The conti roll, or continental roll is a sandwich popular in Perth, Western Australia.[1][2][3][4]
| Alternative names | Continental Roll |
|---|---|
| Type | Sandwich |
| Course | Main course |
| Place of origin | Perth, Western Australia |
| Associated cuisine | Italian cuisine |
| Serving temperature | Cold |
| Main ingredients | Mixed meat and cheese, salami, roasted vegetables, red peppers, bun |
Description
editThe sandwich consists of a long, crusty bread roll filled with meats, cheese, and preserved vegetables.[1] Another description, courtesy of The Bell Tower Times is 'a generous bread roll, a variety of deli meats & cheeses and then whatever else you want from the showcase of Mediterranean delights'.[3]
A good continental roll is said to contain at least three different meats, as well as slices of cheese. This approach to a sandwich is not traditional to Italian cuisine, which often avoids the mixing of too many flavours. A Conti roll, by contrast, attempts to 'have the whole shop in the roll'.[1]
The cheese used is typically a Swiss-style cheese, although mozzarella is also used.
The pickled vegetables are typically eggplant, olives, and artichoke.[1] While some contemporary variations use tomato and lettuce in the roll, the traditional approach is to stick to pickled veges.[2]
While the bread is traditionally supposed to be crusty, softer versions of the bread are sometimes used instead.[1]
History
editThe conti roll originated at The Re Store Northbridge , one of the RE brothers, whose father Giuseppe arrived in Australia 1885. Italian immigration to Australia .[1][5] It should be noted though that the sandwiches' origin is contested.[3]
The name 'continental roll' originated in an attempt to market the appeal of the sandwich beyond its Italian audience, and toward Anglo-Australians. The name referred to the ingredients being from continental Europe.[1]
Since its initial creation at the RE Store , the sandwich grew in popularity to become available at other cafes and delicatessens.[6][7][1] Other outlets serving continental roles include Passione Gourmet Deli, Charlies Fresh Cafe, and Lo Presti & Son.[8][9][10][11][12][13][2] Of these outlets, 'The Re Store' has a particularly famed association with the sandwich.[14]
In recent years, contemporary variations on the Conti Roll have emerged. One Perth outlet, Deli's Continental, uses an undercoat of capsicum conserva topped with mortadella, salami, casalinga, and percorino-style cheese.[2]
As of 2023, the original Di Chiera Brothers store has closed for business, although its former owner has said it may one day be reopened.[1][15]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i Wynne, Emma (2021-03-13). "How an Italian family's love of broccoli, olive oil and the 'conti' roll changed a city's menus forever". ABC News. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ a b c d "Perth's new wave of continental rolls". Food. 2021-08-30. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ a b c Belle (2021-10-14). "IN FOCUS: The Conti Roll | The Bell Tower Times". www.thebelltowertimes.com. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ "Where To Find Perth's Best Conti Rolls". Scoop. 2021-05-26. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ "One last order as a stalwart shuts doors after 64 years". Food. 2017-03-14. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ "How the west was won.(Epicure)", The Age (Melbourne, Australia), Fairfax Media Publications Pty Limited: 12, 2017-07-11, ISSN 0312-6307
- ^ "How the west was won.(Good Food)", The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, Australia), Fairfax Media Publications Pty Limited: 11, 2017-07-11, ISSN 0312-6315
- ^ "The Re Store | TasteAtlas | Recommended authentic restaurants". www.tasteatlas.com. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ "Passione Gourmet Deli | TasteAtlas | Recommended authentic restaurants". www.tasteatlas.com. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ "Charlies Fresh Cafe | TasteAtlas | Recommended authentic restaurants". www.tasteatlas.com. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ "Lo Presti & Son | TasteAtlas | Recommended authentic restaurants". www.tasteatlas.com. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ "10 Of Perth's Best Conti Rolls As Voted By You". www.theurbanlist.com. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ "Best Continental Rolls in Perth". Broadsheet. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ O'Connell, Jan (1950-09-18). "Origin of the continental roll - Australian food history timeline". Australian Food Timeline. Retrieved 2023-06-11.
- ^ "Di Chiera Bros Deli Perth Closes". Community News. 2017-03-16. Retrieved 2023-06-11.