Knowing their tradition of ground breaking reviews in all things related to fast food, I've been sitting on this story for a couple weeks in deference to The Force. I'll keep my peace no longer. After all, the Fraters would be the first to admit we live in a competitive, dog eat dog society. If they're not going to break the news to retain their title of Fast Food Fraters, someone else, namely me, is going to take advantage of the situation. It wouldn't be fair to leave the public uninformed, especially with a story that's time sensitive as this one is.
So, dear readers, it's my pleasure to announce that Arby's has added a Reuben sandwich to its menu, according to their news release for a "limited time."
There are two versions, corned beef and an upstart roasted turkey version. I say upstart because we all know that Reubens are really only made with corned beef, and I consider it bad karma to mess with traditional sandwich recipes. Fine, come out with a turkey sandwich with sauerkraut. No problem. Just don't steal the Reuben name, M-kay?
Of course I had the corned beef version. In the Arby's tradition they use good meat and plenty of it. No complaints in that department. This is also a good size sandwich. The first time I ordered one, I ended up bringing half of it home. (In fact, I wish you could order half of one.) I understand this revelation may be outside the tradition of fast food blogging, and loving large portions, but I'm just saying.
A couple complaints. They make the common mistake of using marble rye. Why do restaurants do this? Reubens are supposed to be on rye pumpernickel, people! They also advertise the bread as "toasted". In my experience it seems to actually be smushed and a little dry on the outside. I understand the logistics would be a nightmare, but if they had gone for "grilled" it could be a fast food masterpiece.
Overall a seven out of ten. You heard it here first. It's sad, really, when they start to lose their edge.
Update: Marcus reminds me the official bread of the Reuben is pumpernickel. I knew that. They do have 1000 Island dressing on it. I'd say the kraut portion is medium. Worked for me. Others may want more kraut.
Trying to steal the food right out of our mouths eh Sandy? So that's how you want to play this? You can dominate the world, but leave the fast food reviews to us.
Posted by: the elder | May 13, 2005 at 12:45 PM
The Elder pledges his allegiance to the M.A.W.B. Squad....."You can dominate the world...."
I'm pretty sure I can use this. :)
Posted by: Sandy | May 13, 2005 at 02:54 PM
Did they lop on a lot of kraut? That to me is the most important ingredient. They can go light on the corned beef but don't skimp on the kraut!
Yeah I don't like the marble bread either. The official bread of a reuben though is not rye but pumpernickel bread!
Did they put any dressing on theirs? 1000 Island is popular but I make mine with Russian.
I'll have to check it out!
Posted by: Marcus Aurelius | May 13, 2005 at 08:26 PM
I tried the other day. Not bad at all, still could use less meat and more kraut, just as I suspected.
Posted by: Marcus Aurelius | May 17, 2005 at 06:44 AM
Reuben's are made with dark rye. They always have been. NOT PUMPERNICKEL
Posted by: Greg | March 31, 2008 at 10:29 PM