The Reuben

The Reuben is a toasted sandwich, consisting of corned beef, cheese, sauerkraut, and some sort of dressing, I can't remember what was used here. On Rye bread, with a dill pickle 'spear' laid on top. Served with chips - unhappily, not the fried variety, but literally a packet of potato chips laid on the plate beside the sandwich. The upside of that is, you can take the chips away to give to your hubby for afternoon tea.
Its origins seem to be lost in the mists of time (or at least, there seem to be numerous stories about how it got its name and contents), but it does have more or less standard fillings, in menus.
There seems to be a really strong history in the U.S with the idea of a deli as an eating place. It is sort of like a pub, but not with alcohol, and sort of like a cafe, but less of a place for a special morning tea - you order and sometimes eat at the counter? The closest thing I can think of in Australia is those old Greek cafes with the really good milkshakes, and there are regulars who go and order the same sandwich everyday. There is certainly a good deal more variety of cheeses, cold meats, and pickled stuff available than what is usual in Australia, except like what you might find in the big fruit and veggie stores that have a supermarket section as well? I'm thinking Leisure Coast Fruit and Veggies in Wollongong as an example, for those who know it. Most of the stories of the origins of the Reuben start in a deli.
Some Reubens are obviously better than others, and I think this was one of the better ones. I really enjoyed it!