The actual word "sandwich" for a food item or meal course was named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich. Politician, Naval Administrator, member of the Bedford Gang, Duke of Bedford, Lord of the Admiralty, Secretary of state, leader of the Monks, explorer (he discovered the Hawaiian Islands) and devoted gambler.

When gambling, the Earl would sit at the gaming table for hours without meals. One day he sent his manservants to get him 2 slices of bread, some meat, and some cheese. He put them together and ate, keeping his cards from becoming greasy. Thus the sandwich was both born and christened; the sandwich was named after him in 1762.

While the name may remain the same to this day, sandwiches are probably one of the most adaptable meals you can have; portable, filling, healthy (most of the time) and easy to make. From PB & J to the most gigantic, sky scraper-esque Montreal Smoked Meat sandwich, these are both easy, quick snacks and gourmet meals, the perfect side with a beer and fries or a portable breakfast as you hurry out the door. All because some guy wanted to eat while gambling and not get his cards greasy.

But, as in that Shakespearean quote: "that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet", would a sandwich be the same delicious meal if it had been called a "portsmouth"? The 1st Earl of Sandwich (Edward Montagu) originally intended to take the title of the Earl of Portsmouth - but changed his mind and took Sandwich as his title.

Whatever you call want to call them, sandwiches are often the meal of choice around here, especially when there's cheese and tomato and onion and peppers around to liven it up a bit. These Panini Portsmouths were scrumptious; crispy warm bread with melted cheese, vidalia onions and hot peppers. Oh my goodness, who cares what they're called, really? Just let me have one!