The Sub Sandwich originated in several different Italian American communities in the Northeastern US from the late 19th to mid 20th centuries. The popularity of this Italian-American cuisine has grown from its origins in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Massachusetts to spread to most parts of the US. The use of the term submarine or sub is believed to have originated in a restaurant in Scollay Square in Boston, Massachusetts at the beginning of World War I. The sandwich was created to entice the large numbers of navy servicemen stationed at the Charlestown Navy Yard. The bread was a smaller specially baked baguette intended to resemble the hull of the submarines. There are many varieties but the typical Submarine Sandwich consists of: long crust bread, filled with cold cuts, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, onions, oil, vinegar, Italian herbs and spices, salt and pepper. The sandwich starts with a layer of cheese and ends with a layer of cheese (so the bread doesn't get soggy). ~ Chef ~ 
