Have you ever ordered a club sandwich and wondered why it’s called that?
Unlike other sandwiches with names that clearly identify their ingredients, the club sandwich seems to have a mysterious origin. Is it named after a particular club or popularized in a specific location?
Theories abound, but the truth may surprise you. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the club sandwich and answer the burning question: does “club” stand for “chicken and lettuce under bacon”?
Get ready to have your mind blown as we uncover the delicious secrets behind this classic sandwich.
Does Club Sandwich Stand For Chicken Lettuce Under Bacon?
The idea that “club” stands for “chicken and lettuce under bacon” has been circulating on social media and in tabloids for years. However, this theory has been debunked by fact-checking sites like Snopes, which notes that the acronym “chicken and lettuce under bacon” doesn’t appear in any sources prior to the advent of the internet.
So, where did the name “club sandwich” come from? The most popular theory is that it was invented in 1894 at an exclusive gambling house in Saratoga Springs, New York, called the Saratoga Club House. This theory is backed up by the fact that the alternate name for a club sandwich is a clubhouse sandwich.
Another theory suggests that it was created by Fraser Scrutton at the exclusive Union Club of New York City, which contained an early recipe to a Union Club sandwich made up of “two toasted pieces of Graham bread, with a layer of turkey or chicken and ham between them, served warm.”
Regardless of its origin, the club sandwich typically consists of bread (traditionally toasted), sliced cooked poultry (usually turkey), fried bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It is often cut into quarters or halves and held together by cocktail sticks. Modern versions frequently have two layers which are separated by an additional slice of bread.
The Origins Of The Club Sandwich
The origins of the club sandwich are not entirely clear, but there are a few theories. One theory is that it was created in 1894 at the Saratoga Club House, an exclusive gambling house in Saratoga Springs, New York. This theory is supported by the fact that the alternate name for a club sandwich is a clubhouse sandwich.
Another theory suggests that it was invented by Fraser Scrutton at the exclusive Union Club of New York City. An early recipe for a Union Club sandwich consisted of “two toasted pieces of Graham bread, with a layer of turkey or chicken and ham between them, served warm.”
Regardless of its exact origin, the club sandwich typically consists of bread (traditionally toasted), sliced cooked poultry (usually turkey), fried bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It is often cut into quarters or halves and held together by cocktail sticks. Modern versions frequently have two layers which are separated by an additional slice of bread.
While the name “club sandwich” may not have any deep meaning or hidden acronym, it remains a popular and beloved sandwich around the world.
The Mystery Of The Name
Despite the popularity of the club sandwich, the origin of its name remains a mystery. Unlike other sandwiches that have names that clearly identify their ingredients, the club sandwich seems to have a more elusive origin. While some theories suggest that it may have been popularized in a particular club or invented at an exclusive gambling house in Saratoga Springs, New York, the true origins of its name remain unknown.
What is clear is that the name “club sandwich” has always been a reference to any number of member’s clubs who claim that they’re the ones who served it first. Interestingly, the club sandwich may have been one of the first sandwiches to not be named by its ingredients, like ham and cheese or peanut butter and jelly.
Regardless of its mysterious name, the club sandwich remains a classic favorite for many people. Its combination of standard cold cuts, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise is simple yet delicious. The double-decker display and tradition of cutting it into quarters rather than halves add to its appeal. So while we may never know for sure where the name “club sandwich” came from, its popularity remains undisputed.
The Classic Club Sandwich Recipe
If you want to make a classic club sandwich at home, here’s a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 3 slices of bread (white or wheat)
– 4 slices of cooked turkey
– 4 strips of bacon, cooked
– 2 leaves of lettuce
– 2 slices of tomato
– 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– Toothpicks
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread slices until lightly browned.
2. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
3. On the first slice of bread, place a lettuce leaf and a slice of tomato.
4. Add two slices of turkey and two strips of bacon.
5. Place the second slice of bread on top and repeat the layers.
6. Top with the third slice of bread, mayo side down.
7. Cut the sandwich into quarters and secure each quarter with a toothpick.
Enjoy your classic club sandwich!
The Debate: What Does Club Stand For?
The debate over what “club” stands for in the club sandwich continues to this day. While some believe that it is an acronym for “chicken and lettuce under bacon,” this theory has been debunked as a backronym inspired by the classic BLT sandwich. The name “club sandwich” is more likely derived from the fact that it was invented in exclusive clubs such as the Saratoga Club House or the Union Club of New York City.
Despite the lack of consensus on its name origin, the club sandwich remains a beloved classic consisting of basic ingredients such as turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Its unique double-decker display and tradition of being cut into quarters or halves make it a special treat for sandwich lovers everywhere.
The History Of Chicken, Lettuce, And Bacon In Sandwiches
The combination of chicken, lettuce, and bacon in sandwiches has been around for a long time, predating the club sandwich. In fact, the BLT sandwich, which contains bacon, lettuce, and tomato on bread, was first documented in the early 1900s.
As for chicken in sandwiches, it has been a popular choice since at least the 1700s, when it was commonly used in tea sandwiches. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1900s that chicken became a more common ingredient in deli sandwiches.
Bacon, on the other hand, has been used in sandwiches for centuries. In fact, it was a staple ingredient in English tea sandwiches as early as the 1700s. Bacon also became popular in American sandwiches during World War II when it was included in soldiers’ rations.
The combination of these three ingredients likely came about as a way to create a more substantial sandwich that could be eaten as a meal. The club sandwich’s double-decker design and cocktail stick holding it together likely made it a popular choice for lunch or dinner at exclusive clubs and gambling houses.
Variations Of The Club Sandwich
While the classic club sandwich recipe includes turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, there are many variations of this beloved sandwich.
One popular variation is the California club sandwich, which includes avocado and sprouts in addition to the traditional ingredients. Another variation is the BLT club sandwich, which combines the classic BLT with the double-decker structure of the club sandwich. This version typically includes three slices of bread and extra bacon.
For a healthier option, some people opt for a grilled chicken club sandwich, which replaces the fried bacon with grilled chicken breast. Others prefer a vegetarian club sandwich, which uses meatless substitutes like tofu or tempeh in place of the meat.
Some restaurants even offer unique twists on the club sandwich, such as a seafood club sandwich that includes crab or shrimp instead of poultry.
