Many of us know and love the classic Reuben sandwich. But have you ever heard of its sister sandwich, the Rachel? This month, we’re taking a deep dive into a few theories on how the name came to be! And in the meantime, when you’re looking for pizza in Lowell, or even a Rachel sandwich, stop by Rizzo’s Roast Beef and Pizza!
What is the Rachel sandwich?
The Rachel sandwich is a variation of the Reuben sandwich, but it’s typically made with roasted turkey instead of corned beef or pastrami. Swiss cheese and sauerkraut or coleslaw are also added. Then it’s topped off with either Russian or Thousand Island dressing!
While the origins of the Reuben sandwich are well-documented, the history of the Rachel sandwich is a bit unclear.
Theory One
There are a few theories about how the Rachel sandwich got its name. One theory is that it was named after a character from the TV show Friends. In one episode of the show, Rachel Green (played by Jennifer Aniston) orders a turkey sandwich with gravy and cranberry sauce.
While this sandwich isn’t exactly a Rachel sandwich, some people believe the name may have been inspired by the character’s love of Thanksgiving flavors. However, we’d like to say this is more of a rumor or wishful thinking, as the Rachel sandwich got its name before the show started (and it’s drastically different).
Theory Two
Another theory is that the sandwich was named after a woman named Rachel, who was a regular at a deli in New York City. According to this theory, Rachel would order a turkey sandwich with coleslaw and Swiss cheese. The deli eventually added it to the menu as the “Rachel sandwich” in her honor.
Theory Three
It’s also possible that the Rachel sandwich is simply a variation of the Reuben sandwich that was created to appeal to people who don’t eat pork or beef. Since turkey is a popular alternative to these meats, it’s possible that someone simply substituted turkey for the corned beef or pastrami in a Reuben sandwich, and the Rachel sandwich was born.
Try a Rachel Sandwich at Rizzo’s Roast Beef and Pizza!
Whatever the true origins of the Rachel sandwich may be, there’s no doubt that it’s become a favorite among many. If we sparked a craving for this delicious sandwich, you can find it on the menu at Rizzo’s, along with all our other options when you’re looking for pizza in Lowell!! In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you!