EPISODE 50: A DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE 50 BEST SANDWICHES IN GREATER LOS ANGELES

In this week's episode of Living in the Sprawl: Southern California's Most Adventurous Podcast, host Jon Steinberg shares his definitive guide to the 50 best sandwiches in greatre Los Angeles. His list includes: Konbi, Chronis Famous Sandwich Shop, Cemitas Don Adrian, Frumentos Italian Market Deli, Figueroa Philly Cheese Steak, Figaro Bistrot, Dave's Hot Chicken, Gjusta, Factor's Famous Deli, The Heights Deli & Bottle Shop, San Carlo Italian Deli, Rhineland Deli, Jeff's Table, All About the Bread, El Cochinito, Fat Sal's Deli, Laziz Grill, The Park's Finest, Clementine, Potato Chip Deli, Cortina's Italian Market, Sorrento Italian Market, Lovi's Deli, Cavaretta's Italian Deli, Busy Bee Market, Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery, Corsica Italian Deli, Mickey's Italian Deli & Liquor Store, Santoro's Submarine Sandwiches, Mario's Italian Market & Deli, Hy Mart, The Original Rinaldi's Deli & Cafe, Tarzana Armenian Deli, Capri Deli, Claro's Italian Market, Eagle Rock Italian Bakery & Deli, Art's Deli & Restaurant, Nate 'n Al's, Domingo's Italian Deli, The Original Giuliano's Deli, Mike's Deli, Wexler's Deli, Dan's Super Subs, Tip Top Sandwich, Roma Market, Orleans & York Deli, Brent's Deli, Howlin Ray's, Johnny's Pastrami and Langer's Deli & Restaurant.

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Transcript

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Hello listeners and fellow explorers. This is living in the sprawls lovely and talented producer slash wife, Lisa Steinberg. I wanted to thank all of you for your continuous support of the show. As a new podcast on the scene, John and I self-support the logistics and research that go into the show. The number one way to support the show is to rate, review and share this podcast with everyone, you know, Many of you have been doing this and it has helped immensely. I also invite you to check out our website and the show notes for other ways to support the show. We are currently working with companies. We currently use ourselves. To get discount codes for our listeners and support the show in the process. These companies include. Every table, just CBD store, gold belly cats, botanicals, and so much more. By using the links on our website, you are letting them know we sent you an intern, supporting the show. You can also support us on Patrion and pod fan. Please check out the website@livinginthesprawlpodcast.com. For updates on companies we are working with our testimonies links codes and new living in the sprawl merchandise Again thank you to all of you our lovely listeners for tuning in every week and allowing us to do what we love Without further ado you're humble correspondent John steinberg Hello, and welcome to another edition of living in the sprawl. Southern California's most adventurous podcast. I am as always your humble correspondent and host. My name is John Steinberg. Joined as always by my lovely. And immensely talented producer slash wife. Her name is Lisa Steinberg. I was reminded. That this is her. New name. I got it wrong last weekend. When we recorded, but that won't happen again. Today, a special installment of the program. Another culinary sojourn. Which finds the team here at sprawl enterprises. Doing a veritable sandwich crawl throughout the south land. That's right. We have compiled. What we believe to be the 50 best sandwiches in the greater Los Angeles area. Now I have someone. Who spent a lifetime. Engaged in a prolonged love affair with the sandwich. As a kid. Foot-long meatball from subway would suffice. And as I've grown older and my palette has sharpened. My preference has been for mom and pop operated. Delis. I'm looking for a story. With each. Entry on this list. Just like. You come to us, looking for. Stories. We need a reason. We need some motivation in short. Give us. A reason. The sandwich. Contrary. To all preconceived notions comes to us by way. Of our friends across the pond. The British are not a culture renowned for their culinary aptitude. But they're one. Deeply penetrating. Culinary gift, which they gave to the world. Just so happens to be one of the best. It was in the 18th century. That one. John Montague also known as the. Fourth, Earl of sandwich sandwich being a region. In the Kent area. Of the United Kingdom. Where Mr. Montague resided. In search of. Uh, food that he could quickly consume. During lengthy card games. He instructed. His assistance. Well, Let's call them what they were servants. Two. Get some meat. Hide it between. Two pieces of bread. And voila. Uh, finger food that he could nibble. While contemplating. Whether or not. To raise the buy-in price during. Grandiose poker tournaments. Now this story could be apocryphal. It could be. One of those great urban legends