.

This is just one of the many legends on the invention of this sandwich.

A Reuben Sandwich: Corned Beef, Turkey or Pastrami? Cole Slaw or Sauerkraut? Russian Dressing or Thousand Island? Swiss Cheese or Jack Cheese? Toasted or Grilled? At least everyone agrees to serve it on Rye.


Across the street from the car dealership is Norms We Never Close. It’s a fun place (for a food blogger with a camera) to spend a few hours while getting an oil change and other automobile maintenance.

I’m making corned beef and cabbage in honor of St. Paddy, but since it takes about 50 minutes per pound, and my brisket is 4 1/2 pounds, it won’t be ready anytime soon. So I’m posting the Reuben Sandwich – Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

9 thoughts on “Reuben Sandwich”

  1. This brings me back … My friends and I used to hang out at Norm’s in high school (when I lived in Santa Monica). It’s been ages!

  2. Hi Liz- it’s the whole atmosphere thing, and such a range of characters. I was there for 2 hours, completely entertained. Perfect hang out for high school students and old-timers alike!

  3. My husband and I just recently saw the movie, “P.S. I Love You”. It’s a great Ode to all things Ireland but especially love..
    I think I’ll try the local Irish pub for dinner tonight..unless I make the time to make a Shepherds Pie!

  4. I just had a reuben for lunch today, but would have loved that jalapeno on the side! Looks delicious!

  5. HI Laurie – Shepherds Pie sounds great, I am waiting for my corned beef to cook, I didn’t put it in until 5:30, long time ’til dinner…
    Happy St. Pat’s Day!

  6. Hi Marie – I just talked to my friend Heather. She is visiting Chicago for the first time. She says, “The river is green!!!” I thought we didn’t do that any more? Maybe it is just the natural green? I miss my old town. Will be back next month for Passover.

    OOh, I don’t know about the deep-fried jalapeno, it was too too hot, hotter than a habanero, if possible? Do you think deep frying increases the heat, maybe dehydrating it? I will try it again, next oil change, what the heck it’s only a quarter…

  7. Hmm… Could have been the pepper itself. Jalapenos can apparently range in heat from mild to insane, depending on the growing conditions.

    I know what you mean about the atmosphere–the best thing about that place are the people-watching opportunities. And the Irish nachos, which I thought were hilarious.

  8. Hi lori
    i love the way you desrcibe with a bit of historical analogy. thanks for sharing the 1914 year for reuben sandwich.

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