A Deli Icon for National Reuben Day and My St. Patrick’s Day Favorite
March 14 – National Reuben Sandwich Day
A true deli icon. My photograph of a Reuben sandwich—layered with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on crispy grilled rye. A sandwich with history, tracing its roots to early 20th-century America. Some say it was created in Omaha during a late-night poker game in the 1920s, while others credit Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City. Either way, it’s been a staple for over a century.
And with St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, this is my way to enjoy corned beef, instead of corned beef and cabbage, which I don’t like a lot!
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The Evolution of Meatballs: Celebrating National Meatball Day
My photograph of Meatballs for today, National Meatball Day!
While the exact origins of National Meatball Day are unclear, it’s believed to have started in the United States as a way for restaurants and meatball enthusiasts to celebrate this comfort food. Over the years, the holiday has grown in popularity, with eateries offering specials and home cooks sharing their favorite recipes.
In Italy, meatballs—known as polpette—are typically small, made from a blend of pork, beef, or veal mixed with breadcrumbs, garlic, and Parmesan. Unlike the American tradition, they’re rarely served with pasta, instead enjoyed on their own or in broths.
When Italian immigrants arrived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they adapted their recipes to the abundance of meat available, creating larger meatballs paired with spaghetti and marinara sauce—an entirely American invention. The meatball sub soon followed, packed with marinara and melted cheese, becoming a deli staple.
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McDonald’s Hash Browns: A Fast-Food Icon
Happy National Hash Brown Day! McDonald’s hash browns have been a breakfast favorite since their introduction in 1977. These golden, crispy patties are made from grated russet potatoes, offering a satisfying crunch on the outside and a fluffy interior. Each hash brown contains 140 calories, making it a popular choice to complement breakfast sandwiches or enjoy on its own.
Over the years, McDonald’s has played a significant role in shaping the fast-food breakfast landscape. As of 2024, McDonald’s holds approximately 34.8% of the U.S. breakfast market share, leading the industry ahead of competitors like Starbucks (16%) and Dunkin’ Donuts (14.3%).
However, recent price increases have sparked customer feedback. In some locations, the price of a single hash brown has risen to over $3, leading to discussions about affordability. McDonald’s CEO has acknowledged these concerns, emphasizing the company’s commitment to maintaining value for customers. I will say that by using the McDonald’s app to order, I personally saved $16 buying this stack of 20 to photograph.
McDonald’s hash browns remain an iconic breakfast item, symbolizing the brand’s influence on morning routines nationwide. Visit my website for more of my delicious Food Photographs and other intriguing photography. Thanks! http://SecondFocus.com
National Tater Tot Day: A Classic Fast-Food Favorite
Tater tots are more than just a side dish—they’re an American fast-food icon. Originally created by Ore-Ida in 1953 as a way to repurpose leftover potato scraps, tater tots quickly found their way into school cafeterias, diners, and eventually, fast-food chains.
One of the biggest champions of tater tots has been Sonic Drive-In, which has served them since at least the 1960s. Unlike many fast-food chains that focus solely on fries, Sonic made tots a signature menu item, offering them plain or loaded with cheese, bacon, ranch, or chili. Their crisp texture and deep-fried appeal make them the perfect companion to burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes.
To mark National Tater Tot Day, I photographed Sonic’s signature tater tots, capturing their rich golden-brown color and crispy edges against a dramatic black background. You can see this shot and more of my food photography at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy tater tots? Let me know in the comments.
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