Back to what I really should be doing...reviews! Rising Roll has been my go-to for lunch since I discovered it, shortly after starting my new job in downtown Atlanta. Rising Roll is a franchine and this particular downtown location is just a few blocks away from my office. They have a very large selection of sandwiches including garden, hot, paninis and salads and sides too. They even offer breakfast. And a 16-punch punch card, which requires (as the name would indicate) 16 punches for a free lunch. Yes, I have in fact, already earned myself a free lunch. It doesn't hurt that 2 days a week are double punch days.
I came in so often, that I have gotten to know Natasha, who is planning to go back to school for a Masters in Physics. She is super nice and friendly and always recognizes me, so finally one day I introduced myself to her. Sometimes the service can be a little slow, but it is only because they take so much care in preparing your sandwich. And, for me, because I can barely see (or be seen) over the very high glass deli case in which they store their fresh ingredients. For a quick, hot sandwich at a reasonable price in downtown ATL, they cannot be beat.
Here is what I've had from the menu and my tasting thoughts:
Killer Blue Turkey This is pretty standard turkey with blue cheese. A good, solid turkey sandwich.
Buffalo Wrap I guess maybe I am not a huge wrap or buffalo fan. I was looking for something kind of spicy and different, but the wrap was so huge (good for some of you, I am sure), that it was hard for me to eat in a neat, graceful fashion. Taste-wise, it was good if unmemorable.
Ham and Brie I think this has to be my favourite. It's a hot sandwich and I usually get it on sourdough. I didn't mention you can choose your bread? Oops. You can choose your bread. But this hot 'wich has ham, brie, thin slices of apple and a dijon aioli. Quite delicious and really hits the spot. Since I usually only eat a half a sandwich at a time, I remove the apple when I reheat this delicious bite, as apple I have discovered, does not reheat (or probably just heat) well.
Durango Chicken This is a pretty good one too, but I have to say, guac doesn't appeal to me when it is slightly heated. This might be better as a not hot sandwich, but I still really like it. I am just kind of in love with guacamole in general.
French Dip I admit, this is my first ever French Dip sandwich. Really. I am 30 and never have had one before. I do not know why. I must also admit to being an Arby's roast beef fan. So, I did not really care for the roast beef on this sandwich. It was kind of thick and too chewy for me. I did, however, like the au jus and the whole dipping of a sandwich in it thing appealed to me entirely. Note to self: eat more french dips.
Roast Pork Caliente This is a panini that I really like. I am not sure why I haven't ordered it more than once. Oh yes, it is because of the vast menu that I feel obliged to fully explore. But this is a good one. I may have to order it on Monday. I have been out of town for a week on business, so I think this will be my grand return meal.
Oh, and soup! Have I mentioned that they have soup? Yes indeed. Check their website for which soups are served on which days, but I usually get the Loaded Baked Potato or Tomato Basil Bisque, both of which are pretty decent takes on the standards. Beware that the LBP might be slightly oily and if you have a sensitive tummy to such things, it may not sit well with you.
I also haven't had any of their sides; I am not really a fan of mayo, so potato salad and such things are out for me. But I do know that for $1 more, you can choose a side and a pickle. And they have one mean soda machine...it dispenses my personal crack, Coca-Cola!
Lastly but not leastly, breakfast! I admit to one hangover (at least) in my time here in HotPants and Starbucks just was not going to cut it. The only remedy for a hangover, in my opinion, is soda. Fountain soda, in particular. And it goes well with a Rising Roll croissant with eggs and bacon. It was delicious and cured my hangover pretty quickly.
Rising Roll delivers a solid, usually quick, always friendly lunch experience. If you're downtown and need something quick, solidly American and want a lot of options, I would recommend this place. And as for breakfast...I haven't found a better place yet.
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