that tends to gain momentum. As. Decades fly by in generations, dwindle off and. No one can really. See where everything began. Like a warped game of telephone. After all. Montague. Wasn't the first gentlemen. To nominally endorsed the idea. Of stuffing meat between slices. Of bread. He'd been beaten to the punch in actuality. By four bearers. That beat him out. By centuries, we're talking. A deep trip into the biblical past. Which saw. Historical figures of note. Like Hillel the elder. Decide. To stuff. Uh, bits of lamb. And bitter herbs. Beneath. The cascading shade. Of. Softened. Matsa crackers. The sandwich. Has kind of revolutionized the way in which people approach eating. Ideally suited. For the modern. Moment. Sandwiches can be consumed quickly. So as to better maximize. An employee's Workday. Promoting. Efficiency while not asking. One's workforce. To go eight hours without a meal. Los Angeles is. Infinitely blessed as you will hear. With an unbelievable array of sandwich options. And I've made an effort while the team here at sprawl enterprises has made an effort. Two. Highlight. Contributions to the sandwich conversation from all across the south land. We're talking. Bond me. Barbecue brisket. Uh, French crock. And Armenian. Sue Jack. Nashville style, hot chicken. And of course. A preponderance of mom and pop delis. Not your typical living in the sprawl episode. We're going to do a sort of quick hit style format here because after all. We're doing 50 instead of 10. But I can wholeheartedly say that this topic is one of my absolute favorites and I couldn't wait. To set pen to paper. In an effort to compile this, the living in the sprawl definitive guide. Two sandwiches in the greater Los Angeles area. 50 of them at that. Let's begin. Echo park. Cone B. The egg salad sandwich. If you write your state in brevity, this is a great place to find yourself. You will encounter much in the way of. Creature comforts. The air conditioning. I'm not sure if it works. The beverage selection is somewhat limited, but you're here for the egg salad sandwich because you probably saw it. On someone's timeline. While scrolling through Instagram. A newer entry into the list. But we begin with number 50 cone. Be in echo park. 49. This one finds us traveling east word east LA in particular, stopping in for a bite. At cronies famous. Sandwich shop. It's been an existence since the year of our Lord, 1953, a walk-up window on Whittier Boulevard. And unlike your garden, variety, Quiznos or subway, Jimmy John's Jersey. Mike's. They really only offer a single sandwich that being their delectable pastrami. It's messy. Not a place to be counting calories. And none existed. And beyond, but you know what? When the food is this good, who really cares? Next 48. Vaneyes heading out to the valley. Some meters, Dawn, Adrian. The Samita. A formidable sandwich. Comes. Piled high. Within exacting. Spice quotient to boot. This traditional Mexican sandwich. Is it enough to feed two? And a splendid entry point for anyone eager to sample. The finest. Sandwich options from south of the border. 47. For Mentos. Italian market. Sticking to the east side, this time in Montebello. We find ourselves. Standing in line. At this. Tremendous family run deli. That's been around since 1958. The thing to get here is surprise. Surprise, surprise. The Italian. Lots of meat. Lots of vegetables. As much sauce as your heart desires. A mighty fine. Example of that. Family owned deli. That I adore. So, so, so much. Number 46. I Figaroa Philly. I wanted to find. A representative from the Philadelphia cheese steak committee. And this. Establishment. On Figaroa. Less than a mile away from USC definitely fits the bill. Everything. That you want. From a Philly without having to get on a plane and travel to the east coast, whether you're someone who adores pats. Or Geno's. Figaroa Philly will unite. All those. Who worshiped at the altar of the philly cheese steak Next Let's set out to Los Felice. Where we sample. Uh, phenomenal French. Crock from. Figaro bistro. Los Felice is the Capitol. Of gorgeous patios in the Los Angeles area. And this is no exception. You're signing up. For classically constructed. French bistro fare with a Los Angeles kick. This sandwich is terrific. Next we had a bit down the road. Where we stop for a bite. At the first outlet of Dave's hot chicken in Koreatown. The Nashville, hot chicken craze. Has truly pervaded throughout the city. Over the course of the last couple of years. And since. This. Business set up, shop in K-Town. Other. Outlets of Dave's hot chicken have popped all across the city. To the point where. It's kind of the equivalent. Of sugar fish for sushi. If you want to introduce someone to Nashville, hot chicken. Get yourself to a Dave's. Wherever you can, but this first one, Is our favorite and it's in Korea town. Okay next. Let's go