Or is it Louisville Sandwich Week? Strictly speaking, burgers and hot dogs are examples of sandwiches.
The answer to whether or not burgers and hot dogs are sandwiches comes down to legitimately deep question: What, exactly, is a sandwich? Merriam-Webster defines it as “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.” Simple enough. Essentially, anything can be a sandwich so long as it’s between two slices of bread or inside a roll or bun. So by a technical definition, yes, hot dogs and hamburgers are very much sandwiches.
Yes, I know; it isn’t so simple. But it’s also easily reconcilable, and there’s little sense arguing about the difference. Concepts processed by the human brain tend to progress, from simpler to more detailed and specific. They’re all sandwiches, but only some possess the characteristics to render them into burgers or hot dogs.
Or, for that matter, the rou jia mou from China, circa 200 B.C.E., with cumin-spiced beef on bai ji mo bread, as described here: Meet the Man Reviewing Historical Sandwiches on TikTok, by Diana Hubbell (Gastro Obscura).
LIKE MANY GOOD THINGS IN this world, “Sandwiches of History” started with buttered bread. In 2021, Barry Enderwick, a marketing executive, came upon a recipe book from the turn of the 20th century. Some of the recipes were straightforward; others were downright bizarre by modern sensibilities. Intrigued, Enderwick decided to find out what they were like for himself—and to tell people on social media about it.
At What’s Cooking America there’s a brief and informative timeline: History of America’s Favorite Sandwiches. Scroll down to the list of individually linked sandwiches, and you’ll see this entry: Hamburger.
Tracing history back thousands of years, we learn that even the ancient Egyptians ate ground meat, and down through the ages we also find that ground meat has been shaped into patties and eaten all over the world under many different name.
According to this account, the story of the hamburger sandwich begins with Genghis Khan and saddle-tenderized lamb or mutton.
At any rate, Louisville “two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between” Week begins on Monday, July 15. Following is an information release with the main points (lightly edited).
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Presented by the Kentucky Beef Council, Louisville Burger Week (LBW at Facebook) is back and it’s bigger and better than ever. Once again, we will be bringing you some of the city’s most delicious burgers for $7 from July 15-21, 2024, from fan favorite staples to off-menu specialties. It’s a chance for customers to enjoy the food and culture of the city, all while supporting favorite local restaurants and trying new places.
Short List Event Info:
- July 15-21, 2024, $7 burgers
- Age: This is an all ages event. Some locations may be 21+
- Louisville Burger Week App: Check in at four or more restaurants to be entered for a grand prize drawing + more winning opportunities throughout the week!
- Social media promotion: Follow @LouisvilleBurgerWeek On Instagram
- The list of locations is growing daily
- Menus and details available at Louisville Burger Week or via the app.
- Presented by The Kentucky Beef Council
- Brown Forman: Official Liquor Sponsorship
- Noble Funk Brewing: Official Beer Sponsorship
