Lunch is a wrap in Mt. Laurel
By: Donna Adinolfe
Courier-Post
January 4, 2007

Roly Poly Sandwiches, Dearborn Circle off Route 38, Mount Laurel, offers quick efficient service with a smile. But if you’re on a limited schedule, budget in extra minutes to make your choice.

According to the take-out menu, “RolyPoly is unique high quality, delicious, healthy hand-rolled sandwiches using only the freshest meats, cheeses, veggies and dressings.”

I agree on all accounts except maybe healthy. The work “healthy” is in the eye (or arteries) of the eater. Sure, the menu offers dozens of low-fat high-protein, tree-hugging, groovy, crunchy choices, and low-carb wraps are available for an additional charge but, since when is a cheesesteak or anything with mayonnaise on it considered healthy?

Anyway, after recently beating down the holiday crowd at Borders (located next door in The Village at Cambridge Crossing) I paid a visit to the bright, clean refuge with the funny name. I ordered the basil cashew chicken salad wrap (half size $3.95, whole size $6.25) and a fountain soda and my dining partner had a Philly Melt (half size $3.95, whole size $.6.25). The sandwiches were brought out to our table within five minutes.

The chicken salad was made with white meat and real mayo with the perfect amount of onion. It wasn’t chunky but is wasn’t pureed by an industrial-strength LaMachine either. The bright green crispy lettuce seemed freshly picked and the tomato was firm and flavorful. The basil mayo dressing was not overwhelming.

Now let’s talk about the cashews. I was expecting a few pieces of nut scattered throughout the chicken salad. Much to my delight, rolled in between the chicken salad and the greenery were whole jumbo cashews. Although not fat free, I tried to convince myself the nuts were healthy, extra protein.

The Philly Melt was a little messy as the name may imply. I had a nibble and it tasted like your average cheesesteak with a bonus cup of barbecue sauce on the side. Some sandwiches, like the Philly Melt, Key West Cuban and French Twist are grilled to golden brown perfection. Others are served cold like the low-fat Oriental Chicken and Thanksgiving, which contains turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, onion, lettuce and basil mayo.

Roly Poly offers several soups every day including Harvest Mushroom, Roasted Garlic Tomato and good oh’ Chicken Noodle. Salads include Roly Chef Salad, Frisco Chicken and Just Veggies. And for the kids, there’s peanut butter and jelly, grilled cheese, tuna and a chicken melt. Sides of chips, cole slaw and potato and macaroni salads are available. Meals can be eaten in or taken out, and party platters also are available.

Short Order appears Thursday. Rotating staff writers review lunch spots where patrons can eat in or take out in a short amount of time. Reach Donna Adinolfe at 856-486-2419.

IF YOU GO

Roly Poly Sandwiches
Village at Cambridge Crossing
4070 Dearborn Circle
Mount Laurel, NJ
(856) 231-0615
Order online: www.rolypolynj.com

CUISINE: Wraps, soups, salads
VALUE: ***1/2
OVERALL: **** (very good)
PRICE: Moderate
FOOD: ****

ACCOMMODATIONS: Eat in or take out. Order online or by fax. Delivery available.
Major credit cards accepted.

RECOMMENDED DISHES: Basil cashew chicken wrap

HOURS: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
Saturdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
And Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHAT THE STARS MEAN: Five stars is excellent, four stars is very good, three stars is good, two stars is fair, one star is poor.