over to the west side. Haven't been there yet. Venice specifically. It's juice. The. Or just the, I'm not entirely sure how it's pronounced. But in any case, A delightful set of sandwiches here. Now will undoubtedly. Excite. Those that lean into the Bohemian lifestyle and those who don't. It's the sandwich place that Venice deserves. The sandwiches are top-notch. Though, getting them in your hands can be cumbersome at points. So call ahead. See, if you can order online, figure out a way. To avoid standing there while everyone in the neighborhood gathers to do the exact same thing, but the sandwiches are. Top-notch as I mentioned. Then we go over to Pico Robertson. This is the area along Pico Boulevard on the west side. Which is home. To a large concentration of. Jewish men and women. And Pico is. Littered with. Deli's offering that classic. Rubin. Turkey on rye, matzoh ball soup. And there are a considerable number of options, but we think. Factors famous deli. Does this. Type of thing the best. Then we work our way over to Lincoln Heights. Stopping at an unassuming. Well, it kind of looks like a convenience store from the exterior. But inside. Oh, inside it's the Lincoln Heights. Bottle shop. They're not doing anything cutting edge here necessarily other than making divine. Heaven sent. Sandwiches. And we think that you will absolutely. Pull up. Okay next. Going to the San Fernando valley. Chatsworth specifically. Stopping in for a bite to eat at San Carlo deli. It's everything that you'd expect. From a triumphant sandwich experience. It's in like a weird strip mall slash actual mall. Where you really wouldn't think a business like this would exist. It seems like the only folks who. You see. Heading into the establishment are regulars. And that's because they are. You'd have to be told about this place in order to find it, but that's okay because San Carlo deli makes some exquisite subs in the. Northeast San Fernando valley. And then we're going to head over the hill, the other way into thousand Oaks. Where we amble into. Uh, German forward deli Rhineland deli. And it's here that you can get. German cold cuts to your heart's content. Thousand Oaks. Definitely not a city known. For its culinary prowess. But if you find yourself in this area, Craving something German Rhineland Delhi is where you get it. Okay, coming back over the hill. We head into Highland park. Parking ourselves at Jeff's table. Opened. By a gentleman named wait for it. Wait for it, Jeff. That's right. The gentleman. You will actually see working there who clearly has a passion. Along the lines of John Montague, the Earl of sandwich. Here. You will get. A chance to sample. Some top shelf pastrami cold cuts. If you can think of it and it fits inside a sandwich Jeff's table, we'll be able to hook you up. And then over to silver lake. Where we stop in. For a classic Cuban sandwich at El coach. Unito. A family run business that has been around for roughly three decades. How many things are better in life then? That incomparable. Mix of ham cheese, pickles, mustard. On. Two lovely pieces of bread. The Cubans have given us a lot to be thankful for. But perhaps. We should be the most grateful. For their dynamic sandwich. Then it's over to west Hollywood. Where we stop in for a bite at all about the bread. If the title didn't clue you in. The bread is the star of the show here. Weather. It's roast beef. Tuna fish. Or something that has no meat at all. All about the bread. In west Hollywood will D light. You. With its wonderful selection of. Dada. Breads Then it's on to Hollywood. And for that, I think we need some type of celebrity connection. And of course we were able to find one. Fat Sal's. There are a few locations, one in Westwood, one over the hill and Encino, but this Hollywood original. Is a spot. To check out if you've never been. Partially owned by Jerry Ferrara. Whereas you might know him turtle from entourage. Fat Sal's. Has the kind of sandwiches you might expect to see? At a county fair. Except with. A bit of a Hollywood. Finesse to them. These sandwiches com. Loaded. With everything from a mozzarella sticks to French fries, chicken fingers, and this, in addition to your standard. Meat cheese muster bread. They're decadent. Creative. And. Indicative. Of how over the top. Hollywood. And the mere idea of Hollywood truly is so fat. Sal's. Then Westwood. Tiran jealous. One of the team's favorite. Corners of the city. The sandwich that you can get at Alaska's grill on Westwood Boulevard. Is spot on. For those, like your humble correspondent and host. You don't need. A ton of vegetables. The meat is so flavorful. You don't even need sauce really? And when I can vouch for a sandwich that is essentially just meat and bread. Well, Then. That establishment has truly out done itself. From historic Filipino town. Let's check in at the Park's finest. Where. Uh, you