How can an "open face" sandwich actually be a sandwich?

Question

if "sandwich" is defined as 2 slices of bread or the like with a layer of meat, cheese, fish, etc between them.

Answer 1

During the Middle Ages, thick blocks of coarse stale bread called trenchers were used in place of plates. Meats and other foods were piled on top of the bread to be eaten with their fingers and sometimes with the aid of knives. The trenchers, thick and stale, absorbed the juice, the grease, and the sauces. At the end of the meal, one either ate the trencher or, if hunger had been satisfied, tossed the gravy-soaked bread to their dogs or given as alms to less fortunate or poor human. Alms were clothing, food, or money that is given to poor people: In the past, people thought it was their religious duty to give alms to the poor. Trenchers were clearly the forerunner of our open-face sandwiches.

Answer 2

We are beginning to wax philosophical here, but to the unitiated it may be difficult to grasp. It began long ago in the fifties at truck stops. The menus began offering roast beef, mashed potatos and gravy on a slice of bread. Later this was done with turkey.,etc., and became a leading item in the truck stops across America. Like apple pie. But I digress!
It then became known as a hot roast beef sandwich! Alas, a best seller.
Now whenever mashed potatos, gravy., etc .,, are offered its called an open face sandwich!
There,
John

Answer 3

I guess cuz it does consist of bread and something ontop of it...whatever you like....roast beef, turkey, ham...then usually gravy ontop.

It's Open Faced as the other slice of bread isn't on top. I don't know who makes up these names..LOL I do enjoy an open faced sandwich every once in a while

Answer 4

An open face sandwich is exactly the same as a regular sandwich, except it is not stacked, it's laid out open style with gravy poured on top. It's eaten with a knife and fork.

Answer 5

its the bread. the two slices of bread.
that's why the title of the sandwich is always very clear,
hot "open faced" turkey, or roast beef.
they said open face. so that relives them of all liability.
they call clubs "clubs" so, that there says 3 slices of bread.
its all in the sandwich sellers fine print, see?

Answer 6

maybe it should be called an open face "sandwich"??