Say the word “ravioli” in many American households and most will think immediately of Chef Boyardee in a can. We’re not saying there’s anything wrong with canned ravioli, but there’s much more to this creamy, flavor-packed food than its modern, canned counterpart would suggest. In honor of National Ravioli Day, Tommy’s Pizza and Subs of El Cajon/Santee, California wants to introduce you to this versatile, popular dish and invite you to stop by or call our family restaurant to dine-in or take out.
Let’s Talk Ravioli
Ravioli as we know it dates back to the 14th century. It’s essentially a small, square-shaped dumpling made from a combination of herbs, cheese, and beaten eggs simmered together in a broth.
Traditionally, vegetarian ravioli was served in Italy on Fridays, especially on Good Friday during the observance of Lent. It was only later in the 16th century that tomato sauces and ravioli became nearly synonymous.
While most ravioli these days is stuffed with various fillings, the word “ravioli” actually means “to wrap.” Considering all the delicious things that can go inside ravioli, we call that close enough – we won’t split hairs over whether something is wrapped or stuffed. Nowadays, ravioli fillings can contain just about anything, from crab meat and creamy wine to chocolate cheese, mushrooms, fresh corn, beets, squash, and even lobster.
There Must Be a Day for That
Ravioli is such a popular dish, especially in the United States, that it has its own National Day, March 20, which just so happens to be the first day of spring. While celebrating both is OK, we wager more people will be celebrating with some tasty ravioli.
Surveys show that 87% of Americans like ravioli, with close to 10% naming it their all-time favorite food. Tommy’s is sure plenty of Californians love ravioli, but we’re a little surprised the “Golden State” didn’t make the top 10!
The 10 states that love ravioli best (ranked by the percentage of people who eat ravioli at least once a month) are . . .
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Pennsylvania
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Florida
Eat-in, Takeout, and Delivery
Tommy’s Pizza and Subs is the place for traditional Italian pizza and subs in the El Cajon/Santee, California area. Whether it’s family dining, takeout, delivery, or even catering, we offer a wide range of delicious foods and authentic Italian menu items made from the freshest ingredients.
You can check out our menu and order online or by phone (619-499-5273) or stop by our restaurant on Magnolia Avenue in Santee, California.