can order. A Filipino inspired steak sandwich. A great idea. Get yourself. One of their. Truly inspired. Sandwiches before heading to see the Dodgers. Beat up on the San Francisco giants. The Park's finest will not disappoint. Then it's back to the west side century city. For a trip. Into the comfort zone, so to speak. Clementine. Is it. Making up new rules in the sandwich game. Out of whole cloth. They aren't. Chef driven. Or loaded with a million different kinds of ingredients. It's just. A delicious. Assortment of sandwiches. Executed at the highest conceivable level. So if you think to yourself, oh man. Century city, that's a food desert fear. Not. Because Clementine. Is here to save you. Then it's over to the Beverly Grove area. This place is within walking distance of the actual Grove. It's potato chips, deli. One of the best. The sandwiches. In the city period. I recommend splurging and getting yourself a meatball. If you only do it a couple of times a year. It's okay. Bring out that inner eight year old inside. Who grew up idolizing happy Gilmore. In the meatball sandwiches he so coveted Now we've got to get in the car for a minute and head down to Anaheim. But it's for a good reason. Cortinez deli. A family run. Italian market that's been around for several decades. That offer. That most celebrated of sandwiches, the Italian. And they do it extremely well. So if you're an orange county, Maybe you find yourself around the magic kingdom. This would be a great place to fuel up before sacrificing everything in your wallet. On a day at Disneyland. Okay, then we get back in the car. Motor our way over. To the Culver city area. Stopping in for a bite. At Sorentos, Italian deli. Another. Seemingly ageless decades, old family run institution. You'd be hard pressed to locate. A better. Take on the Italian. This close. To the Sony lot. Get yourself a bag of chips and a diet beverage, and have yourself a great time. Eating. A. Scrumptious italian sandwich from sorentos Okay. Now let's go to Kardashians land. Let's go to Calabasas. Now there aren't a lot of reasons why you should ever really go to Calabasas, but this is one of them. It's loveys deli. Uh, city institution that has catered. To the wealthy and not so wealthy because not everyone is a Kardashian. Lovies has found. Great fanfare. With locals and visitors alike, greeting all customers with. Warm. Lovingly. See what I did there. Assembled sandwiches. Then. Another voyage into the San Fernando valley. Canoga park this time. Cavarretta is Italian deli. Which has been around. Since 1959. And if you think about it, Uh, place so successful. And so. Integral. In the lives of community members that it has existed. Well, put it this way. It predates the Kennedy assassination. So if a business. As been able. To buck trends. And stay. On the up and up. As long as cover rhinos. As well, then you can safely say that you are in. Pretty great. Hans Canoga park. Cavarretta. Italian deli with love it Then it's down to the south bay, San Pedro. Busy bee market. An absolutely named. Establishment. Because the place is always jammed with. Those eager to take advantage of the reasonably priced. Immensely pleasurable. Sandwiches. Whether it's an Italian. A hot sandwich, a cold sandwich. One that possibly I'm not even. Considering or haven't mentioned thus far busy bee will hook you up and it won't set you back all that much Now to the controversial. West side Santa Monica. Bay cities, Italian deli. Some would argue that I have this way too low on the list. But alas. I had a good, if not spectacular. A couple of experiences at bay cities. But again, I am totally open to the idea that I'm in the minority. Basically his Italian deli has been around since 1925. Almost a hundred years. Catering. Two Westsiders. And if you're there for the first time. And to those of you that have already done this, you know what I'm going to say? You have to get the godmother. Based cities is without question. One of the most famous delis. In all of greater Los Angeles. So of course it had to be mentioned on this special installment of the show. But then we had back over the hill. I know it's a drag. Trust me. But that's okay. We find ourselves in Sunland to Honga. At Corsica deli. This place has been around for five decades. And it's still thriving. If you're looking for all beyond head elsewhere, but if you are in search. Of stellar sandwiches. That add depth and character to any rotation, Corsica. Is more than willing. To meet the challenge. Next Burbank. Saying Toros. The definition of a hole in the wall. The place has been around since. The late 1950s. Saying Toros will never win you over. With exterior charm. But that's fine by us because what you'll find inside will knock your socks off. Try the Italian. It's on par with the best. That you'll find anywhere in the city. And this time