The deli capital? It's L.A.

[Fredd]

I'm not quite sure everyone will agree though...

That's the conclusion of 'Save the Deli' author David Sax. He explains why the City of Angels beats out New York and other contenders.

http://www.latimes.com/features/food...,2458117.story

[Dugernaut]

If the photo is indicative of a LA deli sandwich, I'll keep my NY/NJ version.

Where's the pastrami?

[Sweet Willie]

Originally Posted by Dugernaut

If the photo is indicative of a LA deli sandwich, I'll keep my NY/NJ version.

Have you been to Langer's? it is a GREAT pastrami sandwich. I still give the nod to Katz's but not by much.

In regards to the article, basic premise is if there are more good delis, then eating at a deli will be more top of mind for consumers, in the author's opinion LA is a good example of this.

On one of our Langer's trips (we try to make a stop at Langer's every time we are in the LA area), I took my nephew and Sister-in-law, SIL gets pastrami and loves it, nephew gets spaghetti I don't see many young people eating Jewish deli.

If for some reason I can't get to Langer's (for instance on Sundays when they are not open ARRRRRR), I will try the other LA delis the author mentions. I'd also like to see what delis he suggests in other cities.

edited to add, the following from Langer's website: http://www.langersdeli.com/ David Sax Booksigning October 28th
Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant is proud to host the exclusive Los Angeles booksigning event for David Sax's "Save The Deli" book this October 28, 2009. The event includes a classic Langer's pastrami lunch and a personally signed copy of David's great new book. Plus, all paid attendees will receive a $10 Langer's Gift Certificate for use on a future visit to the restaurant! Space is limited and you must sign up through Vromans; you must sign up before 10/24/09. goto website for signup details

[Howie721]

Originally Posted by Dugernaut

If the photo is indicative of a LA deli sandwich, I'll keep my NY/NJ version.

Where's the pastrami?

It seems as if the pastrami in that picture are the scraps/leftovers from a normal deli sandwich from NY/NJ...

[SkiAdcock]

Well LA delis, even if not up to NY standards, certainly beat Michigan delis

Cheers.

[iapetus]

So, it's hard to not be skeptical when the author of an article about excellent delicatessens starts off with a reference to Arby's. I'm sorry, but I have a hard time taking the author seriously after that, even if it is brought up only to describe the perfect counterexample.

Interesting that there is no mention of the delis of Montréal, Quebec. (ETA: Oh, OK, I found the Montréal reference. It was pretty brief.)

I shall have to try some of the places mentioned around here.

[Non-NonRev]

I like Canter's - another advantage over Langer's limited hours is that Canter's is open 24 hours :

http://cantersdeli.com/

[PTravel]

The best deli in the LA area is Art's in the Valley. It puts Kanter's to shame.

[Easy Victor]

Only if you're going to the wrong delis. There are some excellent ones in the 'burbs.

Originally Posted by SkiAdcock

Well LA delis, even if not up to NY standards, certainly beat Michigan delis

Cheers.

[SoManyMiles-SoLittleTime]

I know I'm setting myself up here, but I didn't think the pastrami at Langers was all that good. Way too salty.

Yes, I had pastrami on rye, that's it. Added mustard, of course.

Now here's the thing, I grew up in the meat business, made pastrami, so I'd like to think I have some appreciation for it.

Maybe just a bad day at Langers. Nice people and service, though, and my daughter, obsessively finicky, thought it was great.

[Dudemius]

I tried Langer's 2 weeks ago while in LA. My order was for a simple hand cut extra lean pastrami on rye.

It was really good, the pastrami crumbling in the mouth, the rye bread sporting a super crunchy crust. They were slicing those big loaves on a rotary slicer, and every time the blade would hit that crust it made a "zing" kind of sound. Try that with a soft NY loaf...

While I can put away those NY deli sandwiches that don't fit in the mouth, and sometimes enjoy doing so, the sandwich at Langer's, along with a couple pickle slices, was fully satisfying.

[Craig6z]

Took two of my business partners (both New Yorkers) to Brent's in Westlake a couple of nights ago. Both of them were impressed and one of them (actual my boss) proclaimed the corned beef the best she ever had.

Next time they are in town, I have to take them on a pastrami pilgrimage to Langer's.

I do wish Brent's double baked their rye bread like Langers.

[obscure2k]

Originally Posted by Craig6z

Took two of my business partners (both New Yorkers) to Brent's in Westlake a couple of nights ago. Both of them were impressed and one of them (actual my boss) proclaimed the corned beef the best she ever had.

Next time they are in town, I have to take them on a pastrami pilgrimage to Langer's.

I do wish Brent's double baked their rye bread like Langers.

Yum, double baked rye I returned from an overseas trip last weekend and was sick. One of my sons went to Nate'N Al's in Beverly Hills and brought me matzo ball soup and some double baked rye. Wonderful! I have had deli from Brent's and agree it is excellent. I wouldn't say it is better than Nate'N Als. The only way to ascertain which deli is better is to do a chopped liver tasting. Nate'N Al's chopped chicken liver on a slice of double baked rye and a slice of sweet onion is sheer heaven.

[Craig6z]

Vilma,

I'm going to limit my Brent's hype to "the best corned beef". While their food overall is very good, the chopped liver would probably not hold up to Nate N Al's. Even if it were objectively as good, the double baked rye would put the rival over the top.

One other positive about Brent's, their prices are noticably below rivals. A generous sized corned beef sandwich is $11.85.

Craig

[zakami]

+1 for langers