The vaunted pastrami sandwich (#1).
This Snack Trek is a lie, because I didn’t actually trek anywhere to obtain it. I ordered it through my office, and it was delivered into my greedy little hands. But I’m writing about it because A) People at work have been telling me that Langer’s is THE deli sandwich place for almost a year now, and I have been too cheap to order, and B) It was a really good sandwich.
Located next to MacArthur Park (a seedy neighborhood, and I’m not talking about the seeds on rye bread), Langer’s Deli is somewhat of a mecca (in LA), for those who are “in the know.” I was told that I MUST order the pastrami. Everybody else ordered the #19 (which is apparently the most popular): Pastrami, Cole Slaw, and Swiss Cheese on Rye. I am not a huge fan of the Swiss, so I ordered the Swiss-free #1, which is (paradoxically) less popular.
My co-workers told me that the 1 in 19 signifies “most popular” and the 9 signifies “plus Swiss.” I think they were bullshitting me.
I don’t even think there’s mustard on this sandwich. I am a mustard aficionado, but I didn’t miss it. The meat is thicker and juicier than any pastrami I’ve ever had, and expertly spiced. It was, in a word… delicious. I would definitely drag my deli-loving father there on any given Saturday (if they’re open). And the sandwich was big. I still have a third of it waiting for future eatin’.
One of my co-workers asked if any of us could eat 2 #19′s in 20 minutes or less… for $10,000. I said that I’d certainly be willing to try, and would likely win, if he would pay the almost-$30 that the two sandwiches would cost. (The only potential caveat: No barfing.) Co-worker didn’t believe that I could win, because I am a girl (sexism!), but then I told him that I come from a long line of men who have won food-related bets. He also asked if I’d be willing to compete if I had to pay for the sandwiches. $30 against $10,000? Let me think… yes.
You may be thinking, “No way! You couldn’t even finish one!” It’s not that I couldn’t finish… I was being “lady-like,” and also saving some for later. Plus, I’d eaten a big bowl of cereal for breakfast. If I knew a contest was imminent, I would have been more strategic about my breakfasting. Also, for $10,000… why the heck wouldn’t I try?
Once, at a bar mitzvah, my (then 13-year-old) dad won a bet (or maybe it was an eating contest) by eating a whole tray of “sloppy joes” (actually, tall deli sandwiches) from a South Orange, NJ, institution called Town Hall Delicatessen. As the story goes, he then proceeded to dance with a pretty girl… and barf his guts out. So you can see why the sandwich-eating part is no thang for me, but the no-barfing clause is of some concern. (Also, he took me back there once, and the sloppy joes really are amazing… if deli is your thing.) (It’s my thing.)
Deli, memories, idle bets… all made for a wonderful lunch. Topped of with a dill pickle, of course.
Next time I’ll get the #19. I’m told the Swiss is a must-have enhancer, and that it doesn’t taste too Swiss-y. (I’m more of a Monterey Jack girl, myself.) What can I say? I’m a Langer’s rookie.
xoxo…
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