we don't have to drive all that far. Because we're going to. Mario's Italian deli in nearby Glendale. Now this business. Has existed for 60 years, six zero. If you're noticing a theme here. It's on purpose. Deli's places like Mario St. Toros, a lot of the establishments that we've discussed are building blocks of their communities. And that's why we love them and wanting to celebrate them. So Mario's holds a special place in the hearts of many Glendale residents. As you can get yourself. A sandwich loaded with head cheese. If you want here. Or. Do the right thing. And get yourself cooking with the bad boy. I've heard. Mario's. Name-checked in a bunch of other podcasts. It is quite popular. And the reason why is because it's excellent. In Glendale. Get over to Mario's. North Hollywood comes next. A quirky. Curious sandwich shop that goes by the name of Highmark sandwiches is where we find ourselves. It leans. Armenian. But you can get. Involved. With their take on a Euro. And. I think it'll ruin all euros that you have. Following this one. Additionally, this is where. To go for some excellent. Sue Jack. And other. Armenian specialties in north Hollywood. Great, great, great. Because high Mart. Isn't far away. Unfortunately. Our next stop. Kind of is it's the original Rinaldo, these deli in Elsa Gundo. There are well, actually the one in Manhattan beach closed. So let's just focus on this outpost. A great spot to fuel up before. Tackling that great. Big blue, Pacific ocean. Or if you just want to get something more cost-effective before parking yourself for a couple hours. Worth of. Patients at lax. The original Rainelle of these. Is a. Great option for those. In desperate need. Of a top-notch sandwich. And it's in acute location right there on main street, reminding you. That the sprawl has great stuff Any way you turn But the thing about the sprawl is it involves a lot of time at a car. And that's what we'll be doing as we head back over the hill to Tarzana Armenian deli on Ventura Boulevard. Not all that far from sprawl enterprises. This family owned establishment has been around since 1972. Delighting. Armenian members of the community. And those with nary, a trace of Armenian blood coursing through their veins alike. The aforementioned, the Sue Jack sandwiches. Are the best anywhere in the city. But if you want a conventional. Turkey. On white with mustard, mayonnaise, and cheese, they will hook it up for you, but take our advice and get yourself involved with. The Armenian sandwich game at Tarzana Armenian deli. Then we really maximize the extent of the sprawl as we get back in the car and head out to the San Gabriel region. Actually kind of past the St. Gabriel region. West Covina actually just Covina. It's Capri Delhi. Uh, place. So beloved it's existed since 1954 in the same location. This was the first time that I'd ever been to Covina. I wanted to see where. The Bohemian rap city scene from Wayne's world was filmed. And this was a great spot. To get my sandwich game on beforehand. Perpetually busy. Host. To generation upon generation of satisfied customers. If. You find yourself in this corner of the sprawl Capri deli. Is. Where you're able to address your sandwich fix. That it's too saying Gabriel, while the valley proper. Claros Italian deli. This one's been around since 1948. There are a couple of outposts, but this is the original. And when you actually bite in to one of their sub-line. Spreads you'll understand why they've been able to stay in business so long. If you're not in the mood for. Some of the world's best Chinese offerings. Claros is where to get a spectacular sandwich. Around these parts. Then it's over to Eagle rock Italian deli, which has been around since 1988, a terrific. Selection. Of your. Quintessential Delhi favorites for me, it's always roast beef, white bread, spicy mustard, mayonnaise, Swiss cheese. And the version that I had from this. Family run spot was killer. But not to be out done next on our list is art's deli. On Ventura Boulevard in studio city. The valley. Happens to be blessed. With a cornucopia of terrific. Decades old delis. And this is. Right up there with the best of them. If we're from New York and you want something, that'll remind you of a trip to Katz's. This'll fit the bill or. If you just don't want to fork over$40 for mediocre mahi, mahi. At Margaritaville. Before. A trip to universal studios. Then. Art's deli. In nearby studio city will. Help everyone out. Immensely. Now we're really, to the heart of the matter we are within. The upper echelon. Of the best sandwiches in the greater Los Angeles area. Now we have two. Head over. To the 9 0 2 1 0 2 Beverly Hills. Nate and Al's, it's been around since 1945. Larry King. And his friends used to gather here every morning to talk shop gossip. Make each other laugh as they dined. On elite bagel sandwiches. Paired