Eat, and shop too

Nicole’s Gourmet Foods

In addition to serving delicious made-to-order sandwiches such as a perfect, toasty croque-monsieur, Nicole’s is an excellent resource for cooks and bakers. Where else can you find tulip-shaped chocolate cups or miniature tart shells ready to be filled however you like? There’s a terrific selection of well-priced cheeses, pates and salamis as well. Picnic, anyone?

* Sandwiches, $4.95 to $5.95; salads, $5.50 to $5.95; 921 Meridian Ave., Unit B, South Pasadena; (626) 441-9600.

Bay Cities

This Italian deli and grocery excels at sub sandwiches. No wonder there’s nearly always a swarm of hungry fans at the counter. But Bay Cities is also a great place to stock up on olives, pasta, wines, cheeses and kitchen tools. In sum: big fun for foodies of every stripe.

* Sandwiches, $3.75 to $10.85; 1517 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica; (310) 395-8279.

Papa Cristo’s

The place for all things Greek. You can order food to go or dine in the casual cafe, where the menu features light fare as well as complete dinners such as roasted lamb with rice and green beans. Expect a crowd if you show up Sunday afternoon after services at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral across the street.

* Appetizers, $1.99 to $7.99; dinner plates, $5.99 to $12.99; 2771 W. Pico Blvd., L.A.; (323) 737-2970.

Joan’s on Third

For a sweet tooth, it’s hard just getting past the display of cupcakes and lemon bars at this small but wildly popular gourmet shop. But there’s lots to love here, including excellent sandwiches and salads. (Try the tarragon chicken salad with pecans and apples.) Joan’s has saved many a harried dinner host or hostess with prepared entrees and side dishes.

* Sandwiches, $6.50 to $10.50; salads, $6 to $13; 8350 W. 3rd St., L.A.; (323) 655-2285.

Picholine

This is the sort of divine little shop you’d expect to find on Beverly Drive or Montana Avenue, not a couple of miles west of the city center on a no-man’s stretch of 1st Street. The shelves are stocked with such goodies as French sea salt and fancy jam, and there’s a menu of tasty sandwiches. Chocolate makers Christian Alexandre and Whajung Park sell their sublime creations next door.

* Sandwiches, $8; 3360 W. 1st St., L.A.; (213) 252-8722.

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-- Leslee Komaiko