Sandwich Contest

[BIM]

Here's how it works: you name your three favorite sandwiches - NO MORE THAN THREE - and, if you like, a short description. I will personally select among the best entries. Prizes: winners will have their prize-winning sandwiches sampled BY ME and I will report back. Second place winners have my eternal gratitude. Burgers are not considered sandwiches for purposes of this contest. Void where prohibited.

Here's three to start you off -

#1. From Bay Cities - spicy soppresata with provolone and spicy pepper salad

#2 the Miami Cuban from Havana Sandwich Company in El Segundo

#3 and how about the banh mi bi (pork skin) at Bánh Mì Cho Cu in Westminster

[Burger Boy]

Muffelata from Central Grocery

Cuban from Cafe Tropical extra crispy (leave in the press longer)

Italian Combo from DeFrankos The hard roll, no pickles, easy tomato and easy onion

[Burger Boy]

Can we make it 4, I some how in a muffelata haze, i forgot Langer's.

[malibumike]

#1. The #7 from Eastside Italian market and deli, just west of chinatown, hot roast beef and pastrami, provoline cheese and marainara sauce with cooked peppers on an italian roll. http://www.esmdeli.com/

#2. The meatball sandwich at Bay Cities, Santa Monica.

#3. Also at the Eastside Market and Italian deli, the #21 cold roast beef and pastrami, proboline, lettuce, tomato, peppers, mustard, mayo.

[Servorg]

www.iltram.net
Grilled breast of chicken with sun dried tomato, avocado and provolone and basil garlic sauce from il Tramezzino

www.clementineonline.com
Roast Beef Caliente: In-house roasted top round thinly sliced then grilled with avocado, red onions, pickled jalapenos, lettuce and mayo on toasted rustic bread

Chutneys
2406 S Barrington Ave (SE Corner of Pico & Barrington)
Los Angeles 90064
310-477-6263
Chicken kabab roll: Chicken, chopped lettuce, tomatoes and onions on freshly baked nan with raita (have to ask for the raita to be added).

[hrhboo]

The chicken sandwich from Il Tramezzino is my all-time favorite sandwich too! Also the proscuitto with canteloupe.

[mdpilam]

Went to Clementine today for the first time and had the Turkey Caliente, and I must say it was really good. Possibly the best turkey sandwich I've eaten! Though the rustic flat bread (like dutch crunch and some other crunchy rolls) tends to cut the roof of my mouth when I eat it, but it was worth it! A little spendy at $10.95, but heh, this is LA I guess.

[whackit]

1. Bay Cities Parma Prosciutto with fresh mozzerella, tomatoes oil and vinegar.

2. Langers Pastrami on Rye

3. Philipes french dip

[ErikaK]

These are favorites in the family:

Porto's Pastrami Sandwich

Felix Cafe (Orange) Choripan sandwich (spicy sausage, ask for Felix sauce on the side)

Phillipe's lamb with roquefort

[ns1]

1. langers (19? 21?)
2. turkey bacon cheese from Nazo's
3. garlic chicken with tomato from the Sandwich shop across from UCI (le diplomat!? anybody know if they're still open!?)

[Wolfgang]

In no order:

1. sliced beef on a roll from Phillip's BBQ on Crenshaw
2. langer's hot pastrami on rye, even though recent visits have disappointed, i have enough good will from years of wonderful sandwiches.
3. grilled ham and gruyere at La Brea bakery.

[cooperkid2]

Make sure to ask for your pastrami hand sliced at Langers -- they used to all come that way, but they recently switched to using a mcahine so you have to ask for hand sliced now. It makes a difference!

[Briggs]

Machine slicing at Langer's has been around for quite a few years now. One ALWAYS has to remember to specify hand-sliced.

[namstermonster]

yes.. le diplomat is still open. :) pretty good for the price.. def not my fav tho.

[ns1]

The only sandwich I really like is the one I mentioned. It's that goddamn garlic spread that they use. So addictive. I am fairly fond of their bread too.

[Das Ubergeek]

Le Diplomate is definitely still there. They have good ca phe sua da ("Vietnamese Iced Coffee", and they won't get it if you ask for ca phe sua da) and I actually like those Vie de France raisin custard buns they have, but their regular coffee is disgusting and burnt, and the Viet sandwiches are inedible.

