NATIONAL CUBAN SANDWICH DAY

August 22, 2026July 30, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

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.

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.

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?

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCubanSandwichDay

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 FRESH FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MONTH

May 31, 2026May 11, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 12 Comments

Add color to your meals during National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month in June. As the peak season for many early garden crops find their way into markets, it’s an excellent time to take advantage of these freshly picked fruits and vegetables.

Find farmers market near you — Find a Farmers Market Near You

Berries and salad items come to mind first, but don’t hesitate to try exotic produce, too. As we head into a season where more variety is available, our family gets to enjoy the benefits of early summer’s bounty in vibrant color.

From zucchini and tomatoes, leafy greens, onions, and avocado, each provides added fiber, protein, and vital nutrients. Whether we eat them as a snack, on a salad or in smooth, it’s important to have five servings of fruit and vegetables per day.

Cucumber, Tomato Salad — Cucumber, Tomato Sald

Red, Blue, and Cheesecake Salad — Red, Blue and Cheesecake Salad

No-Fail Fresca Sangria — No – Fail Fresca Sangria

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HOW TO OBSERVE

Skip the canned and frozen aisle and check out the delicious fresh fruits and vegetables coming into the grocery, farmers markets, and even your garden every day in June. Maybe visit a pick-your-own-fruit-and-vegetable farm and bring home the fruits of your labor. Savor the goodness of these delicious foods and use #FreshFruitAndVegetableMonth to share on social media.

A Gift Inside BTB Medium Box *Fruit-Only*#FreshFruitAndVegetableMonth — A Gift Inside BTB Medium Box *Fruit-Only*

Gourmet Fruit Gift Pack, (20lbs) Orchard Fresh Oranges, Pears, Apples, and Grapefruit (32 pieces) loaded with Immunity Boosting Vitamin C from Capital City Fruit, Farm Produce Direct#FreshFruitAndVegetableMonth — A Gift Inside BTB Medium Box *Fruit-Only*

NATIONAL CHEESESTEAK DAY

March 23, 2026February 26, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National Cheesesteak Day on March 24th not only celebrates a fantastic sandwich but it recognizes one of this nation’s greater debates; Who created this deliciousness?

It’s like March Madness for a cheesesteak. Pat’s and Geno’s square off at 10 AM followed by Chubby’s and Dalessandro’s at 11 AM. Then Jim’s and Tony Luke’s at Noon. Basketball fans know how brackets go. Someone is gonna get a by.

However, the credit is given to a hot dog vendor from the 1930s, Pat Olivieri. According to Philadelphia’s tourism site, Pat’s King of Steaks sits on its original location and is still going strong. This writer has had a cheesesteak from there and would go back in a heartbeat.

The important thing is this fabulous, juicy sandwich on a hoagie roll. The roll is filled with chipped steak, and you can order it with or without cheese and onions. If you’ve never had one, you can really only get an authentic one in Philly. Other places try, so go where you can. But someday, go to Philadephia. It is the real deal.

Try this for a delicious easy Cheesesteak recipe.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCheesesteakDay

Invite your friends and head over to your favorite cheesesteak restaurant. Get it with cheese (it’s cheesesteak day, not steak day) and add the onions, too. Use #NationalCheesesteakDay to share on social media.

Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Philly Cheesesteak Style Dinner Kit#NationalCheesesteakDay — Velveeta Cheesy Skillets Philly Cheesesteak Style Dinner Kit

NATIONAL PEARS HELENE DAY

March 14, 2026March 13, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On March 15th, National Pears Hélène Day celebrates a food holiday about the delicious, smooth French dessert combining warm poached pears, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce.

Pears Hélène is a dessert made from pears poached in sugar syrup and served with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and crystallized violets. Around 1864, French Chef Auguste Escoffier created the dessert in honor of the operetta La belle Hélène by Jacques Offenbach.

