# The perfect Reuben? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 19, 2014, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065 "2014-11-19T14:21:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/41 "2014-11-19T22:28:52Z")
Spicy French: SOYBEAN OIL, VINEGAR (CIDER, DISTILLED), SUGAR, WATER, TOMATO PASTE, PIMENTOS (PIMENTOS, WATER, CITRIC ACID), SALT. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING: ONION POWDER, BROWN SUGAR, CARAMEL COLOR, NATURAL FLAVOR, SPICE, PAPRIKA EXTRACTIVES. Russian: WATER, SOYBEAN OIL, DISTILLED VINEGAR, MALTODEXTRIN (CORN), BUTTERMILK POWDER, WHEY (MILK), SUGAR. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING: GARLIC PUREE, SALT, GARLIC\*, PHOSPHORIC ACID, ONION\*, RED BELL PEPPERS\*, YEAST EXTRACT, SPICES. \*DEHYDRATED Thousand Island: SOYBEAN OIL, WATER, SUGAR, SOUR PICKLE RELISH [CUCUMBERS, VINEGAR, SALT, WATER, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, ALUMINUM SULFATE, TURMERIC (COLOR)], DISTILLED VINEGAR, TOMATO PASTE, SALT. CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING: EGG YOLK, SPICES, ONION POWDER, NATURAL FLAVOR. (edited to remove preservatives and non-flavor additives.) ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/42 "2014-11-19T22:32:23Z")
> [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](#): > > I don’t think they make this stuff any more. [This is the stuff](http://www.amazon.com/Wish-bone-Russian-Salad-Dressing-Pack/dp/B0092KWIRC/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1416436049&sr=8-15&keywords=wishbone+russian) I’m thinking of. And then there is also [this stuff](http://www.amazon.com/Wish-Bone-Russian-Salad-Dressing-Count/dp/B007HGPJJW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1416436159&sr=8-6&keywords=russian+dressing), which is even darker than I remember. But I also see [this one](http://www.amazon.com/Wish-Bone-Russian-Dressing-473mL-Pack/dp/B00C0I0IDO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416436049&sr=8-1&keywords=wishbone+russian) which is not nearly as red, and looks like it actually may be slightly creamy. [This is more](http://www.amazon.com/Kens-Steakhouse-Russian-Dressing-Bottles/dp/B00NRYC3FQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416436291&sr=8-3&keywords=russian+dressing) what I think of when I think of Russian dressing. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/43 "2014-11-19T22:36:32Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > No kidding? > > Seriously, what are you trying to say? I assume something about its (lack of) kosherness (as it tends to be associated with Jewish delis). Maybe something like that? ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/44 "2014-11-19T22:48:28Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > No kidding? > > Seriously, what are you trying to say? It is strange to see a Jewish cookbook have that recipe. Jews don’t eat meat and dairy together. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/45 "2014-11-19T22:56:04Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Jews don’t eat meat and dairy together. Well, not those that follow the laws of kashrut. Plenty, in my experience, don’t or have varying levels to which they follow it. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/46 "2014-11-19T23:12:46Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > [This is the stuff](http://www.amazon.com/Wish-bone-Russian-Salad-Dressing-Pack/dp/B0092KWIRC/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1416436049&sr=8-15&keywords=wishbone+russian) I’m thinking of. > > And then there is also [this stuff](http://www.amazon.com/Wish-Bone-Russian-Salad-Dressing-Count/dp/B007HGPJJW/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1416436159&sr=8-6&keywords=russian+dressing), which is even darker than I remember. > > But I also see [this one](http://www.amazon.com/Wish-Bone-Russian-Dressing-473mL-Pack/dp/B00C0I0IDO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416436049&sr=8-1&keywords=wishbone+russian) which is not nearly as red, and looks like it actually may be slightly creamy. > > [This is more](http://www.amazon.com/Kens-Steakhouse-Russian-Dressing-Bottles/dp/B00NRYC3FQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416436291&sr=8-3&keywords=russian+dressing) what I think of when I think of Russian dressing. The first link looks most like what I remember the color of the dressing on the Reuben being. What’s up with all the different colors in pictures of what’s apparently all Wishbone Russian dressing anyway? Seems like more color variation than photo exposure alone would account for. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/47 "2014-11-19T23:15:41Z")
