National Eat a Hoagie Day
About National Eat a Hoagie Day
When National Eat a Hoagie Day? This holiday is always observed on September 14
What’s for dinner tonight? Your dinner menu was decided for you before you even woke up this morning. Today is National Eat a Hoagie Day. On this September 14 holiday, there’s only one thing to have for dinner. Enjoy your favorite hoagie sandwich! And, don’t wait for dinner. Rather, eat a hoagie for lunch, too. Wow, two hoagies in one day. This is your lucky day!
We’ve enjoyed this sandwich since the early 1900s. It is popular around the world. Italian American immigrants who migrated to Hog Island, PA created it. That’s where “Hoagies” got their name. The original hoagie was a long roll with Italian deli meats and cheeses. Then, you add Italian dressing. From this humble original recipe, emerged an endless variety of hoagies. Along the way, we have called it by other names, with “Submarines”, or simply “Subs” being the most popular name.
Without a doubt, this is a day to savor and enjoy. As for me, it’s lunchtime. So, I’m off to my favorite sub shop!
Hoagies - Call Them What You Will
Italian immigrants working on Hog Island, PA created Hoagies in the early 20th century. This popular sandwich was originally called a “Hoggie”. Then, it became a “Hoagie”. Hoagies have a variety of other names. Many people call them “Submarines”. We also call them “Italian Subs”. It is usually shortened to “Subs”. As a matter of fact, “Sub” is the most common name given to this long sandwich.
We also call it a “Hero” sandwich. Food writer and columnist Clementine Paddleford once called it a sandwich so large “you had to be a hero to eat it”. As a result, people began asking at delis for a hero sandwich.
You can call it a “Grinder”, too. This is a very common term that originated in the New England area for the hoagie sandwich. There are two theories on how this name came about. First, some folks speculate it earned the name as you have to grind your teeth to chew the crusty roll. Second, it is Italian slang used by New England dockworkers.
Have it Your Way
Everyone has a favorite Hoagie. One of the great things about this sandwich is its construction is endlessly versatile. Importantly, ordering a hoagie is not a time for indecision. Here are just some of the big decisions you need to make when you order a hoagie:
- Eat one hot or cold.
- Many delis and sub shops offer multiple types of bread. While Italian or plain is most common, there are many other breads to choose from. How does multi-grain or honey oat sound? These are just a couple of the often many bread options.
- The texture of the roll is important to many of us. Some prefer a soft roll. While many devoted hoagie lovers say they absolutely must be made on a sub roll that is so crispy on the outside that it almost cuts your mouth and tongue.
- The selection of meat is key to enjoying your hoagie. Ham and assorted Italian meats are the most popular choices. You can also opt for chicken, turkey, or roast beef. Others prefer tuna sub. And, let’s not forget the tasty hot meatball sub.
- If you’re a vegetarian, you can make a vegetarian hoagie.
- Cheese is an absolute “Must have” for most hoagie fans. What kind do you like? Among the most popular cheese choices for subs are provolone and Swiss cheese. But, if you don’t like those two choices, there are plenty of other cheeses to choose from.
- Now let’s select from an unending list of condiments. Hoagies usually begin with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Then sweet and hot peppers are often added. Many, many other options exist, too.
- Importantly, to be a true Italian hoagie, it must have Italian dressing. Oil and vinegar qualify, too. But, other options exist. Mayonnaise is popular. So is plain oil or oil and vinegar.
National Eat a Hoagie Day Trivia and Fun Facts
Here’s a little trivia to share with your friends:
- In 1992, then Philadelphia mayor Ed Rendell declared the hoagie the “Official Sandwich of Philadelphia”.
- Also in 1992, Philadelphians made the largest (based on weight) hoagie for a fundraiser. It weighed over 5,000 pounds.
- On May 22, 2011, three teams constructed the world’s longest hoagie sandwich in Beirut, Lebanon. These groups are Groupe Notre Dame Hazmieh-Scouts de L’Independence, Municipality of Hazmieh, and Mini-B chain restaurants. The sub measured 2,411 feet five inches long (735 Meters). It was 12.5cm wide and weighed 577.03kg.
How to Celebrate National Eat a Hoagie Day
Like other food holidays, we enjoy National Eat a Hoagie Day by eating hoagies. Here are some ways to savor this holiday:
- Patronize your local deli or sub shop. Buy a hoagie sandwich.
- Make your own Hoagie using all of your favorite meats, cheeses, and other ingredients.
- Try a different kind of sub, one with items you’ve never had on it before.
- Have a hoagie party. Tell guests to bring either their favorite sub, or something different. When guests arrive, cut up each sub. Then, let guests chow down, trying any or all of them.
- If you run a delicatessen or sandwich shop, run specials for sub today.
- Employers, treat your workers to lunch. Bring in a variety of Hoagies.
National Eat a Hoagie Day Quotes
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” – – Mother Teresa
“I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage.” – – Erma Bombeck
History and Origin of National Eat a Hoagie Day
We have not yet identified the creator of this holiday or why they created it. Our logical speculation is either a delicatessen or someone who loves them is the creator. And, the reason why it was created is obvious.
This holiday was created in 1992.
This holiday is referred to as a “National” day. Most food-related holidays contain the word “National” in the title. However, we found no congressional records or presidential proclamation making National Eat a Hoagie Day a true national holiday.
This Day in History
In addition to National Eat a Hoagie Day, here are some things that happened on this day:
- Francis Scott-Key composed the lyrics to “The Star-Spangled Banner”. (1814)
- The TV sitcom “Golden Girls” premieres on NBC. (1985)
- Clayton Moore, actor, “The Lone Ranger” was born on this day in 1914.
Related Holidays
In addition to National Eat a Hoagie Day, here is another holiday you will enjoy:
National Hoagie Day – We get another day to celebrate our beloved hero sandwich!
More September 14 Holidays
In addition to National Eat a Hoagie Day, here ae more September 14 holidays to enjoy ad celebrate:
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