[Diana]

No order

Langer's Pastrami on Rye (hot!)
Artisan Cheese Gallery's duck confit sandwich
Anything at Art's NOT pastrami (because how could it compare to Langer's?)

I need to try more sandwiches!

[yogachik]

Bay Cities: Chicken Parm or good old Turkey sandwich (that's two)
The Slice: Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (medium spice is best)
Nate n Als: Westwood (yum), which is turkey, cole slaw, russian dressing.

[Burger Boy]

Where is The Slice?

[yogachik]

Wilshire at 10th.

[NYCnowLA]

1. Wartime Five Families @Cardone's
2. Liverwurst, Bacon, Onion & Mayo @Clementine
3. Corned Beef on rye @Pico Kosher Deli

all very good

[Das Ubergeek]

Banh mi xiu mai at Banh Mi Cho Cu
The Italian-style chicken sandwich at Divina Cucina (lunch only)
Torta ahogada from any decent taco truck in the city

[Burger Boy]

OK 3 is not enough, 4 is not enough, we need 5! A good Cemitas Poblano should get thrown in the mix.

[BIM]

Five? You'd be flirting with disqualification if your suggestions weren't so good!

-- contest officials (i.e. me BIM)

[Das Ubergeek]

I have totally forgotten the name of the restaurant on Victory and Kester, SW corner, with the enormous cemitas poblanas.

[Servorg]

Don Felix?

[Local]

the taqueria Don Adrian?

TAQUERIA DON ADRIAN
14902 VICTORY BLVD
VAN NUYS

"I just had one today and it was off the charts good. I'd never had one before and was chastised by a dining companion who said, "Oh, these things [cemitas poblanas] are everywhere." But for the uninformed, Don Adrian has these perfect, super-fresh rolls that are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside which they use to make a huge sandwich stacked with meat, queso fresca, avocado slices, onions and cilantro. I had the barbacoa, which is slow cooked lamb. It was spectacular. Super tender, moist, gamy and the veggies were fresh and refreshing. But if lamb isn't your thing, they've got shredded beef, head cheese, breaded pork loin, chicken, tongue, etc. I'm a convert." [quoted from wetdogs post... http://www.chowhound.com/topics/432411 ]

[Dogbite Williams]

I had the chicken sandwich with the chipotle sauce. It was wonderful. I had to use a spoon to eat the yummy stuff that fell out of the sandwich, but it was worth the trouble. I'll be back.

[WheresTheGrub]

Don Adrian in a mini-mall between a liquor store and a lavanderia. First time there yesterday and will be back again soon.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/531360

[Ernie]

1) Langer's #1 pastrami (Russian dressing and coleslaw)
2) French Dip at Bandera (not the Houstons version)
3) Donato's Pick at Big Nick's in San Pedro (Fresh sausage and meatball sandwich)

[februarystars]

#1. Mendocino Farms - Pretty much anything, but the soyrizo and prosciutto are my faves. They make sandwiches seasonally and the menu changes.

#2. Bauru at Bossa Nova

#3. Prosciutto di parma with mozzarella and roasted peppers at Joan's on Third

[martyR]

Langer's #1
Pulled pork at Jaybee's, Compton
Cheesesteak w/everything at Fredo's, Pasadena

[Burger Boy]

See, I forgot about Fredo's, that would be 6

[feedthebelly]

1,2,3 the turkey, swiss, arugula on fresh baguette with a sundried tomato mayo dressing with oil and vinegar. to die for.

at the larchmont liquor/wine store. a real deli inside. infreakincredible.

[Burger Boy]

I thinks yous needs to makes it sevens! One for each day of the week. With that said a Basturma sandwich from Sahag's Basturma Shop, there you have it, an even seven!

[yjenny]

Wait...has no one mentioned the Pasadena Sandwich Company yet??? I think their best meats are their roasted pork, roast beef, and turkey =d

Get either the New Jersey or the Chicago =d

[petradish]

liverwurst & onion on rye- Joe Jost's

cream cheese, herb & walnut- Tudor House

plain pastrami - Langer's

[Diana]

Been ages since I've had a really good liverwurst sandwich!

