Ladies & Gents, Roly Poly

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce an eating establishment that now graces my top five places to dine,

Roly Poly Sandwiches.

Ok, the name is a little confusing. They do wraps, hence the Roly Poly, but not really sandwiches. But semantics aside...

Most folks know I used to not be much of a...gourmond, foodie, bon vivant, choose your term. I still wouldn't consider myself one, but I am branching. This place was fantastic. Here's why...

1) Setup. The setup is sort of Subway-esque. A fairly small place, slightly cramped. All the makings aren't right there in front of you, but you can still see what is going on. Funny paintings on the wall, nice atmosphere.

2) Extensive menu. Many different hot or cold styles to choose from, including Philly Melt, Veggie Fajita, Delhi Chicken, and Thanksgiving. I've had the chicken caeser a couple of times, and both times the lettuce was very fresh, the caeser not anchovy-y at all, and the chicken was of high quality. Anyone who can do a really good caeser is more than ok in my book.

3) Price. The 6" or half size ranges from $3.50 to $3.95, and the 12" or whole size ranges from $5.25 to $6.95. Combo with chips and drink adds $1.75, combo with soup and drink adds $2.95. Pretty decent prices especially considering...

4) Size. I don't think even I could do a full size unless I was EXTREMELY hungry. If you were to undo the wrap and put it on a plate, even the half size chicken caeser has more to it than some salads I've had at other restaurants. So a six inch wrap, drink and soup is less than 7 bucks, considering the quality of food, a pretty good deal.



5) Service. I'm sure things were helped by the fact we got wonderful service from Mion.

6) Competitively priced party platters. Five 12" Roly Poly's cut into quarters for 34 bucks.

7) The ingredients. Wow, I've never seen some of these choices anywhere. White, wheat, or low carb wrap. 16 different dressings or spreads including basil mayo, balsamic vinaigrette, and sesame dressing. 16 different veggies including chopped scallions, alfalfa sprouts, sundried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and sliced avocado. 9 cheeses, even Brie! 12 different meats including salmon, and curried chicken salad. Then there are the 'Other Stuffs'. Pineapple chunks, cashews, mango chutney, capers, cornbread stuffing, red pepper hummus, raisins, apple butter, sunflower seeds, cranberry sauce, peanut butter and grape jelly. Yes, you could make a peanut butter and jelly wrap if you wish.

8) The convenient box lunch! A chocolate chip cookie, any menu rolled sandwich, and a bag of chips for 6 bucks! Which they will deliver! Fantastico! I have already enjoyed this item a couple of times for lunch at work.



Try it out sometime people, I highly recommend it! Especially you Sarah, considering your well documented affinity for the wonderful creation called the burrito. These wraps should be right up your alley.

Take It & Make It Your Own

On this the eve of Valentine's Day, I must say a few words...

Quit the pessimism!!

I have heard so many people railing on Valentine's Day this year. Do an oddly large majority of my friends and acquaintances just happen to be single at this point in time? Are we becoming more cynical as a people in general? Has the color red just suddenly fallen out of favor and is receiving a large backlash of hatred and jealousy? All of the sudden people are treating love as a horribly trendy fad that just went out of style. (see parachute pants/members only jackets)

What is particularly surprising is that some of the folks that are putting forward a general malaise about the day are on most days, romantics. No changing sides! Not fair! There aren't enough of us romantics around anymore, so we can't be hemorrhaging members on a day like this.

Valentine's Day is a train. Those in relationships are on the train. Those not tend to run and jump out of the way or get squashed like a pressed rose petal. I was a kid who loved trains and (yes, possibly stupidly) stood close to the tracks watching it go by, appreciating it and loving the breeze that followed in its wake. I lost myself in the sound and the feeling. It blocks out every other sense, overpowering you. I kind of feel the same way about this. Relationshipped (new word, it's mine, contact me for the usage rights) people spend the day celebrating their love for each other. Non-relationshipped people start conspiracy theorizing the day.

Why not take the day and make it your own?

I choose to celebrate love on this day. I see the couples in love and bask in that...aura that emanates from them. I see the kids getting cute little cards in the grocery store for their mothers and think its about the cutest thing ever. Let's celebrate love in all of its forms. Family love, friend love, pet love, food love, and my personal favorite, nerd love.

Two years ago I took a walk in downtown Columbia on Valentine's Day. It was a fairly brisk day as I recall, but not overwhelmingly cold. Decided some Hot Cocoa at Lakota sounded about right, and a nice walk would make me feel like I earned it. On my way there I saw three things that stuck out. First, your regular, everyday couple enjoying lunch together. Second a gay couple kissing on the bench outside Shakespeare's Pizza. Third, an elderly couple sitting in Lakota, wearing red, having a coffee, and playing chess. Three very different couples seemingly in love, enjoying a day devoted to that fact. Crossing all ages, genders, and sexual preferences. How can you not love that?

Which brings me to my final point. Romantics vs. Hopeless Romantics.

Romantics do the gestures. Open the doors for the lady, give flowers, kisses at hi and goodbye, holdings hands, feign being weak to let the guy feel big and strong for doing something for you.
Hopeless romantics are the ones who believe in love at first sight, 'soul mates', love conquering all. The truly fun people in my book, are both.

Love to you all, and by the way,

I'd like to be on the train, but I'm content right now to stand close, and enjoy the breeze...