> [@solost](#): > > The first link looks most like what I remember the color of the dressing on the Reuben being. > > What’s up with all the different colors in pictures of what’s apparently all Wishbone Russian dressing anyway? Seems like more color variation than photo exposure alone would account for. It is, in my opinion. The labels are also all different, so perhaps they’re three different formulations? ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/48 "2014-11-19T23:27:06Z")
Still haven’t determined what type of dressing real New York delis serve on their Reubens. I went to the Carnegie Deli website hoping to see a photo of their Reuben and get an idea of the dressing color, but no luck. Their menu doesn’t even say what type of dressing they put on it (not that a mere dressing name would determine anything, as we’ve learned): [http://www.carnegiedeli.com/mobile/wp-content/themes/master/\_menus/menu.jpg](http://www.carnegiedeli.com/mobile/wp-content/themes/master/_menus/menu.jpg) Holy Cannoli though-- $28.00 for a Reuben? ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2014, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/49 "2014-11-19T23:29:21Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Still haven’t determined what type of dressing real New York delis serve on their Reubens. I went to the Carnegie Deli website hoping to see a photo of their Reuben and get an idea of the dressing color, but no luck [Here you go](http://www.betweenthebreadblog.com/Reuben-Sandwich-Carnegie-Deli-New-York-9596780). ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/50 "2014-11-20T01:39:14Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > [Here you go](http://www.betweenthebreadblog.com/Reuben-Sandwich-Carnegie-Deli-New-York-9596780). NOOOOOOOOO it’s the pale orange stuff :smack: Thanks for the link, anyway. That blog led me to another blog with a pic of a Reuben from Katz’s Deli (a little ways down on the page) > **[AsiaLive: Live Casino Online dengan Game Terlengkap dan Bonus Menarik](https://restauranteparrillalospatios.com/)** > > Rasakan sensasi bermain yang berbeda setiap harinya dengan koleksi game live casino terlengkap di AsiaLive. Jangan lewatkan bonus-bonus menarik yang kami tawarkan! Harder to tell, but it looks like Katz’s uses the pale orange with pickle relish stuff as well. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/51 "2014-11-20T02:12:15Z")
Googling “dark Russian dressing recipe” turned up these two that look promising. Maybe I’ll do a little experimenting over the weekend: > **[Russian Salad Dressing Recipe - Food.com](https://www.food.com/recipe/russian-salad-dressing-87710)** > > I have searched the internet far and near and finally I found a Russian Dressing recipe that ACTUALLY WAS Russian dressing! Good Stuff! > **[Russian Dressing Recipe](http://www.grouprecipes.com/20866/russian-dressing.html)** > > I'm posting this recipe to go with my "Slowcooker Russian Chicken" recipe but it's always a good recipe for a nice tangy salad dressing. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/52 "2014-11-20T02:37:27Z")
> [@solost](#): > > NOOOOOOOOO it’s the pale orange stuff :smack: Oh, if that’s what you’re wondering about, I could have told you that. I’ve never encountered a Reuben without a pale orange dressing. Now whether that’s Russian or Thousand Island or whatever exactly the difference is between them is up to debate (and I, honestly, think they’re interchangeable, especially given that one place’s Russian is another’s Thousand Island), but it’s never that sickly sweet Wishbone crap. I have no idea where Wishbone got its idea for Russian dressing from, but it’s way outside the norm. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/53 "2014-11-20T03:33:59Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > It is strange to see a Jewish cookbook have that recipe. Jews don’t eat meat and dairy together. Oh, I see what you mean. Incidentally, how many Jews do you know? 