[NYCnowLA]

get the one at clementine!

[petradish]

I tried Clementine's liverwurst a couple weeks ago and loved it ...much creamier with the addition of mayonnaise plus a nice sweet edge from the sauteed onions and iceberg lettuce.

[dagrassroots]

If your ever in the town of Orange, Mattern Sausage and Deli.

[petradish]

TIs an earthy, sorta blunt sandwich...bread-slab of liverwurst-bread., really tasty with a PBR *runs for cover* ;-)

[JAB]

In no particular order:

Lagers hand cut pastrami on rye.
Hot roast beef at Eastsde Market
Carne asada torta at Tomas in the Grand Central Market

[CarlieInLA]

I love this contest...it was a tough choice but I had to go with:

1) "The Cheval" at Bistro Hermitage (culver city) - Hot French Ham & Swiss on a french baguette, with two sunny side up eggs. Its HUGE, I usually eat it for lunch and dinner.
http://www.bistrohermitage.com/lunch.html

2) The Duck Confit at Artisan Cheese Gallery (studio city)- Duck, fig spread, yummy cheese, pressed on a ciabbatta
http://artisancheesegallery.com/index_files/Page508.htm

3) Braised Pulled Pork at Skratch (culver city) - truffled pulled pork, fig, grape compote, green apples, goat cheese on La Brea bread
http://skratchbasics.com/menu.php

[yogachik]

I need to add a 4th

Bergamot Cafe's Chicken Pesto sandwich. yum.

[Wolfgang]

I forgot about the turkey meatloaf sandwich at Joan's on Third.
This is tied for third.

[maudies5]

The "Shanghai" at Neiman Marcus Fresh Market (tuna salad sandwich on marble rye with chutney)
Lobster Club Sandwich at On Sunset in the Luxe Hotel
Hot brisket sandwich on double baked rye at Nate n'Als

[avivale]

Pastrami sandwich at Dave's Chillin' N Grillin', Eagle Rock - doesn't taste fatty like other pastrami sandwiches I've tasted

Ham and Cheese sandwich at Doughboys - basic but I like the horseradish mustard kick

Brisket sandwich at Joey's Smokin' BBQ (several locations, I visit the one in Manhattan Beach) - generously sized, I love their sauce, also not too fatty

[Foodandwine]

1.Phillipes Lamb and Blue Cheese Double Dipped
2.Bay Cities Poor Boy loaded with Hot Peppers
3.Tie Rost Pork or Sardine from Banh Mi Cho Cu

[cichocki]

Hey BIM-
WE're in town from the Bay Area for business and looking for a decent meal over near Pacific Palisades....that's where our meeting is...sigh, is this a lost cause?

[BIM]

Yes, I'm afraid you're in trouble - the Palisades are almost as desolate as, say, Emeryville when it comes to creative cuisine. Any good sandwiches in the bay area?

[420 Reasons to eat]

I miss:
Kelly's Sandwich Shop
1094 Alameda
Belmont, CA 94002

They had the best garlic type sauce that i have ever had. It has been many years. Oh i miss that place.

I miss my Bay Area Food. JC's BBQ, The Mini Gourmet (All San Jose based)

Too bad I don't miss much more than the food....Then i would have reasons to go.

[whatsfordinner]

Il Carpaccio on Palisades Dr is good. I also had a good meal at the Oak Room on Swarthmore.

[Servorg]

What did you have at Mort's Room on Swathmore and what were the prices like?

[whatsfordinner]

My husband and I shared the crab claw appetizer (just ok), quail on a bed of lentils (the quail was good, the lentils not so much), and a rib eye or new york steak with a bordelaise sauce (delicious). I had a glass of wine and he had a martini. I think the bill was about $75, without tip. I wouldn't say it's a destination restaurant, but it's a nice addition to the neighborhood.

[ElJeffe]

Great list BIM, you pretty much nailed it. Only one I would add that the Hounders haven't mentioned is the Ambassador sandwich at Shoop's Delicatessen on Main St. That plus the best German potato salad I've ever had (with bacon!) = heaven. Great take-out & sit in the park meal.

