I grew up in West Los Angeles an area that was quintessentially suburban. The local jewish deli was a place called Kay's located on National Blvd. I seem to remember going there on an almost weekly basis. It was here I would eat pastrami, corned beef, and even tongue sandwiches. At that age I didn't even think to relate that a tongue sandwich would have anything to do with a cow's tongue. (Ok, I was a little slow)
As I grew up I moved up to Junior's Delicatessen at Pico and Westwood. I don't really remember if the meat was any better, but they had great pickles and pickled tomatoes. Located right around the corner from the Apple Pan this was the height of culinary excellence for a pre-teen.
Into my twenties and beyond, I discovered the joy of Canter's. It was the 80's. Bad hair and clothes and the proximity of Melrose. Staying out late and then ending up here for some late night eats to soak up whatever happened previously. Another damn fine Pastrami on rye, mustard only. No accoutrements needed to make the sandwich better, just bread meat and spread.
With time and family in tow it was a move to "the valley". This meant finding Brent's. Not just a pastrami sandwich, but the Black Pastrami Reuben. This was it, I had found the best deli sandwich ever. Yes I would switch once in a while to the Ortega Brisket sandwich, but my heart and stomach belonged to that Reuben.
Yet this was not to be the end of my journey, I had heard that there was a better deli sandwich out there. Somewhere near downtown, with limited hours and parking and basically a pain to get to from the far flung suburbs. Langer's was the name of this mythical place. The best pastrami sandwich in the world or at least Los Angeles. The wife and I ventured out on our quest to find the best sandwiches in LA. (more on that later) I decied to get the #19 which is pastrami, swiss cheese and cole slaw. Let me tell you, run, bike, hitchhike, whatever you do get yourself there ASAP. For this truly is a religious experience. The pastrami is hand cut and succulent and beautiful. I will go to Brent's as well (hey it is closer) but I will dream about #19.
Your deli reminiscences are wonderful to read, and very informative! I have heard about Langer's, an LA institution near MacArthur Park that has seen a HUGE change in the surrounding area since its opening. I have heard talk about Brent's also, but never been there. I went to Junior's a few times in my WLA youth, and have recently been to Canter's several times, which is always great for late night dining after a movie, drinking, whatever. Congrats on starting the blog you posted about on FB several months ago!
ReplyDeleteWorking near Langer's for three years -- I ate there several times. It was okay. Just seeing a corned beef and cream cheese sandwich on the menu troubled me. Brent's Black Pastrami Reuben is one of the best sandwiches in the world.
ReplyDeleteDeli food really is comfort food. So good.
ReplyDeleteAh, Kay's. I remember it well when Kay was there along with her husband and their sons. It was our favorite place to eat and get the best coleslaw ever.
ReplyDelete