😉 ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/54 "2014-11-20T03:58:22Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Oh, I see what you mean. > > Incidentally, how many Jews do you know? 😉 Well, there is me, and my ex, and the people at the synagogue in New Hampshire, and the congregates at the synagogue in Little Rock, and the congregates at the Reform Temple in Little Rock. Is that enough? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/55 "2014-11-20T10:09:10Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Agreed. But one of the terms I’ve heard used for it is ‘Russian Reuben’. Not that I approve, we really need an international standards committee for the names and ingredients of foods. FWIW, Russian cole slaw is basically grated raw cabbage and carrots in a very light vinaigrette, with poppy seeds and what they call “cranberries” tossed in. (I personally think they’re more what the Plains Indians called “chokecherries.”) Not at all creamy, or particularly flavorful, for that matter. Very chewy, though. Lots of, uh, “roughage.” :rolleyes: All this talk about “Russian dressing” reminds me of the _ **Bullwinkle’s Corner** _ with “Little Tommy Tucker” (about the only one that _isn’t_ posted on YouTube :mad: ): **BULLWINKLE as LTT:** _Russian dressing?!?_ **[Sings to balalaika accompaniment while doing the kozachok]:** _Tomatoes, beets, and turnips, We use to make it red! **Hey!** Put it on your salad And you’ll wish that you were dead! **Hey!** _ ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/56 "2014-11-20T13:29:29Z")
> [@terentii](#): > > FWIW, Russian cole slaw is basically grated raw cabbage and carrots in a very light vinaigrette, with poppy seeds and what they call “cranberries” tossed in. (I personally think they’re more what the Plains Indians called “chokecherries.”) Not at all creamy, or particularly flavorful, for that matter. Very chewy, though. Lots of, uh, “roughage.” :rolleyes: > > All this talk about “Russian dressing” reminds me of the _ **Bullwinkle’s Corner** _ with “Little Tommy Tucker” (about the only one that _isn’t_ posted on YouTube :mad: ): > > **BULLWINKLE as LTT:** > > _Russian dressing?!?_ > > **[Sings to balalaika accompaniment while doing the kozachok]:** > > _Tomatoes, beets, and turnips, > We use to make it red! > **Hey!** > Put it on your salad > And you’ll wish that you were dead! > **Hey!** _ Thanks for the memories! Around these parts the standard is creamy coleslaw, lot’s of mayo or mayo-like stuff added. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/57 "2014-11-20T13:36:26Z")
> [@carnivorousplant](#): > > Well, there is me, and my ex, and the people at the synagogue in New Hampshire, and the congregates at the synagogue in Little Rock, and the congregates at the Reform Temple in Little Rock. > > Is that enough? 🙂 Evidently not, if you think “Jews don’t eat meat and dairy together”. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/58 "2014-11-20T13:40:30Z")
> [@TriPolar](#): > > Around these parts the standard is creamy coleslaw, lot’s of mayo or mayo-like stuff added. I once knew a guy from Georgia (in the US) who, I think, made his with buttermilk and mayo. Russian grated cheese salads, BTW, are **heavy** on the raw garlic, also grated. My ex makes this every New Year’s Eve. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/59 "2014-11-20T13:44:17Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Evidently not, if you think “Jews don’t eat meat and dairy together”. You can’t get a Reuben at [Rubin’s.](http://www.rubinsboston.com/)🙂 ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2014, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065/60 "2014-11-20T13:56:03Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Evidently not, if you think “Jews don’t eat meat and dairy together”. A classmate at Middlebury was a very Jewish guy from NYC. The last Saturday on campus, as we were sitting in the cafeteria waiting to go our separate ways, he took a ham and cheese sandwich from the platter the staff had set out for us (nothing else was offered) and said “Ah, what the heck! I’m going to Hell anyway!” :eek: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-reuben/705065.md?page=4)