NEWS

Lava Rock Grill serves panini sandwiches

Jennifer L. Manfrin

WEST LAFAYETTE – The Lava Rock Grill at Unusual Junction is serving unusually good panini sandwiches that have customers talking.

Prepared with top-quality meats and cheeses, unique bread and homemade dressing, the restaurant’s panini sandwiches are top sellers, said chef and co-owner Bob McKenna.

“You can’t find them everywhere. They are made fresh to order with the best ingredients,” he said.

The menu at the Lava Rock Grill at Unusual Junction, 56310 U.S. 36, has three panini sandwiches for customers to choose from, McKenna said.

The Whistle Stop is topped with roasted turkey, applewood smoked bacon, Pearl Valley Swiss cheese and honey mustard.

The Junction features only three ingredients – baked ham, Pearl Valley Swiss cheese and honey mustard. “It’s a very simple sandwich because with these three components, the flavor is perfect. You don’t need anything else,” McKenna said.

Word of mouth about the Conductor, an Italian-inspired panini, has made it the most popular on the menu, McKenna said. Packed with salami, pepperoni, ham, provolone cheese, banana pepper rings, red onions and house-made Italian dressing, it’s a customer favorite.

“It’s modeled after a classic Italian panini but it’s our special take on it,” he said. “I think that’s what sets it apart.”

Panini sandwiches at the Lava Rock Grill are made on special Italian ciabatta bread that McKenna said further enhances the flavor. Each panini sandwich is toasted then placed on a panini grill to give the bread a “nice, crunchy exterior,” he said. Customers can also choose a customized panini sandwich with any of the meats, cheeses and vegetables on the menu.

“I think customers love the panini sandwiches because they are so big,” said kitchen manager Cody Mikesell. “You can eat half of it here, and have enough to take home for a snack for later.”

Panini sandwiches are served with customers’ choice of side items, such as homemade coleslaw, potato salad, garden salad, fries, tator tots or homemade soup. The Lava Rock Grill menu also features a wide variety of other sandwiches, 100 percent certified Angus beef burgers, wraps, appetizers, soups and Sharable Snacks.

McKenna invites customers to stop by and give the panini sandwiches a try.

“You will be surprised. The portions are generous and the food is homemade. Everything on the menu is also extremely fresh, and you get a lot of quality for the money.”

The Lava Rock Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

About the Neighborhood Fare:

The Coshocton Tribune will feature a local eatery and what fare makes it unique each week. If you have a suggestion or are a restaurant owner who would like to be featured, let us know at ctnews@coshoctontribune.com.