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Sandwiches of History

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January 03, 2025

TLDR: Barry Enderwick, first graphic designer at Netflix and creator of Sandwiches of History accounts, discusses his debut cookbook 'Sandwichology' and shares recipes while talking about its history in this episode.

1Ask AI

In the latest episode of Sandwiches of History, host Barry Enderwick shares his unique journey from graphic designer at Netflix to the internet's favorite sandwich influencer. With his new cookbook "Sandwiches of History the Cookbook: All the Best (and Most Surprising) Things People Have Put Between Slices of Bread", Barry delves into the art of recreating historical sandwich recipes and their modern interpretations.

Background: From College to Sandwiches

  • College Challenges: Barry recounts his experience of getting kicked out of college due to poor attendance. This pivotal point led him to pursue a career in graphic design.
  • Netflix Experience: Serving as the first graphic designer for Netflix from 2001 to 2012, he helped the company evolve from a small startup to a global phenomenon.
  • Birth of Sandwiches of History: The idea spurred in 2018 when Barry discovered an old cookbook while organizing files. This led to the daily exploration of peculiar sandwich recipes from various eras.

The Concept of Sandwiches of History

  • Barry's mission is straightforward yet exciting: recreate bizarre and intriguing sandwiches from historical cookbooks and assess them.
  • Daily uploads on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and others have garnered a significant following, with fans eagerly anticipating his quirky takes on outdated recipes.
  • Utilizing a humorous and engaging approach, Barry invites his audience to appreciate both the absurdity and delight of historical sandwiches.

Examples of Historical Sandwiches

  • Sophisticated Club Sandwich: Featured on the cover of his cookbook, this extravagant triple-decker sandwich includes:
    • Toasted bread
    • Ham, cheese, pineapple, peanut butter, bacon, tomato, and avocado
    • An unexpected yet surprisingly palatable combination that reflects the innovative spirit of his cooking style.
  • Other Historical Examples: He explores sandwiches like the jellied chicken and even simpler options like a clean peanut butter sandwich, indicating the wide range of ideas from the past.

Engaging with the Audience

  • Barry emphasizes community engagement, as viewers suggest their own unique sandwich variations, fostering inclusivity and creativity.
  • His ability to blend food history with modern tastes has encouraged many fans to step out of their culinary comfort zone and experiment with new flavors.

Expert Insights and Fun Facts

  • Barry discusses how sandwiches were not always considered a quick meal but could be part of a multi-course dining experience.
  • Many of his historical recipes featured heavy use of butter and, surprisingly, have declined in usage over the decades due to health considerations.
  • The interesting debate surrounding the classification of food also arises; Barry firmly states that a hot dog qualifies as a sandwich due to its structure, while tacos do not.

Favorite Sandwich Combinations

  • Barry shares his favorite combos, noting that balance in flavors and textures is critical in any sandwich:
    • Tuna Salad and Salt and Vinegar Chips: A perfect match to complement the richness of tuna salad.
    • Emphasizes using equal components in sandwiches to achieve a delightful experience rather than overwhelming the palate.

Conclusion: A Culinary Renaissance

  • Barry Enderwick’s journey is more than just about sandwiches; it's about preserving history, celebrating culinary diversity, and inspiring creativity in cooking.
  • The Sandwiches of History concept has grown into a supportive community, showcasing how food can bridge cultural gaps and revitalize old recipes in modern kitchens.
  • With his cookbook and ongoing social media presence, Barry continues to encourage others to explore, experiment, and, most importantly, enjoy their culinary adventures together.

Discover the flavors and stories behind sandwiches that have shaped our eating habits and cultural moments, and dive into your own culinary experimentations with Barry’s engaging recipes!


This blog post encapsulates key discussions from the podcast and presents valuable insights and humor that resonate with readers who are food enthusiasts or simply curious about the evolution of one of the most beloved comfort foods.

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