Over time, Pears Hélène simpler versions have been developed by substituting poached pears with canned pears and the delicate crystallized violets have been replaced with sliced almonds. These modifications have made it easier for more cooks to prepare this must-have dessert.

FUN PEAR FACTS:

There are more than 3,000 varieties of pears grown in the world.
Washington, Oregon and Northern California grow more than 95% of the pears sold in the United States.
California grows 60% of all Bartlett pears in the United States.
Pears ripen best off of the tree.
They are an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C as well as copper, fiber, and potassium.
Pears are less allergenic than many other fruits.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPearsHeleneDay

Prepare a recipe of Pears Hélène. Add it to an elegant evening or make it to simply enjoy and celebrate the day. We’ve provided a recipe for you to try as well. Share your recipes, too!

Pears Belle Helene recipe.

Use #NationalPearsHeleneDay to post on social media.

Amazon Fresh, Sliced Pears in Pear Juice from Concentrate, 15 Oz#NationalPearsHeleneDay — Amazon Fresh, Sliced Pears in Pear Juice from Concentrate, 15 Oz

A Gift Inside Pears to Compare Deluxe Fruit Gift#NationalPearsHeleneDay — Amazon Fresh, Sliced Pears in Pear Juice from Concentrate, 15 Oz

NATIONAL SHAWARMA DAY

October 14, 2025October 7, 2025Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National Shawarma Day on October 15th celebrates the Middle Eastern rotisserie method of cooking meats such as lamb, chicken, and beef and the dishes it makes. Not only does shawarma bring mouth-watering flavour, but it also can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Bursting with a marinade of Mediterranean herbs and spices, shawarma chicken slowly cooks on a vertical rotisserie spit. The tender meat is then thinly sliced, grilled and added to a pita wrap with a variety of toppings. Customize this flavourful dish with fresh vegetables, cheese and a variety of herbs. Special sauces enhance the enjoyment of this delectable dish as well, such as the customer favourite Osmow’s™ garlic sauce. No matter how you like your shawarma, the combinations are endless.

Not in the mood for a wrap? Shawarma also tastes great on a salad, rice or fries. Anything exploding with this much flavour deserves a celebration!

NATIONAL SHAWARMA DAY HISTORY

Osmow’s founded National Shawarma Day in 2020 to celebrate the Middle Eastern flavours offered in delicious shawarma. Celebrate with one of Osmow’s signature dishes. Whether it’s a wrap, on the ROCKS™ (rice) or STIX™ (fries) or another customer favourite poutine, you’ll be sure to keep coming back for more!

About Osmow’s

Founded in 2001 by Sam Osmow, the first Osmow’s store was located in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada & remains a successful operation to this day. Sam saw an opportunity to bring his Egyptian roots to the Canadian landscape blending traditional Egyptian cuisine balanced with a North American palette. Thus filling a void in the current fast, casual culinary marketplace. Osmow’s flavourful dishes with their signature sauces such as the fan-favourite garlic sauce keeps bringing customers back again and again to satisfy their cravings. The restaurant has grown to more than 100 locations and is expanding across Canada. Osmow’s also invites all other Mediterranean brands to celebrate October 15th as National Shawarma Day as we continue to grow this exciting flavourful food niche in the spirit of diversity and cultural exploration

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalShawarmaDay

Experience a flavour-filled shawarma! Order lamb, beef, chicken, or even Beyond Meat® to celebrate. Share the shawarma experience by inviting a friend to join you. Any foodie will want in on the celebration. While you’re savouring every bite, be sure to share your favourite shawarma on social media. Look for special offers from Osmow’s and brand equivalents to help you satisfy your shawarma cravings, too! And then, be sure to share your celebration on social media using #NationalShawarmaDay.

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NATIONAL CUBAN SANDWICH DAY

NATIONAL CUBAN SANDWICH DAY HISTORY

Sandwich FAQ

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalCubanSandwichDay

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NATIONAL CHEESESTEAK DAY

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