Let it be acknowledged: Sandwiches
are a topic of lively debate. From pondering whether a hot dog qualifies as a
sandwich to deliberating the appropriate amount of mayo, discussions about
sandwiches can take unexpectedly passionate turns. However, the shape in which
a sandwich is cut seems to provoke the strongest reactions.
In particular, the age-old question
persists: should a sandwich be cut horizontally or diagonally? Less than a year
ago, cookbook author Deb Perelman shared a video on Instagram featuring the
preparation of her (undoubtedly delicious) cream of tomato soup, served with a
grilled cheese sandwich. While the focus was on the soup, most followers took
to the comments section to either praise or challenge the way Perelman cut the
grilled cheese on camera—horizontally, into two rectangles.
One commenter insisted, "Not only must the sandwiches be cut
diagonally, they should be in 4 quarters. 4 triangles for dipping." Another
supporter of diagonal cuts wrote, "Love
your recipe and video. That said, the superiority of a diagonal slice is
undisputed." On the opposing side, a commenter argued for the
rectangular cut, emphasizing the uniformity of bites: "It's simple geometry."
The post garnered over 11,000 likes and nearly 300 comments, indicating a significant level of interest in the way sandwiches are cut. Yet, the question remains: is one cutting method truly superior to the other?
Before the Debate Heats Up, Let's Establish the Sandwich Identity -
Unveiling the Ultimate Definition
Before delving into the debate on
the best way to cut sandwiches, it's crucial to clarify the types of sandwiches
to which these cutting rules apply.
Jonathan Streep, the owner and CEO
of the Italian specialty sandwich shop Alidoro, points out the broader question
at the heart of the matter: "A
burger is a great example. Should that be considered a sandwich? I don’t even
know."
Merriam-Webster defines a sandwich
as having "two or more slices of
bread or a split roll having a filling in-between." Streep generally
agrees with this definition, with the exception of burgers and certain items
like grilled cheeses. According to him, if a food item doesn't have its own
distinct identity or name, like a burger, it qualifies as a sandwich.
 |
| Grilled cheese presents its own set of preferences because of the melty nature of the filling |
Chef Itta Werdiger adds another
dimension, emphasizing that a great sandwich is more than just food between two
pieces of bread. She believes that the complexity of the ingredients between
the bread, with a balance of crunch amid softness and a harmony of fat and
acid, is essential.
While Streep generally leans towards horizontal cuts, he notes that slicing a grilled cheese horizontally doesn't feel right. Given that a grilled cheese has its own identity, the preference for a vertical cut in this case aligns with the unique nature of the food item.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Horizontal vs. Diagonal Sandwich Cuts
Jonathan Streep argues that cutting
sandwiches horizontally into rectangles is the superior method, citing both
aesthetic and taste-related reasons. From a visual perspective, Streep, who
values the first impression of a sandwich, believes that a horizontal cut
allows for a clearer showcase of the sandwich's contents. This is particularly
relevant when photographing the food, as people can more easily see the
ingredients when the sandwich is opened.
Moreover, Streep emphasizes the
uniform flavor profile achieved with a horizontal cut. Diagonal cuts create
edges that may not contain the same amount of ingredients as the middle of the
sandwich, resulting in uneven taste. Additionally, diagonal cuts can be
problematic when warming the sandwich, as the reduced surface area may make the
edges more susceptible to burning.
At Alidoro, all sandwiches are cut straight down the middle before being heated in the oven or press to avoid thinning out the bread and vulnerability to burning.
However, there is an opposing view
presented by Richard Zaro of the New York City-based deli Cutlets, who prefers
the diagonal cut. Zaro contends that the diagonal cut produces a bite that many
consider the most delicious bite of a sandwich.
Richard Zaro favors cutting
sandwiches diagonally, appreciating the creation of a corner piece with a
different texture compared to the rest, often considered everyone's favorite.
This bite is typically juicier, offering an explosion of flavors due to the
concentration of ingredients. Zaro acknowledges that this corner piece is a
great bite but understands the compromise it poses to the shop's commitment to
uniformity, leading him to advocate for diagonal cuts.
Streep also appreciates the juicier corner bite but opts for horizontal cuts to avoid the burning of the bread at the corners, aligning with his commitment to uniformity.
 |
| Maybe you're in the camp that just can't decide? |
Zaro points out the visual appeal
of diagonal cuts, suggesting that pictures of triangular slices look better
than their straighter counterparts, adding aesthetic value to the presentation.
Chef Itta Werdiger shares Zaro's
sentiments, appreciating both the taste and visual appeal of a bias cut. She
highlights the edge created by the bias cut, providing an entrance into the
sandwich with a distinctive tip.
Ultimately, sandwich cutting
preferences come down to personal taste, adding to the versatility of
sandwiches. As there is no official culinary instruction manual on sandwich
cutting, individuals are free to embrace and defend their own versions of this
beloved dish.
0 Comments