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October 22, 2007
Farewell My Banh Mi
It is with a heavy heart and a growling stomach that I'm passing along the news that KP's Deli, Silver Lake's best and perhaps only banh mi joint, is closing.
KP's homepage made the announcement with this note:
Dear Friends,We regret to inform you that KP's Deli will be closing its doors October 27, 2007. It has been wonderful these past three years and everyone's support has been tremendous. Unfortunately, our lease has not been renewed for the upcoming years.
Thank you for everything! You have meant so much to us.
Best regards,
KP'S Deli
A few years ago I had my first banh mi. It's imported fusion cuisine, French charcuterie and sandwich technology, perfected with Vietnamese flavors. The sandwich may be the perfect food and the banh mi ranks among the most perfect sandwiches. So I was excited when a tiny banh mi place opened up a stone's throw from my workplace. I read Jonathan Gold's mention of it in the LA Weekly and I was there the next day.
KP does a great banh mi. My favorite, the Kold Kut, is what's commonly known as the banh mi dac biet. If strange cuts of charcuterie and the funk of pate is not your thing, the chicken is equally yummy. Get a bag of shrimp chips or some spring rolls to go with it. They also offer three vegetarian sandwich options.
Beyond just good food, KP always offered a smile and he greeted me by name each time I visited. He along with Tu and everyone who I've met there were always more than nice.
If KP's had any failing, it's that the sandwiches were inexpensive and big enough to feed two. Sure I could polish off one by myself and did on many an occasion, but more often than not, the second half made for a quick dinner that night or easy lunch the next day.
Do yourself a favor and get over there before they close this Thursday (CORRECTION: KP's will be open through Saturday, October 27, 2007). If you miss it, you'll have to drive to Monterey Park or Alhambra for a sandwich at Mr. Baguette or Lee's Sandwiches. Yeah, they'll be good, but you'll have to get two of those skinny things to fill you up and you still won't have KP thanking you as you leave.
KP's A Vietnamese American Deli
2616 Hyperion Ave, Suite B
(right next to Bogie's Liquor & block from Trader Joe's)
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-1818
Photo by KP's Deli
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I really don't like Mr. Baguette's and Lee's Sandwiches, and I've had Banh Mi all my life. Theres so many other places such as Banh Mi Che Cali on Valley. They have a buy 3 get 1 free deal, and the sandwiches are each 2 dollars or less and they are much bigger than offerings from Lee's and Mr Baguette.
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I don't know why everyone thinks you have to go to the San Gabriel Valley or Orange county to find Vietnamese eats. Reseda has some really good stuff including the best Tofu at Vinh Loi and and banh mi sandwiches at the Sandwich Express on Sherman Way and Amigo. They bake their baguettes fresh everyday and the sandwiches are good and under $3.
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While KP's was pretty good, I just didn't like that their sandwiches were like 3 times the price of one elsewhere. I suppose the rent was high though ...
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The sandwhiches are good to eat once in awhile, but before I remember my friends and I would drive from Irvine to Westminister to get some Lee's Sandwhich for one dollar per combo. Just last week, I bought several sandwhiches at $2.20 each. It may not cost that much, but I still miss that cheap Vietnamese sandwhich food run.