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 edit
The 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 edit
The conti roll reportedly originated at the Northbridge store of Antonio Di Chiera, who arrived in Perth during a wave of Italian immigration to Australia following World War II.[1][5] It should be noted though that the sandwiches' origin is contested.[3]
According to the Di Chiera account, the sandwich originated as a portable store-bought lunch for Italian migrant workmen.[1] Initially it was not called a continental roll, and was merely referred to as panino.
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 Di Chiera Brothers, the sandwich grew in popularity to become available at other cafes and delicatessens.[6][7][1] Other outlets serving continental roles include The Re Store, 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 edit
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j 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.