I was in Los Angeles last weekend and explored a few new places to eat. I was also excited to go back to one place that a friend introduced me to during a previous visit. I’ll start with the latter.
Joan’s on Third is a foodie’s dream located smack in the middle of LA. It’s part bakery, cafe, and market.
My friend and I went there for a simple breakfast. We ordered at the counter and sat at the communal table.
I had a delicious latte as I waited for my soft boiled egg with toasted pan de mie. Unfortunately after waiting more than fifteen minutes, it was discovered that our ticket had gotten lost. The staff apologized and made it up by offering us cupcakes.
I started to feel like I was in France again as I was eating my soft boiled egg in its egg cup. It was comforting. Before we headed out we decided to pick up lunch to go.
A cover poster of Bon Appetit Magazine was hanging at the deli with a photo of their famous short rib sandwich. It looked delicious and irresistible so my friend and I decided to share it along with a side of brussels sprouts salad.
We had the sandwich sometime later at the airport. It was still good, but probably not as good as if we ate it right away.
Before I headed out to LA, I asked a foodie friend of mine for some recommendations. She mentioned a pizza place in Pasadena called the Luggage Room. She called it “special” and that was enough for me.
My usual visit to Mozza would have to be forfeited so I could try this new place.
My friend and I ordered a vegetarian chopped salad. It was full of freshness, not to mention huge. We would’ve shared one pizza, but in celebration of their one year anniversary, the second pizza was $1.
Great timing for us. The first pizza was the Margherita with buffalo mozzarella and the second was their special of the day which was broccolini and duck sausage.
The crust was crisp yet chewy. The toppings melting in my mouth was bursting with flavor. It was definitely special.
Finally, I wanted to write about Langer’s Delicatessen. It’s been in existence for many decades, but I accidentally found it while I was “yelping”. I discovered that their pastrami sandwich made it on a list of Jonathan Gold’s 99 Things to Eat Before You Die”. I didn’t know who Jonathan Gold was, but if he created this list, we would try this sandwich. OMG! This pastrami on rye was awesome. So tender, so flavorful, so delicious. My friend who’s Jewish couldn’t agree with me more. Who is this Jonathan Gold? The name began to sound familiar as I write. Many years ago I met a food critic who was writing for Rolling Stone magazine. In 1995, we were both covering the Snoop Doggy Dogg murder trial. He for Rolling Stone and me for MTV. My colleague and I even had a meal with this guy. I think this is the same guy. Awesome!
Although I moved away from LA more than 10 years ago, I still enjoy seeing friends and having great meals.
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