[Dommy]

1) Bay Cities Deli Godmother (There is a secret to her... She must be given time to rest... so the flavors mingle and the dense bread does it work to hold everything together

2) Carnitas Cemitas from Smart and Final Truck in Culver City (Don't bother with any other filling... Their Carnitas with Chiptole Salsa rule)

3) Dungeness Crab Melt at Cafe Del Rey... (what they serve in heaven...)

--Dommy!

[ElJeffe]

Dommy, you're definitely speaking my language with the Godmother and the Carnitas on here (I actually had the Poor Boy for the first time this week and thought it was pretty damn nice too).

I LOVE crabcakes and dungeness crab (to me, lobster is a poor man's crab), but I've never had good look with Crab melts or Crab sandwiches. Typically, the toppings & cheese overhwhelm the crab. Think I would like Cafe Del Rey's or am I just a crab melt hater?

[Dommy]

No, it will def. suit your fancy because they use almost PURE crab and a TON of it... so the Cheese is a wonderful compliment, instead of hiding the richness of the crab itself. It's a special durring the season, so call before you head down. It also probably costs probably about 5 times what the Cemita costs... LOL!

--Dommy!

[brontowilly]

Nice list. Do you have an address for Smart and Final? Would love to try that carnitas cemitas sand. sounds killer

[a_and_w]

I believe Dommy's talking about the Angelika truck on Venice at Clarington(??) in Culver City during the day. You can read my review here:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/566325

[Oh Robin]

Nordstrom Cafe
The chicken florentine sandwich they serve here is just bursting with flavor. Chewy ciabatta, garlic aioli (like with chunks of garlic) sliced roasted chicken breast, spinach, ricotta, tomato slices and provolone. It's just perfect. And even better the next day I might add.

Angelo's
The calabrese. Thin slices of spicy salami paired with gorgonzola cheese, layered lovingly on rustic ciabatta and topped with lettuce, tomato and an addictive garlic pesto spread. A wonderful combination of complex flavors.

Cafe Bixby
Wow what a great monte cristo. Not the deep fried kind, more of a melt sandwich made with french toast for the bread. I like to sub "all turkey" instead of ham and turkey. I have to mention the turkey is fresh roasted and moist. Served with homemade blackberry jam and maple syrup, it's the perfect brunch.

www.thatgirlcaneat.blogspot.com

[hpcat]

Somehow, Imissed this post! Since Langer's has been mentioned so many times, I'd have to list mine as:
1) Pulled pork at Oinkster
2) Egg Salad at Europane
3) Eggplant pita with hummous at that kosher restaurant on Victory in N. Hollywood

[Das Ubergeek]

The restaurant in question is called Golan.

[AndyGl1]

I'm surprised no one has said this yet, but I must nominate the Pulled Pork sandwich from Baby Blues BBQ in Venice. It comes on a great roll with a perfect cabbage slaw. Top it with their homemade BBQ sauce and vinegar. This is a winner.

[dieselbolts]

One more to add to the mix from Table 8 on Melrose :

Beef short rib grilled cheese. Out of control.

[fancycroatian]

#1. North End Cafe, Manhattan Beach, CA: Any sandwich here is amazing, but my favorite is the Alicia. By far the best sandwiches in town.
#2. Claro's, San Gabriel, CA: Italian deli with a huge variety of meats and cheeses. It was even featured on Food Network for one of the best Southern California Italian delis.
#3. Bay Cities, Santa Monica, CA: The godmother is pretty great.

[rhgindc]

1) Bay Cities- Prosciutto di Parma with fresh Buffala Mozzerella, tomatoes, basil and balsamic vinegar. Their bread is stupendous.

2) Art's Deli- Corned Beef on Rye

3) The Hat- Pastrami dip sandwich--double dipped in au jus

[trvlcrzy]

1. Langer's plain pastrami--hand cut on their famous toasty sides rye bread
2. La Espanola (Lomita on Doble Ave.) Chorizo sandwich with manchego cheese, roasted bell peppers and drizzled with Spanish EVOO-lunch only
3. Jaybee's BBQ pulled pork sandwich (Gardena,Compton area)

[shitzulvr]

this is my list; but i would switch jaybee's for the Strata Sandwich at La Brea bakery.

[JEN10]

BIM,
When will you be reporting back?

