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PrintTastings: Rollin's Downtown Deli
Sallye Irvine samples local restaurants.
photo by Elise Poché
Jason McLendon believes there is a way to build a better sandwich. “It’s all about a quality product,” he says. McLendon and his wife, Eileen Morrison, took time selecting just the right bread for their popular Rollin’s Rueben — a lovely marbled rye. They were persnickety about picking the perfect pickle — changing brands when they found one they liked better. They purchase only local produce. All the dressings and sauces are housemade, as are the croutons for the salads. “We take great pride in our unique sauces: Cajun Dijon, Garlic Aioli, Horseradish Mayo, Sweet House Sauce and Wasabi Mayo,” Morrison says. “When you spend as much effort as we do on the individual components, you’re rewarded with a fabulous sandwich.”
Rollin’s (pronounced RAH-lins) opened in February. The restaurant offers more than a dozen big, thick, juicy, delicious, steamed sandwiches. The signature sandwich is cleverly called the Schwobilt, bottom right, in remembrance of the downtown building’s former occupant, a men’s clothing store. The name remains emblazoned in the tile at the entrance. House specialty Beer Cheese Soup, bottom left, quickly became the only soup. It was such a hit that no one ordered any of the others. For those looking for lighter fare — all of the sandwiches can be created as lettuce wraps. The marinated portabella mushroom sandwich makes a dandy vegetarian option. Sides include a scrumptious sour cream and bacon potato salad, pasta salad, fresh fruit or Zapp’s potato chips in an array of flavors. On the off-chance you have room for dessert, they offer Otis Spunkmeyer cookies.
The restaurant has indoor and sidewalk seating. They are open in the evening every second Friday of the month for Art Walk and also for special events at the Saenger and the Crescent Theatre, often offering live music on those occasions.
On the Menu
Beer Cheese Soup
Yuengling beer and Conecuh sausage collide in this signature rich, addictive and delightfully spicy soup.
Lighthouse Lettuce Wrap
Marinated, lightly seared tuna, red onion and ripe tomatoes seasoned with cracked pepper and a snappy wasabi mayonnaise are all swathed in Romaine lettuce.
Caesar Salad
Big, well-seasoned housemade croutons and fresh Parmesan shavings crown crisp lettuce tossed with housemade Caesar dressing.
Schwobilt
A tender, juicy-good combination of seasoned roast beef, smoked turkey and ham, with provolone, lettuce, tomato and red onion, is topped with Rollin’s housemade Cajun Dijon sauce.
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