Lord Hardwicke’s once made the best Reuben Sandwich in town, but that old brick and mortar restaurant got leveled and I am still in mourning. Hardwicke’s was a great restaurant with a large menu and terrific service – and they did make the best Reuben in Charlottesville. However, I have discovered a close rival, maybe the equal of a Lord Hardwicke’s Reuben. Timberwood Grill at Forest Lakes is the source.
Often, when Nancy and I just want a sandwich, not a fancy dinner, we’ll drive three miles north and eat at Timberwood Grill. Their prices are reasonable and their service is usually very good. We particularly enjoy eating outside on the patio when it’s not too hot or pouring rain.
We found ourselves there last Sunday evening to celebrate the end of a wonderful Father’s Day.
Timberwood has an amazing selection of entrees, salads, soups and some terrific burgers. Their “Hercules”, a French Dip sandwich, is delicious, and Nancy made that selection, but I saw The Reuben on the menu and it called out my name.
“I’ll have The Reuben, please.”
Wow, what a great sandwich!
You’d assume with a name like “Reuben” that the sandwich originated in Europe, but it’s an American creation and institution. Some say the sandwich was born in Omaha, Nebraska, created by a guy named “Reubin” Star. He built the sandwich and offered it to his guests at a poker game. Blackstone’s Restaurant in Omaha later put it on their menu and March 14 is celebrated each year as Reuben Sandwich Day in Omaha.
Another story has it that Arnold Rueben of Reuben’s Delicatessen in New York City came up with the name and sandwich back in the 30’s. Regardless, the Reuben sandwich is an American sandwich sandwich made up of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing and grilled between slices of rye bread.
Some restaurants put way too much dressing and sauerkraut on their Reubens, but Timberwood Grill offered the perfect combination, stacked high with thinly sliced pastrami, lots of gooey Swiss cheese and a nice compliment of sauerkraut and dressing. It was grilled to perfection and offered with a crisp dill pickle and my choice of sides. It was scrumptious.
If you’ve never had a Rueben from Timberwood, do it. Order the Pastrami Reuben at $10.50. If you know of one as good or better, please let me know.
Timberwood Grill is located at 3311 Worth Crossing, Charlottesville. Call (4340 975-3311 for reservations, sometimes needed. They close each evening at 11 PM.