What’s in a Name? Subs, Grinders and Heroes!

 We all know what a sandwich is. It’s two slices of bread with some meat, perhaps cheese, your favorite spread/dressings and toppings and voilà you have a sandwich but did you know depending on where you live, your mile-high sandwich may go by sub, hoagie or a grinder.
Generally, a Sub is piled high with meat, cheese, toppings and dressing and served on a long Italian roll split width-wise and could be anywhere from six inches to six feet. It gets its name from the resemblance to a submarine.
Hoagie originated in Philadelphia and is also served cold but has a link associated with the Italian-American culture. The many theories as to the origin of the name included that the name took form from the Italian immigrants who worked in the Philadelphia Navy Yard also known as Hog Island. The workers were known as Hoggies which eventually turned into hoagies. This type of sandwich contains cold cuts and is usually 12 inches in length.
Heroes hail from New York City and use a wide range of fillings and can be served hot or cold on an oblong roll with a generally Italian flavor. One explanation is that the name Hero implies the heroic effort to eat this sandwich.
Grinders are well-known amongst New Englanders and fairly common in New York and New Jersey and may be served hot or cold. They may have cold cuts and cheese but also may have meatballs, chicken breast  or roast beef or other meats and served toasted and/or with hot ingredients. The name implies that you require so much grinding or chewing to your sandwich.
If you’re hungry for a great sandwich, sub, hoagie, grinder… then stop by Maria’s Italian Deli and Market in Old Town Newhall. Please call us at 661-259-6261. Visit our website at: www.mariasdeliscv.com. Be sure to check our ad for monthly specials.