Does Ollie and Finn’s have a perfect sandwich? Williamson County chef Ethan Eilermann says yes!
“I’d have to go with a bologna sandwich with American cheese, some bacon, five pepper jelly, crunched up spicy Cheetos and a little mustard.”
Eilermann dreams up sandwiches like this every day at his new restaurant, Ollie & Finn’s Counter, now open inside the Columbia Arts Building in Columbia.
“Opening up a sandwich shop has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Eilermann says. “I wanted to do things a little differently and incorporate the things I love about food.”
A Family Affair at Ollie & Finns
Ollie & Finn’s — which is named after Eilermann’s dogs — is all about family. Eilermann says his favorite days at work are when he’s joined by his wife, Anna and their young daughter, Molly, who already refers to the space as “my kitchen.”
“Family is a huge part of why I do what I do,” he explains. “We’re making food that hits that weird nostalgic nerve and reminds you of childhood. It’s about creating dishes that make me laugh, make me happy and make me feel comfortable.”
The Madre De Aguas — Ollie & Finn’s take on the traditional Cuban — with house-made chips.
The menu features fresh takes on comfort classics, such as made-from-scratch creamy tomato soup and grilled cheese, a roasted butternut squash soup, a grilled PB&J with bacon & house chips and more.
According to Eilermann, the most popular sandwich so far is his take on the traditional Cuban, called the “Madre De Aguas.” It features mojo pork, ham, Swiss cheese with mustard and pickles on toasted Cuban bread.
“My wife’s from Tampa, so I spent the last five years trying to perfect a Cuban,” he says. “After years in the lab, she finally told me it’s great. I can rest now.”
Tasty “Sammiches”
You can try this along with many other tasty “sammiches,” soups, salads and desserts at Ollie & Finn’s Counter, open five days a week Tuesdays – Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Check out what Ollie & Finn’s is whipping up in the kitchen each day by visiting their Facebook page.
