LAist: A Sandwich You Can’t Refuse: The Godmother at Bay Cities Italian Deli

Tim Meathrell

Tue, 08 May 2007 17:53:48 -0800

Great review. Now bring some of that great Italian bread with you the next time you come home.

Short Attention Sp

Sun, 29 Apr 2007 03:41:17 -0800

The BEST cannolli in Los Angeles use to be in a little Italian deli in Hawthorne across from where Hawthorne High. The. Best. They even had chocolate-filled cannolli, with chocolate chips, something I've never found anywhere else. They moved to Torrance and you'd think that the natives would've really been into it! Alas, not to be. Currently, there's a little Italian restaurant on Restaurant Row off La Cienega, a little bit south of Wilshire, that's fairly good.

Michael

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:24:38 -0800

Agree with Ted and Alex - order online, try to find a parking space on the street (the parking lot requires patience and an easy-going attitude). The Godmother is sublime (just finished one moments ago). If you like capresa, you can pick up wet mozzarella by the olive bar, fresh bread (usually still warm) and salami (behind the olive bar). Unfortunately (and strangely) they don't have much in the way of fresh tomatoes. Usually there are a few peaked ones by the cash registers (where you can also *sometimes* find basil). I'm also a fan of the olive bar, though they were out of the tangy and sharp Sicilians today.

ted

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 12:11:09 -0800

the real key is to order online and park in the alley.

Alex

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 11:24:23 -0800

There's a twofold trick to the perfect bay cities experience: 1. Fax your order. If you time it right it will just be finished when you walk in the door. 2. Don't even try the parking lot. Street spots are easier to find on the cross streets than waiting in that hell.

William

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 08:43:09 -0800

Thusfar, my favorite sandwich in L.A. is at Mario's in Glendale. Can someone offer a comparison? One difference I can comment on immediately is that Mario's bread isn't freshly baked (at least, it doesn't seem so). Otherwise, the sandwiches are so amazing.

xtina

Sat, 28 Apr 2007 08:04:23 -0800

Oh, the sausage sandwich. I am willing to wait an obscene amount of time for one of those wonderful beauties.

Adam Rose

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:59:00 -0800

Damnit, Carrie, why'd you have to go blurting this one out? The lines are bad enough already! This recently replaced Abbot's Habit as the best sandwich in LA in my book (a decision independent from the recent health closure at Abbot's). I've lived around the corner almost a year and am mad I only discovered it a few months ago. The Godmother is tasty, but I dig on almost everything there. The caprese is good when you want something light, the meatball is good when you want something heavy, and they have Boar's Head meat, which means they make a superb turkey special. I usually go with the works sans mayo. Careful when ordering the works, because some menus have it listed as with both mayo and mustard, while others have it with neither. I think the guys who make it generally do it with. Yeah, and that warm bread ... rediculous! Soooooo good!

Steve Adams

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:17:51 -0800

Yes, Nick V and I grew up together from elementary school until the end of high school. We hung out and were in academic quiz bowl together. Good time and good memories. Its cool to see how small the world is thanks to the internet. Tell Nick I said hey.

Carrie

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:46:36 -0800

I second that comment on finding good cannoli in LA - my boyfriend is from Jersey, and thus loves cannolis almost as much as he loves his mother, but despairs of ever finding good ones here. Although Mario's Italian Deli in Glendale (another Jonathan Gold-recommended spot) has some that come close.

missing arthur avenue

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:37:55 -0800

I always order a Caprese sandwich and add prosciutto. Lighter and yummier than the Godmother, I find. Also- don't hold your breath on the cannolis. I was very disappointed- there was nothing authentic about them (although they did, at least, have the sense to fill the shells when you order them- none of that soggy shell mush!). It's a great deli- not a good Italian pastry shop though. Has anyone been able to find a good cannoli in LA?

lisa

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:37:06 -0800

i ususally get a warm bread to go and tear off chunks like it's cotton candy while i wait in line to pay. oh dear lord.

(c)

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:18:44 -0800

The Godmother is, hands down, the best sandwich I have ever had in LA. The bread, the pepper salad in The Works... everything. So damn good. Great review!

©

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:12:13 -0800

The Godmother is, hands down, the best sandwich I have ever had in LA. The bread, the pepper salad in The Works... everything. So damn good. Great review! ©