Haha! Hey, who wouldn’t want a sandwich named in their honor? My grandfather made the best Hoagies. Years later, I asked my dad what made his father’s stand-out from any other? My dad replied, After making them, he’d smash them flat with his hand! So, I began doing that myself. And for some reason, he’s right. A sandwich needs to be smashed flat.
The “Wilensky Special” is the granddaddy of the smashed sandwich tradition in Montreal. When I landed in that city, early ’70s, I “crashed” on “The Main,” around the corner from Wilensky’s,, which also stocked books that literate patrons could paw while masticating. Perhaps your grandfather visited? I may have seen him here. 😎
The Wilensky sandwiches look great! I loved fried bologna. Btw, I went to an Italian deli last night and brought home a turkey sandwich. Unwrapped it, and in honor of this thread, smashed it down with hand. Delicious.
Excellent history lesson, Tref ol’ chap — and I thought Dagwood Bumstead invested the sandwich! — but no, you’re right, this Earl of Sandwich dude (John Montagu, 1718 — 1792) one day asked his servants to bring his regular luncheon of meat and veggies between two slices of bread instead of laid out on a plate so that he could eat it with one hand and write and do other stuff with his free hand.
By the way, I think ‘Trefology’ should be included in school curricula!
Mich I believe the same thing. Trefology belongs in the schools! Beginning in kinder. I think it would make a smashing edition of a Little Golden Book.
Absolutely! But you underestimate yourself — it should be part of high school (at least) curriculum. I read a helluva lot of stuff (euphemism for sh*t) on line and Trefology is one of the few things that makes sense any more!
Alas, no sandwiches were ordered that day. Thanks, Marty. (We are, for the most part, a bring home the ingredients and assemble-it-ourselves- sandwich family)
We’re still in same same ballpark. Dukes, sandwiches I’m in. Is it to late to name a sandwich “The Duke”? Now im off on what to put in it.
Had a neighbor over for dinner the other night. We had Ruebens. He never heard of them. He went home a big believer. He asked. “When are you having Ruebens again?”
Although we’re supposed to be very proud of all that the years have made us into…your mom’s a very young-looking 79! Hopefully she had a sandwich right after that picture. :)
My mom left the city life a long time ago for the mountains, and ultimately, I think, the move was good for her peace of mind and well-being. Thank you for reading, Stacey.
t r e f o l o g y 
Awesome! Kudos to the earl of Sandwich. A happy birthday to your mum.
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Thank you, Sadje!
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You’re welcome
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Happy birthday to your mom!
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Thank you, Goddess!
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The little deli’s takeout menu should show the founder’s portrait, a picture of Geo., with the words: “Our Hero.”
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Haha! Hey, who wouldn’t want a sandwich named in their honor? My grandfather made the best Hoagies. Years later, I asked my dad what made his father’s stand-out from any other? My dad replied, After making them, he’d smash them flat with his hand! So, I began doing that myself. And for some reason, he’s right. A sandwich needs to be smashed flat.
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Addendum to the takeout menu: Grandad’s bashed hero, only at Earl’s Deli.
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I am big on tradition, so if smashing sandwiches is the way, then it is the way.
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The “Wilensky Special” is the granddaddy of the smashed sandwich tradition in Montreal. When I landed in that city, early ’70s, I “crashed” on “The Main,” around the corner from Wilensky’s,, which also stocked books that literate patrons could paw while masticating. Perhaps your grandfather visited? I may have seen him here. 😎
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The Wilensky sandwiches look great! I loved fried bologna. Btw, I went to an Italian deli last night and brought home a turkey sandwich. Unwrapped it, and in honor of this thread, smashed it down with hand. Delicious.
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New item for Earl’s takeout menu: *Our Hero’s Ham-fisted Turkey Gobber*
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I just flattened the heck out of a tomato and cheese on homemade sourdough.
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Of course, it is not a hard a fast rule, especially around tomatoes. Thanks, Chagall, and enjoy the sandwich, nevertheless.
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That Earl—he was on a roll when he invented the sandwich.
