Nope! It’s not over. We found another place. But, let’s first look at the “ground rules”.
Reuben Sandwich
1. Reuben made with Corned beef
2. Rachel made with pastrami
3. Both made with
a. Toasted or grilled Jewish rye or Marbled rye
b. Kraut or slaw but with some type of cabbage
c. Meat – See above
d. Russian Dressing – usually home made
e. Grilled onion
f. Swiss cheese
So, what we “usually” call a Reuben, is actually a Rachael. But, I bet if you went into a restaurant and asked for a Rachael Sandwich, they’d say, “Huh?” And if they don’t, get one!
Rated on 1 to 5-Stars, here is how we rate the three places in Boise that serve a Reuben Sandwich. 1-Star is enough for this year and a 5-Star is one that meets the criteria.
1. Barbaccoa – Big thick slabs of meat, no rye toast, they used bread, and soggy from an over abundance of kraut. No grilled onion. Rating: 1-Star
2. Donny Mac’s – Rye toast was weak on the rye, heavy on the 1000 Island dressing. Sloppy to eat because of the really wet kraut. The pastrami was good. Raw onions. Rating: 2-Stars
3. Cucina di Paolo – Yea! Russian Dressing. Good pastrami and not overly salty. Great kraut. Did not notice any grilled onion. Good rye toast, although it was Marble Rye. I would prefer a straight Jewish Rye, Deli Rye. I always like a good Jewish Kosher pickle with my Reuben. None of these places had that. Rating: 4-Stars
4. Seasons Bistro – Wow!! We’ve got a foot race. Homemade Russian Dressing, as was Cucina di Paolo. Good pastrami as was Cucina di Paolo. Great kraut that is special ordered and, in my opinion, better than Cucina di Paolo. Grilled onions. Good rye, that I actually tasted the caraway seed, although it was the Marbled Rye!!! I told Rachael Hurn, Owner, that I really would like to give her the 5-Stars for this sandwich, but I couldn’t. She asked, “Why?” And I told her, “No Jewish Kosher deli pickle.” She said she would go get me one. Too late. But, Rachael does know – as did Paul at Cucina di Paolo – the difference between a Reuben and a Rachael Sandwich. She has both on the menu!!! Rating: 4½ – Stars
We really are closing in on “The Best Reuben Sandwich in Boise“. Cheers!
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Anonymous said:
GRILLED ONION?I'm sorry, but that ain't Kosher!
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Melissa said:
Will definitely try Seasons Bistro and their Reuben, personally the home made Russian dressing can make or break a good Reuben. Also, I agree Bob a good NY Rye is important, although I've had some tasty marble rye. Keep up the great blog. Cheers back to you.
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Chef James Grimes said:
Hello Bob, as I was saying ealier I learned that a Reuben Sandwich with Cole Slaw and no kraut was called a California Reuben, for what ever it's worth. Keep up the blog I enjoy reading the entries as I enjoy good food as well.
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Bob and Robin said:
Anonymous – Thanks for your comment. Please, though, use your name.Hmmm. Vista Village. I will try Roosters at some time. Not only in Boise, but in the DC to New York corridor, a Reuben, or Rachel, is served with grilled onions. Go figure.
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Anonymous said:
My favorite so far is the Reuben at Rooster's in Vista Village. It's huge and not skimpy on the meat or cheese, and not soggy. And I have to say, I never have heard of grilled onions on a Reuben, and I've eaten them all over the world. I have to come to Boise to find out some people seem to like them on their sandwich. Go figure.
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Bob and Robin said:
Thanks for the comment. I do know where the place is located and I will try their Reuben. I will post me opinion. Cheers!
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Anonymous said:
Check out the place on the corner of Goddard and Milwaukee (I think), across from Capital High. It is the place with the AWESOME cabbage rolls. Their Rueben is pretty tasty.
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