Illinois Lawmaker Proposes Italian Beef as Official State Sandwich, Sparking Culinary Debate
In Springfield, Illinois, state Representative Rick Ryan has proposed a change to the official state sandwich, advocating for the Italian beef to replace the current titleholder, the horseshoe sandwich. The horseshoe, a dish consisting of ham-and-cheese or similar ingredients topped with french fries, is a staple in Springfield but less common in other parts of the state. Ryan's proposal is supported by actor Corey Hendrix, known for his role in the FX series 'The Bear,' which highlights the Italian beef. This debate reflects a broader cultural divide between Chicagoland and downstate Illinois, with the Italian beef being a ubiquitous presence in Chicago, while the horseshoe is more localized. The proposal has led to a compromise, allowing the horseshoe to retain a title as the official open-faced sandwich of Illinois, while the Italian beef is poised to gain recognition as the official state sandwich. 