[Servorg]

There have been reports, but they have been posted in separate threads:

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/508423

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/501829

[ronsilverado]

1. langers #19. i honestly believe, on a good day, this is the single best item on any menu in los angeles.
2. pretty much whatever you like at bay cities. never been let down, though have been involved in a number of near-fistfights during primetime.
3. cochinita pibil torta at yuca's. for whatever reason, was never really feeling this place until i tried the torta. perhaps lousy tortillas? who cares, one fine torta. burgers are great too.
4. (yes 4) chicken sandwich at square one cafe. truffle aioli and gruyere make me so happy when i am badly hung over.

i must give honorable mention to the club sandwich at los feliz cafe, next to the 9-hole on los feliz blvd. not groundbreaking in any way, but attention is always given to the equal distribution of ingredients amongst all four quadrants of sandwich, and the setting is really quite lovely.

[PrinceofBaltimore]

That Square One chix sandwich is truly amazing, which comes with a gracious side of Scientologist watching.

[BCM]

Cook's Tortas in Monterey Park. I've recently had their California torta, and their torta Ahogada. I really enjoyed them. Went there two days in a row! They claim to have many recipes; there's surely one that will catch your eye on the big chalkboard wall menu. Their sourdough ciabatta is baked fresh every day, and I think this is in part what makes them so good... Looking forward to trying a few more!

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/523202

[socal]

Ugh, this thread is killing me!

[Steve2 in LA]

One more vote for the the Duck Confit at Artisan Cheese Gallery as well as their Grilled Vegetable on Olive Bread and the (not completely authentic but taste-eeee!) Muffuletta!

[foh]

The Zeke at Uncle Darrows- Fried shrimp and catfish with potato salad on a crunchy french roll.

The Tri-tip Sandwich at Outdoor Grill- takes my back to being a kid and my dad grilling steak with garlic bread. Simple samdwich, outstanding flavor

Bay Cities- mixed meatball and sausage with both mozzarella and provalone. It's a little extra to add the second cheese, but this makes for one hell of a combo
sandwich.

Honorable mention:
Cemitas con carnitas at that shack on Whittier blvd (pretty much any one)
Pastrami on rye at Langers
Lamb and swiss at Phillipe's
Pulled pork at Porky's by the forum
Chicken Cubano at Cha Cha Chicken by SaMo pier
Corned beef with hot mustard at Johnny's Pastrami in CC
French dip at Bandera's
Any burger at Five Guys Burgers!

[mdpilam]

Tried the cubano from Cha Cha Chicken (first time there), and have to say I was a little disappointed. It was a solid sandwich, but far from great. The chicken was a little bland, and borderline dry. The sauce added something, but it still seemed like it was just missing something. Also, the spicy cuban fries (recommended by guy working there) were not spicy, and were average fries.

Wanted to try some others, but why are so many places closed on Sundays?! Sunday is my main "eating out/in" day...

[The Vapors]

1. Astro Burger....Don't laugh.
-Veggie Ruben Sandwich, add bacon. Under $5.
2.Long for the days of the Grilled Cheese with bacon and onion rings
at the old "North" on Sunset, (now Hyde).
....love bacon.

[bruinike]

Will you describe how they make the veggie ruben sandwich at astro burger? Don't see it on their menu. I am intrigued!

[The Vapors]

I mis-remebered. It seems my GF has a better memory. I order a "Garden Melt", it comes on rye. I ask them to add bacon and avocado, they laugh, proceed. Order some fresh onion rings, crisp-yet- juicey. Open, said melt, add a few rings. With a side of ranch, just me, I devour. Not a Ruben, not even close. But a great "sandwich", no bun intended.

[youngc]

1. You've not eaten till you've had the Italian Beef at

Anthony's Chicago Style Beef & Sausage
615 W. State St. (Kendall St.)
Redlands, CA 92373.

For a buck or so extra you can get an Italian sausage inside it, but it's overkill. Very good fries, too.

2 & 3 -- The brisket and pastrami at Cole's, if they're back in business. The pastrami is intense.

[trvlcrzy]

How can I forget this honorable mention: The 'autostrada' at La Brea Bakery.

