A quick lunchtime survey in Commons reveals the following opinions about a perennial comfort-food favorite among students, the Bates Bobcat sandwich.
“It tastes like I’m at a deli.”
“It tastes like home.”
“It embodies Bates values.”
“It reminds me of comfort.”
“It exceeds expectations.”
See the deliciousness of a Bates Bobcat sandwich as it’s assembled by Dining Services executive chef Owen Keene. Video by Theophil Syslo.
The Bobcat has been a lunchtime mainstay for more than a decade, ever since the current Commons — and its signature brick oven — opened in 2008.
Want to make your own? Here you go:
Bates Bobcat Sandwich
Serves: One hungry Bobcat
4 ounces shaved ham (or 4 slices)
2 slices deli pepperoni
2 slices salami
1 slice provolone (or more if you’re feeling cheesy)
1 slice American cheese (same!)
Finely chopped Spanish onion
Finely chopped green pepper
Crinkle-chip dill pickles
8-inch sub roll
Heat oven to 350 F. Slice sub roll in half. Layer one side of roll with chopped green pepper and chopped onion, then layer ham, pepperoni, American cheese, salami, pickles, and provolone. Place layered side on cooking pan. Heat 4 to 5 minutes. Top with top half and heat 2 to 3 minutes until warm. Serve with condiment of choice.
From left, Robert Sobolewski ’22 of Chevy Chase, Md., Nick Van Ingen ’23 of Darien Conn., and William Bolin ’23 of Monkton, Md., tuck into their Bobcat sandwiches in Commons. (Theophil Syslo/Bates College)
