Italian beef: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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The exact origin of the sandwich is unknown.<ref name="latimes">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Lucas Kwan |date=2022-09-23 |title=This Chicagoan explains why true Italian beef is so hard for other cities to get right |language=en-US |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2022-09-23/italian-beef-sandwich-chicago-johnnies-portillos-the-bear |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113222745/https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2022-09-23/italian-beef-sandwich-chicago-johnnies-portillos-the-bear |url-status=live }}</ref> One possible origin is that the sandwich was invented by [[Italian American]] immigrants who sliced inexpensive beef cuts exceedingly thin to feed many people and to tenderize tougher cuts of beef that they were forced to buy due to [[Anti-Italianism|discrimination]]. The beef was served on bread to further stretch the meal and mask the poor quality of the meat.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simon |first=Scott |date=2022-07-23 |title=How Chicago came to love the Italian beef sandwich |language=en |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/07/16/1111868465/chicago-italian-beef-the-bear |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114192327/https://www.npr.org/2022/07/16/1111868465/chicago-italian-beef-the-bear |url-status=live }}</ref> Some historians believe that Pasquale Scala invented the sandwich in the 1920s to serve at weddings. Al's Beef claims that Tony Ferreri invented the sandwich in the 1920s to serve at weddings; his son Al later began selling beef sandwiches in 1938.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pang |first1=Kevin |last2=Tribune |first2=Chicago |title=Hunting the best Italian beef in Chicago |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/06/hunting-the-best-italian-beef-in-chicago/ |access-date=9 April 2024 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=6 December 2014}}</ref> Others believe that Chicago restaurants adapted the [[French dip]] sandwich from [[Los Angeles]] in 1948 or 1949.<ref name="tribune">{{Cite news |last=Kindelsperger |first=Nick |date=2022-11-14 |title=The ultimate guide to Chicago's Italian beef |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-food-ultimate-guide-to-the-italian-beef-20221103-23chwakldvdlvdl7o4xeuvsxdi-list.html |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113235356/https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-food-ultimate-guide-to-the-italian-beef-20221103-23chwakldvdlvdl7o4xeuvsxdi-list.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
The exact origin of the sandwich is unknown.<ref name="latimes">{{Cite news |last=Peterson |first=Lucas Kwan |date=2022-09-23 |title=This Chicagoan explains why true Italian beef is so hard for other cities to get right |language=en-US |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2022-09-23/italian-beef-sandwich-chicago-johnnies-portillos-the-bear |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113222745/https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2022-09-23/italian-beef-sandwich-chicago-johnnies-portillos-the-bear |url-status=live }}</ref> One possible origin is that the sandwich was invented by [[Italian American]] immigrants who sliced inexpensive beef cuts exceedingly thin to feed many people and to tenderize tougher cuts of beef that they were forced to buy due to [[Anti-Italianism|discrimination]]. The beef was served on bread to further stretch the meal and mask the poor quality of the meat.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Simon |first=Scott |date=2022-07-23 |title=How Chicago came to love the Italian beef sandwich |language=en |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2022/07/16/1111868465/chicago-italian-beef-the-bear |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114192327/https://www.npr.org/2022/07/16/1111868465/chicago-italian-beef-the-bear |url-status=live }}</ref> Some historians believe that Pasquale Scala invented the sandwich in the 1920s to serve at weddings. [[Al's Beef]] claims that Tony Ferreri invented the sandwich in the 1920s to serve at weddings; his son Al later began selling beef sandwiches in 1938.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pang |first1=Kevin |last2=Tribune |first2=Chicago |title=Hunting the best Italian beef in Chicago |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/12/06/hunting-the-best-italian-beef-in-chicago/ |access-date=9 April 2024 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=6 December 2014}}</ref> Others believe that Chicago restaurants adapted the [[French dip]] sandwich from [[Los Angeles]] in 1948 or 1949.