[ANori]

Okay, this is a very late entry into the game, but not one of my three favorite sandwiches are on anyone's list!! (Maverick? Or just a vegetarian problem?)

1. Caprese at Kings' Road Cafe -- great, fresh baked bun that's round and crispy and slightly spicy with black pepper, lemon-flavored olive oil, good quality basil, cucumbers, tomatoes, and of course buffalo mozzarella. Add a really good purple cabbage salad as a side, and I am thrilled.

2. The Reuben at Follow Your Heart. I willingly make the (for me, very very far) trek to Canoga Park for the single best sandwich I have ever tasted. Here's their description: "Thinly Sliced Wheatmeat, Natural Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut, Mustard and Vegenaise® on Oversized Rye Bread, Oven-Baked. Served with Dill Pickle and Thousand Island Dressing. Also Available Non-Dairy with Cottage-Style Tofu Instead of Cheese." I say heaven - who cares what's in it. Apparently some think it's so good, they fly it out to wherever it is that they are filming....

3. Larchmont Wine and Cheese Tuna on Baguette - or okay - Caprese on Baguette. Every single ingredient is perfect. Call in the tuna if you want to eat it -- it sells out every single day.

[hdalsy]

1. Bay Cities - mesquite turkey, havarti cheese, dijon mustard, mild peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber

2. Langers - turkey on rye with cole slaw, tomato, avocado, bacon, muenster cheese, russian dressing

3. Urth Caffe - sprout sandwich with chicken breast

[lesmo]

I hear Auntie Em's has a meatloaf sandwich "to die for", 4616 Eagle Rock Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90041

[wienermobile]

Langer's # 44 (their pastrami ruben)

[latindancer]

I will drive from the westside, any time of day or night, for the crabcake sandwich at Harold and Belle's on Jefferson....always add a side of their red beans and rice.
The grilled cheese at Clementine's is simply wonderful....just don't let them wrap it all up in foil...it ruins the crispy, buttery grilled bread and turns it into a big steamy, limp mess.

[lesmo]

Just heard that BLD has one of the best pulled pork sandwiches.
The breakfasts are seriously delicious, too, as it their grilled chicken.
7450 Beverly Boulevard   Los Angeles CA   90036     323 930 9744

[BIM]

THE CONTEST IS NEARLY OVER - the judges are sampling their final sandwiches and ranking them furiously. I have posted reviews of your suggestions in three other posts but they don't seem to get much action, so I'm wondering if I should post updates here instead. Which do you think is better, updates in HERE, or in separate posts? Anyway - thanks for ALL the incredible entries - here are some reviews for you:

BISTTRO HERMITAGE - Culver City
"The Cheval - Hot French Ham & Swiss on a French baguette, with two sunny side up eggs” - CarlieInLA

Here’s a croque madame with attitude. Hot ham and melted Swiss on a French baguette – and in my book, you put a couple of sunny-side up eggs on ANYTHING and you got a winner. A little frisee on the side – some cornichons… vive le bistro! And you could split this monster between two people. Carlie says she takes hers home – seriously? Those eggs travel?

UNCLE DARROWS - Santa Monica
"The Zeke: Fried shrimp and catfish with potato salad on a crunchy french roll.” – foh

The Zeke sounds good on paper, but here’s a case where the sandwich is less than the sum of its parts: I wanted to take it apart and eat everything separately. The idea of potato salad on a sandwich is interesting but in fact, with the thick roll, it’s a big mealy mouthful and obscures the fish – which is not overly flavorful to begin with. The catfish filets have a thin, crispy but bland cornmeal coating and are not as good as the shrimp, which are the best thing. Hot sauce squirted on each bite helped considerably.

BABY BLUES BBQ - Venice
""pulled pork - AndyGl1

A decent pulled pork sandwich but I was not blown away. My fault, perhaps, for getting it to go. The meat seemed good enough – not special – and the roll was good and there was some cole slaw on it that was not especially flavorful. And finally I thought the sauce was nondescript – undistinguished in any way. C’mon, at least crank some kick-ass sauce on the thing! Off day maybe?

