IN THE MOOD

Soft, creamy egg salad is pure old-fashioned comfort food.

Barney Greengrass: The chunky egg salad, made with capers, homemade mayonnaise and green onions, is piled high on your choice of bagel (try the walnut or the pumpernickel) along with arugula and a handful of flavorful sunflower sprouts. It comes with cole slaw or potato salad. (Egg salad sandwich, $8.) Barney Greengrass, Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 777-5877.

Johnny Rockets: This retro chain makes an egg salad “just like Mom used to make”--it’s just fresh hard-boiled eggs, mayo and a secret seasoning (no one will divulge the contents) on wheat, white, sourdough or rye. One the side are a few plump black olives; try slicing them up and adding them to the sandwich. (Egg salad sandwich, $3.89.) Johnny Rockets: Check for listings throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties.

Apple Pan: This one is simplicity at its best: just freshly hard-boiled eggs and mayo. Served on white bread unless specified, with sweet pickles and black olives on the side. Leave some room for pie afterward. (Egg salad sandwich, $4.25.) Apple Pan, 10801 Pico Blvd., West Los Angeles, (310) 475-3585.

Brent’s Deli: The egg salad is so popular here that sometimes they have to make a second batch in the afternoon. The rich, slightly bland eggs and mayo are spiked with mustard, celery and white pepper. This gooey, man-size sandwich comes on freshly baked rye bread (unless you prefer egg bread or an onion or Kaiser roll). Comes with cole slaw or potato salad. (Egg salad sandwich, $5.95.) Brent’s Deli, 19565 Parthenia Ave., Northridge, (818) 886-5679.

Greenblatt’s Deli & Fine Wines: Some come here for the corned beef, but this is also a great place for a classic egg salad with mayonnaise, mustard and a little salt and pepper. Have a crunchy pickle on the side. (Egg salad sandwich, $6.50.) Greenblatt’s Deli & Fine Wines, 8017 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 656-0606.

Zinc Cafe & Market: This egg salad is made with cilantro, green onions, butter and mayo, with lettuce and tomato on whole wheat bread spread with mustard. (Egg salad sandwich, $6.25.) Zinc Cafe & Market, 350 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, (949) 494-6302.

Jessica Strand