Between Two Pieces of Bread

The Sandwich: a meal between two pieces of bread. Every culture has one. There's the Italian panini, the Mediterranean gyro, the Vietnamese banh mi, the Mexican torta...I think you get the point. The sandwich is one of the classic American lunches. I'm sure you've all grown up on the ham and cheese or tuna salad or maybe the peanut butter and jelly. No matter the type, the sandwich is somewhat a nostalgic meal for all of us. And for all of you that might just think the sandwich is simple and boring, I beg to differ. The following are some of my favorites. And since I'm feeling especially generous today, I'm letting you in on one of my "secret" sandwich destinations.

Best Simple Sandwich (but with the highest of quality ingredients)

Larchmont Wine and Cheese Shop

223 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, 90004 (MidCity)

Hours: M-W 10am-7pm, Th-Sa 10am-8:30pm

Prices: Half $4-$5, Full $7-$9

Bleu's Favorite: Number 5 - Prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar on ciabatta

Best Deli Sandwich

Bay Cities Deli

1517 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, 90401

Hours: Tu-Sat 9am-7pm, Su 9am-6pm

Prices: Small $4.25-$9.35, Large $5.80-$12.60

Bay Cities Deli's The G-dmother [Flickr]

Bourbon and Bleu's Favorite: The G-dmother - Genoa salami, mortadella, coppacola, ham, prosciutto, provolone. We order it with "The Works with Hot Peppers" - mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, italian dressing, and hot or mild peppers.

Good to know: Always a crazy line during peak hours, but you can order ahead on their website and grab it from the pick-up counter (allow 45 minutes).

Best Gourmet Sandwich

Mendocino Farms

300 S Grand, Los Angeles 90071 (Downtown in the California Plaza)

Hours: M-F 11am-3pm

Prices: $7.75-$9.75

Mendocino Farm's Chicken MBT [Flickr]

Bleu's Favorite: Chicken MBT - Chicken, fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, tomato, balsamic vinegar, and mixed greens on ciabatta

A notable vegetarian option: Drunk'n Goat in Paris - Goat cheese marinated in herbs de provence, cranberry chutney, brie cheese, balsamic roasted onions, green apple, and mixed greens on wheat bread

Best Mile-High Sandwich
Langer's Delicatessen
704 S Alvarado, Los Angeles, 90057 (Downtown)
Hours: M-Sa 8am-4pm

Prices: $9.25-$17.25 (there's also a super fancy $23.95 sandwich with pastrami, corned beef, and tongue...oh my!)

Bourbon's Favorite: The Number 19 - Pastrami, swiss cheese, and coleslaw with russian style dressing

Best Ice Cream Sandwich

Diddy Riese

926 Broxton Ave, Los Angeles, 90024 (Westwood)
Hours: M-Th 10am-12am, F 10am-1am, Sa 12pm-1am, Su, 12pm-12am

Prices: Because you really can't beat a $1.25 fresh made ice cream sandwich....

Diddy Riese [Flickr]

Bleu's Favorite: 2 chocolate chip cookies with cookies n' cream ice cream. yummmmmmm

Best Secret Sandwich

Al Gelato

806 S Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, 90035 (Beverly Hills)

Hours: Tu-Su, 10am-12am

Bleu's Favorite: Ham and swiss on white bread, with mayo, mustard, lettuce, and tomato. The key to this sandwich is the bread. It's all homemade daily, and it's fantastic. You must order the white, no skimping and ordering the "healthier" wheat. This is the kind of sandwich where you look and it you think "Ok, this sandwich looks good, but Bleu, why is this your secret sandwich?" And then you take a bite, your eyes light up, and you understand. Just heed my advice, order the homemade white bread!