Brown Baggin' It

Here are two great fine foods stores/delis that will leave you begging to trade your bagged lunch for anything on their menus.

LARCHMONT VILLAGE WINE, SPIRIT & CHEESE
Larchmont Village Wine Spirit & Cheese is by far one of the best sandwich shops/ gourmet markets in Los Angeles. There's one way in and one way out of this small shop and the menu's even smaller. However, any of the 5 sandwiches that the deli crafts are heaven in your mouth. Your choice of Ciabatta or French Baguette, each sandwich overflows with meat, cheese, baby greens, one of their homemade aiolis and oil and vinegar. Don't worry, there's a veggie sandwich with roasted peppers and avocado that isn't too shabby either. If you eat meat, go for the Turkey Sandwich on your first round - you can't go wrong.

While you're in line (which might be long, by the way), take a look at the walls stocked with specialty cheeses, condiments and crackers. They have about 10 different flavors of mustard! It's the little things...

LVWS&C
223 North Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
(323) 856-8699
$



BAY CITIES
With a little more room to walk around, Bay Cities provides plenty of "pacing space" while you try to decide what to order. Between their sandwich menu and their hot and cold deli items, you better come hungry, and you better come back so you can try everything.

The Hot Pastrami Sandwich is a sandwich to write home about. Make sure you get "the works," which includes mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, Italian dressing & mild or hot peppers. You also MUST TRY the meatballs - melt in your mouth meat, and a sauce that tastes like it's been simmering for hours. The flavor is unmatched. The Chicken and Eggplant Parmesans are also delish and worth a bite. If you make friends with the hot deli man (not "hot" as in good looking, unless you're into 40 something Italians) he'll be sure to give you a sample of whatever's best that day. One thing to note: Bay Cities is most popular during the 12:30-2pm workday lunch hour. Hit them up earlier or later, or email/fax your order an hour and fifteen ahead and you should be good to go.

Bay Cities is also a large specialty market with Italian pastas, sauces, cookies and canned goods. So, if you do have to wait for your lunch, you won't be bored. You might just end up spending more than you originally planned!

Bon Apetit!

Bay Cities
1517 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-8279
$