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Excellent history lesson, Tref ol’ chap — and I thought Dagwood Bumstead invested the sandwich! — but no, you’re right, this Earl of Sandwich dude (John Montagu, 1718 — 1792) one day asked his servants to bring his regular luncheon of meat and veggies between two slices of bread instead of laid out on a plate so that he could eat it with one hand and write and do other stuff with his free hand.
By the way, I think ‘Trefology’ should be included in school curricula!
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Mich I believe the same thing. Trefology belongs in the schools! Beginning in kinder. I think it would make a smashing edition of a Little Golden Book.
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Absolutely! But you underestimate yourself — it should be part of high school (at least) curriculum. I read a helluva lot of stuff (euphemism for sh*t) on line and Trefology is one of the few things that makes sense any more!
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Hah! Agreed. Thanks, M.
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Say what you will, Pam, the Earl loafed sandwiches.
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No doubt. I think he was a rye fellow who made his bread from playing cards.
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😆
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No wonder that time before sandwiches was called the Dark Ages. :)
Happy Birthday to your Mom!
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Indeed! All hail Earl! Thanks, MM!
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Happy birthday to your mom! 😀🎂👏
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Thanks, Migy, for reading and for the greeting.
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All is well until the notion of a picnic arises… and someone calls out: “They’re a sandwich short of a picnic!”
Happy tref-fer-ific birthday to your mom! 🍰🎂
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Hah! Thanks, F.
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(1) Happy Birthday to the one who begat you.
(2) The Earl of Sandwich should have dropped by Earl-ier.
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Thank heavens he did at all! And thanks for the birthday greeting, David
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😆
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Didn’t know about the deli. what was it called? Earl’s?
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Naturally! Thanks, B
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Btw, “Earl’s” is hilarious.
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🙌
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I wonder if there was a time before the burrito – or corn dog. OMG!
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It is too frightening to contemplate! Thanks, LuAnne
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Well, besides wishing Mom a (belated) happy birthday, someone has to ask this: did she order a sandwich????? :) – Marty
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Alas, no sandwiches were ordered that day. Thanks, Marty. (We are, for the most part, a bring home the ingredients and assemble-it-ourselves- sandwich family)
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I understand that sirloin steak, similarly, got its name by being knighted for excellence at table by a noble gourmand …
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Hah! Sorry for the lateness of my reply, thank you, Ana!
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My favorite Earl next to the Duke of Earl. Happy birthday Mom!
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Agreed. Though, officially his title was the Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl, Earl, Earl. Thanks, Cbh
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We’re still in same same ballpark. Dukes, sandwiches I’m in. Is it to late to name a sandwich “The Duke”? Now im off on what to put in it.
Had a neighbor over for dinner the other night. We had Ruebens. He never heard of them. He went home a big believer. He asked. “When are you having Ruebens again?”
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But, which earl invented mayonnaise?
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I believe that was the tight-lipped, Earl of Secret Sauce. And thanks, Chel!
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Taking this as historic fact. Happy birthday to Trefs mom!
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Of course it’s the truth. Would I lie to Janny?!
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Although we’re supposed to be very proud of all that the years have made us into…your mom’s a very young-looking 79! Hopefully she had a sandwich right after that picture. :)
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My mom left the city life a long time ago for the mountains, and ultimately, I think, the move was good for her peace of mind and well-being. Thank you for reading, Stacey.
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hmm…what the hell?
Not sure if the other comment went through. WP insists that not only am I not following you, I’m not even logged in…..
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It happens to me, too, but message received. Thanks, again, S.
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:)
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What a smart person! Happy Birthday to your mom!
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Thank you, Diane.
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Happy birthday to your mother!
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Thank you, B!
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Sandwich has always been a big part of my life.
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And why not? Every-thing you need, right there in your hand. Thanks for reading, Carl. Please come again.
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I’ve often praised the Earl of Sandwich for his cleverness.
Your mother does NOT look 79. What’s her secret? Lots of sandwiches?
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Cigarettes, coffee and Mr. Salty pretzels. Thanks, SS
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Dw i’n hoffi bwyta brechdanau
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Cytunwyd.
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