State Rep Wants Italian Beef To Be Named Illinois’ State Sandwich

Apparently, some things are just more important than tackling stunningly high property and gas taxes, along with the second-highest unemployment rate in the Midwest.

Things like sandwiches. In particular, the Italian Beef sandwich, and whether or not it should be named the official Illinois state sandwich.

As you probably know, we've got no shortage of official Illinois state things:

• State Bird: Northern Cardinal
• State Flower: Common Blue Violet
• State Tree: White Oak
• State Insect: Monarch Butterfly
• State Fish: Bluegill
• State Fossil: The Tully Monster
• State Reptile: Eastern Box Turtle
• State Snack Food: Popcorn
• State Pie: Pumpkin
• State Dog: Shelter Dog

What we don't have, at least right now, is an official Illinois state sandwich.

Should We Be Arguing About Making The Italian Beef The Official State Sandwich, Or Is That The Completely Obvious Choice?

Only in Illinois could the official state sandwich become a bona-fide political cause. But here we are, watching lawmakers spar (in good fun) over whether the beloved Italian beef sandwich should finally take the crown from the Horseshoe sandwich. It sounds like a foodie feud cooked up at a holiday party, because, well… it was.

State Rep. Rick Ryan of Evergreen Park is the unlikely hero (or anti-hero, depending on your tastes) of this sandwich debate. He’s put forward House Resolution 4669, which is essentially a proposal to make the Italian beef the official Illinois State Sandwich.

Ryan says the idea isn't some deep legislative mystery. According to the story, it started as an off-hand suggestion tossed around by staffers at a Springfield holiday party. One of those “Hey, wouldn’t it be fun if…”  things, and then, somehow, here we are.

The Argument Comes From The Springfield Area, Where The Horseshoe Sandwich Reigns Supreme

Not to take sides here, but I’ll proudly admit I’ve eaten hundreds of Italian beef sandwiches. I know a dipped, sweet-and hot peppered beef like it’s a family member. But I’ve never actually tried a Horseshoe sandwich, which is an open-faced platter of toast, meat, cheese sauce, and fries that’s beloved around Springfield and central Illinois.

Here's what it looks like:

And a little closer:

If You Have To Pick A Hill To Die On, The One With Italian Beef Sandwiches On It Is A Pretty Solid Choice

Rep. Ryan himself has made the argument that’s as much about geography as it is about taste. Italian beef might not be famous worldwide the way a Philly cheesesteak or a Cuban sandwich is, but it’s a true Chicago classic, and thanks in part to shows like The Bear, people from all over the country know about the Italian Beef.

The problem for the Horseshoe sandwich is that it's kind of a regional secret. So Rep. Ryan’s objection about the Horseshoe sandwich (“it’s not really a sandwich, it’s open-faced”) is just the kind of logic that will push the Italian Beef sandwich over the top.