PORTO'S BAKERY - Burbank
“Pastrami sandwich” - ErikaK

How come no one ever told me about this place before? The Cuban-influenced menu boasts all kinds of temptations: media noche with croquettes, stuffed potato sandwich, not to mention a huge glass case full of pastries and meat pies. And I’m supposed to order pastrami? On a French roll with OMG mayonnaise?? Yes and – bottom line – the thing was tremendous. The meat was tender and hot and flavorful and just greasy enough and the mustard and mayo and thin pickle slivers and roll made it seem like the greatest Cuban sandwich EVER. I want to go back to order the roasted pork sandwich with garlic sauce but no way I could go and not get the pastrami. Thank you Erika!

Other reviews at:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/522067
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/508423
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/501829

[a_and_w]

I would post all updates in the same thread. I'd also nominate the carnitas cemita at the Angelica truck on Venice in front of the Smart and Final in Culver City. You can read my review here:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/566325

[bulavinaka]

We were there a couple of weeks back. I've learned to order one light on the heat for my son and one a little heavy on the heat for myself, and slip some jalepenos in as well. Reason being, if I booby trap mine with some extra heat, my son will stick to his and leave mine alone...

[a_and_w]

Good strategy LOL! I actually think jalapenos are key -- they provide just the right amount of acidity and kick.

[bulavinaka]

And I like to get kicked early and often...

[bulavinaka]

We've been hankering for Cuban sandwiches lately - we were at Porto's in Glendale about a month back. While the sandwiches were priced well and tasted pretty good, we found them to be a little anemic on the protein. I'm not a Cuban sandwich expert, but whenever I've tried Cuban _____, the portions are like a loving Cuban mom was making her ladle groan while piling on the food.

Lately, we've been hitting up your #2 on your list - Havana Sandwich Company on Main Street in sleepy El Segundo. Now that's how I remember Cuban sandwiches! Not having been there for quite a while, I had forgotten how delicious and how generous their sandwiches and plates were. We've now been a few times in the past couple of weeks and have to say that their sandwiches are killing my waistline...

[Dommy]

Porto's Cuban Sandwich is not nearly the BEST they have... The one that truly knocks my socks off is the Lechon Sandwich... now that one is absolutely stuffed with porky goodness...

--Dommy!

[jensvp]

I know the results have been tallied but I thought I would throw in my 2 cents

Bay Cities Deli - The chicken parm all the way
Porto - Cuban sandwich mmmmmmm
Sienna Deli (Westlake Village) - Parmesan Chicken Salad Sandwich OMG! (Not to be confused with the Sienna Chicken salad they also have but the Parmesan is way better!) I hightail it to Sienna Deli every time I visit Mom.

[trixel]

Too late to count, but still gonna chip in my 2 cents

Porto's: chicken torta
South Street: cheesesteak (with mushrooms)
Dino's Pizza: meatball sandwich (*drool*)

[AnnieMar]

Eggplant at Papa Don's Highland Park/S.Pas border
Torta at Eduardo's grill, Westside/Little Santa Monica
Rueben at Victor's Deli, Hollywood

[Servorg]

Do you recall how much Victor's Deli Rueben is?

[maudies5]

I am loving the Kobe Beef Hot Dog, served on a delicious bun with good, tangy mustard and sauerkraut at Surfas Cafe.
For something simple, my go-to place is Belwood Bakery in Brentwood. Ham and cheese on Ciabatta is very satisfying.

[a_and_w]

Interesting...I had no idea Eduardo's offered tortas. Do they come with chopped meat or one large piece?

[ohdaylay]

Man, just eating (er, reading) this thread I got so hungry for some reason. Here are my faves.

1. Classic beef double dip at Phillipes.
2. The Oinkster pastrami. Not the smoked one.
3. Meatball and provolone at Bay Cities.

[FromLV]

1. The pastrami sandwich on rye from Larchmont Deli on Beverly
2. The pastrami sandwich on rye from the Hat in Simi or Pasadena
3. The Godmother with spicy dressing from Bay Cities Market in Santa Monica

[ultraviolet]

Corned beef on rye - Billy's deli Glendale
Meatball sub - Giamela's Burbank
Curry chicken salad Urth Cafe West Hollywood
I love a good muffelata but I'm from New Orleans so nothing I've ever tasted here beats Masparo's in the French Quarter.