<ref name="tribune">{{Cite news |last=Kindelsperger |first=Nick |date=2022-11-14 |title=The ultimate guide to Chicago's Italian beef |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-food-ultimate-guide-to-the-italian-beef-20221103-23chwakldvdlvdl7o4xeuvsxdi-list.html |access-date=2022-11-14 |archive-date=2022-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113235356/https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct-food-ultimate-guide-to-the-italian-beef-20221103-23chwakldvdlvdl7o4xeuvsxdi-list.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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According to the Chicago Tribune, the sandwich was not very popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but it began to take off in the 1970s. By the 1980s the sandwich was ubiquitous throughout Chicago, celebrities such as [[Neil Diamond]] and [[Jay Leno]] reportedly enjoyed the sandwich.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kindelsperger |first1=Nick |title=Dip into Chicago’s Italian beef history: From peanut weddings to ‘The Bear,’ how this sandwich became a staple |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/01/15/dip-into-chicagos-italian-beef-history-from-peanut-weddings-to-the-bear-how-this-sandwich-became-a-staple |access-date=9 April 2024 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=15 January 2024}}</ref> Still, the sandwich was mostly unknown outside of the city until the release of [[The Bear (TV series)|The Bear]] in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pang |first1=Kevin |title=Will 'The Bear' Ruin the Italian Beef? |url=https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/food/a44272031/the-bear-italian-beef/ |access-date=9 April 2024 |work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |date=22 June 2023}}</ref> Restaurants across the country reported a surge in demand for the sandwich in the months following the premier of the show.<ref name="nytimes"/> Chris Zucchero, owner of Mr. Beef's, starred in the pilot episode, which was filmed in his restaurant.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scorziello |first1=Sophia |title=Why the Owner of the Shop That Inspired ‘The Bear’ Hasn’t Seen the Show: ‘Somebody’s Still Got to Make Beef’ |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-bear-real-life-mr-beef-chicago-owner-chris-zucchero-christopher-storer-1235652641/ |access-date=9 April 2024 |work=Variety |date=23 June 2023}}</ref> |
According to the Chicago Tribune, the sandwich was not very popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but it began to take off in the 1970s. By the 1980s the sandwich was ubiquitous throughout Chicago, celebrities such as [[Neil Diamond]] and [[Jay Leno]] reportedly enjoyed the sandwich.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kindelsperger |first1=Nick |title=Dip into Chicago’s Italian beef history: From peanut weddings to ‘The Bear,’ how this sandwich became a staple |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/01/15/dip-into-chicagos-italian-beef-history-from-peanut-weddings-to-the-bear-how-this-sandwich-became-a-staple |access-date=9 April 2024 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=15 January 2024}}</ref> Still, the sandwich was mostly unknown outside of the city until the release of [[The Bear (TV series)|The Bear]] in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pang |first1=Kevin |title=Will 'The Bear' Ruin the Italian Beef? |url=https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/food/a44272031/the-bear-italian-beef/ |access-date=9 April 2024 |work=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire]] |date=22 June 2023}}</ref> Restaurants across the country reported a surge in demand for the sandwich in the months following the premier of the show.<ref name="nytimes"/> Chris Zucchero, owner of Mr. Beef's, starred in the pilot episode, which was filmed in his restaurant.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scorziello |first1=Sophia |title=Why the Owner of the Shop That Inspired ‘The Bear’ Hasn’t Seen the Show: ‘Somebody’s Still Got to Make Beef’ |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-bear-real-life-mr-beef-chicago-owner-chris-zucchero-christopher-storer-1235652641/ |access-date=9 April 2024 |work=Variety |date=23 June 2023}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 16:50, 10 April 2024
 | This article's lead section contains information that is not included elsewhere in the article. (April 2024) |
 Italian beef sandwich | |
| Type | Sandwich |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | Chicago, Illinois |
| Created by | Multiple claims |
| Serving temperature | Hot |
| Main ingredients | Roast beef, French bread |
| Variations | Multiple |
| Part of a series on |
| Steak |
|---|
An Italian beef sandwich, originating in Chicago, is composed of thin slices of seasoned roast beef, simmered and served au jus on French bread. The sandwich's history dates back at least to the 1930s.[1] The bread itself is, at the diner's preference, often dipped (or double-dipped) into the juice the meat is cooked in, and the sandwich is typically topped off with Chicago-style giardiniera (called "hot") or sauteed, with green Italian sweet peppers (called "sweet").
