Sandwich Sources
A sandwich is a personal thing. What bread for which meats? And which cheese, if any? Mayonnaise or mustard? Both? What about lettuce and tomatoes? Onions or peppers? And what to go on the side?
We couldn’t begin to tell you what the perfect sandwich is. We couldn’t agree among ourselves. But we do know a few good delis where the selections of breads, meats, cheeses and sides will allow you to build just about any sandwich you choose. Of course, this is not the definitive list of great delis in Southern California. No doubt you have your own favorite--if it’s not one of these.
So, before you settle down to watch the big game on Sunday, stop by a nearby deli, pick up a selection of sandwich makings, then put ‘em out and let everyone build his or her own personal favorite.
CLARO’S ITALIAN MARKET
One of a family-owned chain of Italian markets featuring freshly baked breads and cookies, Greek pastries and a wide selection of deli meats and cheeses and their own freshly made sausage--and all things Italian.
Meats: All the usual, including salami, mortadella, capocollo, fancy souse and head cheese.
Pastries: Baklava, katayef and trigona. Homemade ham and cheese, spinach, pepperoni and broccoli and cheese calzones.
Sides: The usual, plus eggplant roll-ups, croquette rice balls, marinated red roasted peppers with capers and garlic and marinated artichokes.
Super Bowl Special: Seeded Ring Sandwich of mortadella, salami, capocollo, provolone, ham, lettuce, tomato and Italian dressing on a ring of bread with 1 quart of potato, macaroni or cole slaw. Serves 8 to 10. $16.50. Call ahead to order.
1095 E. Main St., Tustin, (714) 832-3081. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday; closed Wednesday.
Other locations: 1003 E. Valley Blvd., San Gabriel, (626) 288-2026; 19 1/2 E. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, (626) 446-0275; 101 W. Whittier Blvd., La Habra, (562) 690-2844; 1655 N. Mountain Ave., Upland, (909) 946-2689; 322 S. Glendora Ave., West Covina, (626) 918-8818.
SORRENTO ITALIAN MARKET
Family-owned Italian market known for its wide variety, reasonable prices, friendly service and year-round offering of pannetone.
Meats: All the usual cold cuts, plus bresaula, hot and mild dry coppa, zampone and cotecchino.
Cheeses: Wide selection, including mascarpone, torta Gorgonzola and aged provolone imported from Italy.
Sides: Roasted eggplant, roasted peppers, roasted zucchini and mushroom salad with artichokes.
Mama’s Special: A favorite for 37 years, this combination sandwich includes a choice of three meats, provolone and Sorrento’s special sauce.
5518 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, (310) 391-7654. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
BAY CITIES ITALIAN DELI & BAKERY
In addition to a wide selection of deli meats and cheeses, this family-owned Italian deli bakes its own bread, muffins and pastries on the premises nine times daily.
Breads: Filone, baguettes, wheat, rye, butter, egg and seven-grain breads, sesame rings, Vienna loaves and Italian twists.
Meats: Ten types of salami, copa seca, roast beef, turkey, hot pastrami and corned beef.
Sides: Roasted peppers, pimientos, nine pasta salads, stuffed grape leaves and stuffed peppers.
Godmother Sandwich: Salami, mortadella, capocollo, ham, prosciutto and provolone.
1517 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, (310) 395-8279. 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.