A CUBAN REUBEN: DOES THIS COUNT ON SAINT PATRICK’S DAY?
Whence the “Reuben”? One account holds that the Reuben’s creator was Arnold Reuben, the German-Jewish owner of the famed Reuben’s Delicatessen (1908 – 2001) in New York City. According to an interview with Craig Claiborne, Arnold Reuben invented the “Reuben Special” around 1914. The earliest references in print to the sandwich are New York–based, but that is not conclusive evidence, though the fact that the earliest, in a 1926 issue of Theatre Magazine, references a “Reuben Special,” does seem to take its cue from Arnold Reuben’s menu. [Wikipedia] A Reuben is a hearty-sized sandwich of corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese on Russian rye bread.
TRADITIONAL REUBEN SANDWICH ON RYE
CUBAN REUBEN: “Hot pressed, on fresh Cuban bread from America’s oldest Cuban bakery: pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Thousand Island dressing.” Havana Harry’s Market and Cafe [Largo, Florida]
ONE VARIATION OF MANY CUBAN SANDWICHES
BUT: This is the special day of the Saint, for the Irish and those who wish they were Irish, who exchange their Cubans and their Reubens for the U&C, Usual and Customary:
WHAT SOME CONSIDER THE PERFECT MARRIAGE
© James F. O’Neil March 2017
Memories of a Time 
When I was a kid there was a chocolate bar called “Cuban Lunch”. It was a square bar, darker than milk chocolate and filled with a crunch peanut butter. Maybe a precursor to Reeses Peanut Butter cup? I had a Cuban sandwich recently and it was divine. No corned beef for me! Reminds me too much of corned beef and cabbage and the noxious smell that filled our house when my mom made it for dinner!
Cooking cabbage smell isn’t for everyone. You’re right! Where to find that candy bar?
What I found: A “Cuban Lunch” was a chocolate bar manufactured made by Paulin Chambers and possibly later McCormick perhaps available until at least close to the year 2000, made in Winnipeg. The candy was discontinued, because of some ingredient not approved. The chocolate bar was just peanuts and dark chocolate. Many homemade recipes abound on the Internet.
Great photos. Making me hungry. Thanks for the timely post!☘️
Weird I’m Cuban but I’ve never heard of this
:o)
I never made this connection until now – considering that I’ve lived in both New York City and in Tampa, Florida. Pinned this to my St. Patrick’s Day board.
Thanks. It was a great Cuban I had!