Italian beef sandwiches are commonly found at many area hot dog stands, pizzerias and Italian-American restaurants in the Chicago area. Chicago expatriates have opened restaurants serving Italian beef in other places. In the United States, demand for the sandwich spiked with the popularity of the television show The Bear, set in a fictional Chicago restaurant.[2]
Preparation
 | This section possibly contains original research. (April 2024) |
Italian beef is made using cuts of beef from the sirloin rear or the top/bottom round wet-roasted in broth with garlic, oregano and spices until cooked throughout. The meat is roasted at ≤ 350 °F (177 °C); this results in up to a 45% reduction in weight, but also yields the sandwich's famous jus or gravy. The beef is then cooled, sliced thin using a deli slicer, and then reintroduced to its reheated beef broth. The beef then sits in the broth, typically for hours. The inefficiency of this process, however, has started to concern many larger Italian beef producers and retailers. In response, some attempt to achieve higher yields by lowering the cooking temperature and placing the beef into food-grade polyester and nylon cook bags, which changes the outer appearance of the beef.[3] Though this reduced time is sufficient for cooking the beef all the way through, it does not allow the jus to be harvested fully. Because traditional Italian beefs are dipped in the jus from their own roast, when this more efficient method is used, the sandwich's flavor is affected. Some companies add MSG, phosphates and other additives in attempts to reach for higher yields.[4]
The sandwich is traditionally served on French bread soaked in the beef's gravy, often baked at Turano Baking Co. in particular.[5][6]
History
The exact origin of the sandwich is unknown.[7] One possible origin is that the sandwich was invented by Italian American immigrants who sliced inexpensive beef cuts exceedingly thin to feed many people and to tenderize tougher cuts of beef that they were forced to buy due to discrimination. The beef was served on bread to further stretch the meal and mask the poor quality of the meat.[8] Some historians believe that Pasquale Scala invented the sandwich in the 1920s to serve at weddings. Al's Beef claims that Tony Ferreri invented the sandwich in the 1920s to serve at weddings; his son Al later began selling beef sandwiches in 1938.[9] Others believe that Chicago restaurants adapted the French dip sandwich from Los Angeles in 1948 or 1949.[10]
According to the Chicago Tribune, the sandwich was not very popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but it began to take off in the 1970s. By the 1980s the sandwich was ubiquitous throughout Chicago, celebrities such as Neil Diamond and Jay Leno reportedly enjoyed the sandwich.[11] Still, the sandwich was mostly unknown outside of the city until the release of The Bear in 2022.[12] Restaurants across the country reported a surge in demand for the sandwich in the months following the premier of the show.[2] Chris Zucchero, owner of Mr. Beef's, starred in the pilot episode, which was filmed in his restaurant.[13]
Variations
Italian beefs can be served "sweet" with grilled or boiled bell peppers or "hot" with spicy pickled vegetables. They can also be served "dry," "wet" with juices ladled over it, or the entire sandwich can be "dipped" in juices.[10]
Most restaurants also offer a "combo," adding a grilled Italian sausage to the sandwich. Uncommon toppings include cheese and marinara sauce. Some may also sell a "gravy bread," plain bread dipped in juices.[10]
See also
References
- ^ Zeldes, Leah A. (September 30, 2002). "How to Eat Like a Chicagoan". Chicago's Restaurant Guide. Archived from the original on October 1, 2002. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
- ^ a b Serman, Rachel (August 8, 2022). "Demand for Italian Beef Is Booming. Thank 'The Bear.'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 14, 2022. Retrieved November 14, 2022.
- ^ "Chicago 2011 Part 8 - Vienna Beef Factory - Dining Out - Cooking For Engineers". www.cookingforengineers.com. Archived from the original on 2014-11-25. Retrieved 2014-11-22.
- ^ "Straight Dope Chicago: Who invented Italian beef, and why can't you get it outside of Chicago?". Archived from the original on 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2014-11-22.
- ^ Kiu, Ximena N. Beltran Quan (16 June 2023). "The 8 Best Italian Beefs in Chicago". Bon Appétit. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ Kindelsperger, Nick (2022-11-14). "The ultimate guide to Chicago's Italian beef". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2022-11-13. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
- ^ Peterson, Lucas Kwan (2022-09-23). "This Chicagoan explains why true Italian beef is so hard for other cities to get right". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2022-11-13. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
- ^ Simon, Scott (2022-07-23). "How Chicago came to love the Italian beef sandwich". NPR. Archived from the original on 2022-11-14. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
- ^ Pang, Kevin; Tribune, Chicago (6 December 2014). "Hunting the best Italian beef in Chicago". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ a b c Kindelsperger, Nick (2022-11-14). "The ultimate guide to Chicago's Italian beef". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 2022-11-13. Retrieved 2022-11-14.
- ^ Kindelsperger, Nick (15 January 2024). "Dip into Chicago's Italian beef history: From peanut weddings to 'The Bear,' how this sandwich became a staple". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ Pang, Kevin (22 June 2023). "Will 'The Bear' Ruin the Italian Beef?". Esquire. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
- ^ Scorziello, Sophia (23 June 2023). "Why the Owner of the Shop That Inspired 'The Bear' Hasn't Seen the Show: 'Somebody's Still Got to Make Beef'". Variety. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