with locks. But the corn beef sandwiches from Nate nows are to die for. Then. It's Encino. Within walking distance of the sprawl enterprises recording studio. Where we grab ourselves. A veal Parmesan sandwich from Domingos. For a place. To be an operation. Since 1948. Well, that requires. A couple of things. Number one. A desirable product. Number two, a desirable location. And number three consistency. And that is what reigns Supreme at Domingos I've had the veal parmigiana, which just admitting is my favorite food. I've had the sandwich from Domingos a couple of times. And. On every occasion. It exceeds my expectations. We absolutely adore Domingos and clearly so to a lot of other people, otherwise it would not have been able to exist as long as the state of Israel. Back to the car, back to the south bay Gardena. This time. Uh, business it's been around since the 1952. The original Giuliano's deli. There's nothing here. That's going to compel you to reconsider. The notion of the sandwich writ large. You won't find. Kale forward dishes. Sprinkled with pomegranates. And lemon zest, but what you will encounter. Is it on slot? Of. Well crafted. Flawlessly executed. Sandwiches. Gardena is not typically. A place that you would associate with upper crust. Italian delis, but that is what makes the sprung so wonderful. They can exist anywhere. The original Giuliano's is a shining example of that. Now. It's over two. The Windsor Hills. Area of the city. Where we stop for a bite at Mike's deli. Terrific. Terrific. Terrific. I sound like. The Swan. From Charlotte's web. But it's because the dynamic offerings here have. Left me without recourse. That's all I need to say. About the sandwich game here at Mike's deli. So what it lacks in a clever name? Just take it from me. The sandwiches here are. Nothing short of spectacular. Then it's grand central market. Where we find ourselves Wexler's deli. I play so great. You would just assume, oh, well, clearly this has been around since the Johnson administration. Well, in fact, it's a relative newcomer to this list as we've been discussing. A multitude of places that have been around for decades. Wexler's deli is a relative novice, but don't take their relative youth. For poor performance. The pastrami sandwiches here are terrific. There are a plethora. Of stalls at grand central market. If you have a hankering for a sandwich, the only place. To get in that fix is at Wexler's deli. Back to the valley again, Woodland Hills, this time. Dan's super subs. Underneath. The freeway still on Ventura. But the furthest reaches of Ventura. Is where you'll be going. But you'll thank us. As the enormous sandwiches. From this 30 year old. Valley stalwart. Our absolute crowd pleasers. There were a couple of different possible entries in Woodland Hills. Uh, Dan super subs is the best out of the bunch. I mentioned that we would be talking about the bond me. And now we've gotten to that point of the program. Where we tackle it, head on. Let's head out to Rosemead the San Gabriel valley. Tip top sandwiches, the best bond me in all of greater Los Angeles. My beautiful wife. Worships at the altar. Of tiptop sandwiches. You can't do better for a bond. Me in the area. If you could do better from a location standpoint. You might find yourself in Pasadena. And while in Pasadena, you might find yourself at Roma. Market. Having been established in 1975. The Italian market. Specializes in no frills. No condiments. And no substitutions. The. Sub$10. Submarine sandwich. It used to be five American dollars. I have a feeling it's probably six or seven. As of this recording. But for seven American dollars outside of a drive-through window. This is the best. You'd be so lucky to receive. Pasedena. Is the last place that I expected to find. An establishment like Roma market, but again, as I consistently point out. The sprawl. Is a labyrinth of minor miracles and one of them. Is the sub$10 submarine sandwich at Roma market in Pasadena. For a bit of this for a bit of that we had to Inglewood. We can't decide between a po'boy. For Ruben. Orleans and York deli. Is the best of both worlds. Quetsion Tingy. Sandwiches find themselves. Paired alongside. Items you'd find at the Carnegie deli here. Both. Are truly excellent. You cannot make a mistake. Which way you decide to travel south. Or to the Northeast. Then back over the hill to the valley Northridge this time it's Brent's deli. A favorite among. Valley. Residents. Brent's has been around since 1967. Competing. With the best and brightest. That shine. All throughout. The area. I keep saying pastrami. Because they're objectively. Excellent. But also because. The area happens to be. Home. To a great crop of places that execute pastrami sandwiches at the highest conceivable levels. And in the valley. The move. If you only have one would be to go to Brent's. Get yourself a