I was running a little late on this day. I had slipped into the restroom to wash up for lunch and discovered when I got out that my Reuben Buds had disappeared. Undaunted, I hurried to my car and gave chase. The day was typical of an Indiana winter. The cold was especially biting and the clouds mostly gray. It had snowed somewhat earlier in the week, and the brief warming of the previous day had only glazed the already slick surfaces to a polished sheen.
When I reached the deli, my companions had already ordered and were waiting for their food. I stepped into line behind a familiar Reuben eater, Aimee. She had arrived just before me and was in line. Surprisingly, when asked her order, she chose a turkey laced Reuben! Being the purist that I am in these matters, I chose the Reuben made with pickled beef, full-strength.
We waited for what seemed forever, passing the time talking with other similarly hopeful eaters. Due to lunchtime I'm sure, the place was packed with people searching for a respite from the cold. The man behind the counter called an order, and a happy smile came to the face that matched the name. At last, my name was called and I took my sandwich to a free chair with the group.
The sandwich came with no dressing. Chris had to ask for it and we shared. Some chose no dressing, but I added to mine. I don't think it was the traditional Thousand Island though, it was more like mayonnaise with chopped pickles. Our group was so large, the deli had run out of sauerkraut. Some people had warm kraut, but mine was still a bit chilled and fresh from the can. I wasn't entirely impressed with the flavor either; it was sorta bland really.
While I didn't try it, the beef stew smelled particularly inviting, so if you are in the neighborhood try it instead. The Reuben is not their strong point.