NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

August is National Sandwich Month. The basic concept of the sandwich long predates the Earl of Sandwich, the real-life 18th-century aristocrat who reportedly loved them, and gave them their modern name. The ancient Jewish sage Hillel the Elder is said to have wrapped lamb-meat and bitter herbs between two pieces of matzoh (unleavened bread) during Passover. Early versions of the “wrap” have also been found in Asia and Africa. The sandwich grew in popularity among aristocrats in the 18th and 19th centuries. Legend has it they were popularly shared, held with one hand, during late-night gaming and drinking.

The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches: Recipes, History, and Trivia for Everything Between Sliced Bread Paperback – April 5, 2011

by Susan Russo  (Author), Matt Armendariz  (Photographer)
The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches: Recipes, History, and Trivia for Everything Between Sliced Bread Paperback – April 5, 2011

by Susan Russo  (Author), Matt Armendariz  (Photographer)

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a sandwich must have at least 35% cooked meat and be no more than 50% bread. The average American child eats about 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before finishing high school. Astronaut John Young once smuggled a corned beef sandwich on board a Gemini flight. Submarine sandwiches are called “hoagies” in Philadelphia and “heroes” in New York. The Dagwood sandwich was first introduced by Chic Young, creator of the Blondie strip, who described the sandwich as a “mountainous pile of dissimilar leftovers.”

Stasher 100% Silicone Reusable Food Bag (Bundle, Aqua)
by Stasher
Stasher 100% Silicone Reusable Food Bag (Bundle, Aqua)

by Stasher


SANDWICH HACKS: HOW TO ENJOY NATIONAL SANDWICH MONTH

  • When making a BLT, weave the bacon together to avoid the bacon from falling out when you bite into it.
  • Worried about “fridge thieves” sealing your sandwich at the office? Get a Moldy Sandwich Bag. The bag isn’t really moldy; it only gives the appearance your lunch looks moldy and spoiled.
  • Instead of bread or toast, make your breakfast sandwiches with waffles.
  • Turn your freshly-baked bread over and slice it on the soft side. That helps prevent squishing the bread.

HISTORY

In 1952, the Wheat Flour Institute established August as National Sandwich Month. Newspapers across the country filled their pages with recipes fit for the Earl of Sandwich and picnics alike. The annual observance continues today.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Try a new sandwich recipe every week and share them on social media! Get some of our family favorites from our recipes page. Wraps, Panninis, and family dinners can be found here. Use #NationalSandwichMonth to post your creations.

Don’t forget to subscribe to Jen’s Perspective Magazine for more special times..

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY

On April 13th, we have an opportunity to break a trend that has been occurring around the country by joining National Make Lunch Count Day.

According to a recent study commissioned by TGI Fridays, the majority of U.S. workers suffer from “FOLO” – otherwise known as a “Fear of Lunching Out.” Many workers eat lunch at their desk at least twice a week (73%) while one-third have lunch at their desk every day of the week. Don’t fear lunching out any longer!

Taking a break from the workday improves productivity. That includes taking a lunch break. Leaving the office or even your desk for 20-30 minutes to refuel also reinvigorates your creative juices. Our brains and bodies need the daily break. When you return, you’ll be refreshed and ready for new ideas and approaches to whatever your job throws your way. 

Include fresh vegetables and lean proteins with your lunch. Restaurant portions tend to be oversized, so divide your plate in half and take the rest home for supper. Finally, drink water or tea instead of carbonated beverages.

NATIONAL MAKE LUNCH COUNT DAY HISTORY

TGI Fridays founded National Make Lunch Count Day in 2016 to remind American workers to get away from their desks for lunch.  

The observance is here to remedy FOLO and help American workers increase their creativity and productivity.

Getting to know your co-workers can be awkward sometimes. Great conversation starters include:

  • What was the best movie you watched last year?
  • What skill do you wish you had but don’t?
  • If you could travel anywhere in the world right this moment, where would it be?
  • Everyone has at least one talent. What’s yours?

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMakeLunchCountDay

  • Break the cycle of FOLO. Get away from your desk.
  • Join your co-workers and enjoy a real lunch with stimulating conversation.
  • Share your favorite ways to make lunch count and promote them with your peers.
  • Don’t just do it today, do it every day! Use #NationalMakeLunchCount to share on social media.

NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH DAY

Each year, National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on April 12th recognizes one of the top comfort foods in the United States. Why wouldn’t it be when we’re talking about bread grilled to perfection, and warm, gooey, melted cheese. 

According to food historians, many cultures around the world have enjoyed cooked bread and cheese since ancient times. The United States modern version of the grilled cheese sandwich originated in the 1920s. As sliced bread and American cheese became easily available, Americans began making open-faced grilled cheese sandwiches. 

United States government cookbooks describe Navy cooks broiling “American cheese filling sandwiches” during World War II. 

Grilled cheese sandwiches are versatile thanks to the ability to mix and match cheeses, bread, and seasonings. Adding sauteed vegetables or herb-infused oils can elevate this simple comfort food to a whole other level.  

More to explore….

HOW TO OBSERVE #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay

  • Make your favorite version of a grilled cheese sandwich.
  • Share the best cheeses to make grilled cheese. Do you use American cheese or do you prefer Swiss? What’s your favorite cheese?
  • Serve it with your favorite soup and sides, too.
  • Layer it and make a double-decker grilled cheese sandwich. Add ham or bacon for extra flavor and variety.
  • Share with us all the ways you make grilled cheese sandwiches or try a new recipe.
  • Families, take this day to the next level and make personalized sandwiches. Get creative with your grilled cheese by bringing out the cookie cutters. Imagine the fun the kids will have and everyone can make unique-shaped sandwiches. Don’t fret about the crusts because you can dip them in your favorite sauces or soups. Try adding ranch, siracha or a dill dip. How will you mix it up?
  • My mom taught me that the best way to capture the gooey goodness is to butter both sides of your slices of bread.  3 slices of cheese, or my favorite 1/4 inch slab of Velveeta (best choice in my opinion), and make the outside golden brown.  To this day we still practice these methods…
  • Use #GrilledCheeseSandwichDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL SHAWARMA DAY

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.