A Classic Favorite with an Exciting Twist! Not only is that how you will feel about the atmosphere when you’re in Grassroots being served by owner Todd Rhodes, but that’s exactly what you get when you try this week’s featured Menu Monday item: Grassroots best selling sandwich, The Gilligan.
It’s Boar’s Head turkey with avocado, bacon and mayo. If you’re like me, this is a go-to sandwich on any toasted sandwich menu. But there are several features that make The Gilligan extraordinary and worth going out of your way for…
- The bacon is candied. After being cooked, this bacon is seasoned with maple syrup and toasted to order for a sweet crunch that works perfect with the savory sandwich.
- Mango salsa. You have me at anything mango, and this addition to this classic sandwich adds boldness and depth to the flavor combination.
- The bread. The El Turano ciabatta bread it is served on is delivered fresh daily. It is crunchy on the outside yet soft on the inside for a perfect sandwich bite.
- The Bloody Mary, that’s optional. Served with a Beef Jerky Straw and all the fixins, this makes the sandwich a celebratory favorite.
Like everything Todd does, there is a little extra care to make sure the customers get what they want and then some. Every part of the food Todd serves is well thought out for flavor, and presented and served with love for the customer. An ever-growing customer-minded approach makes Grassroots the perfect neighborhood spot and is the reason people will keep coming back. Other very popular sandwiches include the Vinny Barbarino, which Todd says sells like hot cakes on the weekend. While I was there many people ordered and raved about the chicken salad as well. Made with apples, walnuts, cranberries and roasted chicken, the flavor can’t be beat and holds its own without a heaping addition of mayonnaise like some chicken salads.
Great with a beer and live music at one of the many Grassroots music events, sandwiches are served late into the evening which is rare in Barrington.
Grassroots is expanding its sandwich menu and soon will include things like a Sriracha Sub and a Buffalo Blue Chicken Sub. They also carry sweets from local bakeries. From Ithica, NY, Suzy and Paul Blanchard stopped for lunch at Grassroots while visiting family in Barrington and enjoyed a chocolate-covered rice-krispy stuffed with peanut butter.
“We feel right at home here” they said. “The food and dessert were amazing!” Grassroots is open for lunch every day, and until midnight with live music or other events every Thursday through Saturday.
Located at 211 Park Avenue, Grassroots Clothing Store, Gift Shop and Specialty Grocery Store is a place to shop and relax in an environment that lets you “escape from the ordinary” and just be yourself. Stop by, check out their menu and say hi to Todd. To connect with Grassroots online, click here to find their Facebook page or visit GrassrootsBarrington.com.
About the Author
Kelly Donlea is a Barrington mom, chef, cookbook author the owner of Organizing Dinner, a company that brings sensible cooking solutions to busy people. She has published several cookbooks and one of her specialties is helping parents plan family meals with fewer trips to the grocery store. Kelly also offers cooking classes and demonstrations in your home or public facility.
To learn more about Kelly, her recipes and her services, you’ll find her Facebook page by clicking HERE and her website at OrganizingDinner.com. Kelly is a regular contributor to our Barrington EATS and Menu Monday series here at 365Barrington.com. She shares recipes, cooking tips and special features about local chefs and popular menu items at area restaurants.