ticket on that pastrami train. And we find ourselves. The final three, the bronze, the silver, and of course the gold medalist. Let's start with the bronze. And for this. It requires a trip to Chinatown. The far east Plaza, one of our favorite. If you've listened to the food hall episodes, food halls in. All of the sprawl. Helen rays. You can make a great argument is what popularized the Nashville hot chicken sandwich in the Southland. Before. The pandemic. Lines. At how and re res would run. Daily. Uh, for hours upon hours. I waited to get my gorgeous wife. A. Hot chicken sandwich. For two and a half hours. And I was thankful that I did because I've been to Nashville. I've been. To the epicenter of hot chicken paradise. And you know what Helen raised is better. There we go. I said it. And for us, it's the third best sandwich in all of the greater Los Angeles area. It gets the bronze. The silver. The second best. That is bestowed upon Johnny's pastrami in west Adams. For those a long time. Sprawl listeners. You'll know that. The team here. Love's. The Kenneth Hahn. Park in nearby Baldwin Hills. A wise man or wise woman. Wood. Plan a Saturday around a picnic at Kenneth Hahn with the food coming from Johnny's. It's been around since 1956 with a several year interlude. Rather recently. As. The business ceased functioning in 2015. But much. To the city's credit. It came back with new restored life. Right after the pandemic. And is thriving once again. The name should clue you in yeah. Pastrami. That's the move here. The more mustard, the better. Who needs cheese? You should probably go ride bread, but if you don't it's okay. Johnny's pastrami is a godsend. But that leaves us. With our gold medalist, the finest purveyors. In the game. The greatest sandwich artists. In all the city of stars. Uh, place. So wonderful. That I'm breaking. A podcast rule so that I can talk about it. I have this rule where I. Only want to discuss something once on the podcast. This place has already been chronicled. In an episode. From our archives. But I want. To praise this establishment from high high at top. The San Gabriel mountains. It is of course. Langer's delicatessen in Westlake. Been around since 1947. I almost want to just say. Get the number 19 and drop the mic. But I won't. Langer's is without question the most important deli. In all. Of the Southern California sprawl. The ratio. Of bread to meat, to cheese, to dressing. Is something. That belongs in the loop. If you could only have, but a single sandwich. This is the. Best one. And that's going to do it for a special below out mega. Sandwich focused episode of the program. We want to thank all of our lovely and wonderful. Patrons for their support, a couple of ways to. Tell us that you care. Hop on. Apple iTunes that purple icon. Leave us a five star rating. And if you could drop us a nice review, those help us out a great deal on the business end. Our Instagram handle living in the sprawl podcast. If you'd like to correspond. With the team here at sprawl enterprises. Feel free to drop us a line, write us an email, living in the sprawl. Podcast that gmail.com is the email address. And we invite you to write us with your recommendations for episode topics that you'd like to hear discussed. If you. Feel as if we've led you astray any, and all of your feedback is definitely invaluable. So write us an email, if you so desire. We'd like to direct you to our wonderful website. And it's here that you can find are living in the sprawl guide, a sort of cheat sheet. So that you don't have to go combing through old archived episodes of the program, looking for that one specific recommendation for a place where. You should get yourself a Michelin style meal. You don't have to do that. Get the living in the sprawl guide. And it'll save you some time. On our website. We also want to remind you that we have merchandise and it's pretty cool merchandise. At that. Mugs. Pens. Magnets. If you can think of it, if you want it. And it's living on the sprawl related the place to find it is on our website. We also want to remind. Everyone about our Patrion page, you can become a Patrion supporter. Which gives you access. Too exclusive content that you can only hear by becoming a Patreon supporter. We want to thank. Tom in particular for his support this week. And it's here that. You'll be able to check out episodes that we've done on burgers. Fish markets. Pizza. So on behalf of the team here at sprawl enterprises, want to thank everyone for their continued support. I am as always your humble correspondent and host. My name is John Steinberg joined by my infinitely. Lovely and talented. Producer slash wife. Her name is Lisa Steinberg. I got it right this time. Thinking everyone again for listening to another episode of living in the sprawl, Southern California's most adventurous podcast until next time.