New York Deli - Torrance

The last time I had Jewish deli, I went to Langer’s so the standards are set high. 

New York Deli did not in any way approximate those standards, and the bar set by Langer's isn't even visible from this modest little spot in Torrance, but if you're craving a good Jewish deli sandwich, you'll still be glad to have it here. 

The Hot Pastrami is a pretty good deli classic, for example. The pastrami is thinly shaved, with plenty of meat and is meaty enough, but it is a bit more on the rubbery side of soft. It's sliced paper thin to minimize the texture issue and makes for a generously thick sandwich for big, beefish bites. The Mac salad side is a fine cold side, and a pickle is a must. 

The Latkes were highly recommended by EaterLA but I wouldn't get them again. Sour cream and applesauce can't compensate for what these giant, crude potato-packs lack in seasoning.

I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend New York Deli, but I wouldn't say much against them either. I can honestly say there's no better Jewish deli in the South Bay...but there's likely no other Jewish deli in the South Bay anyway. 

Langer's Delicatessen - Los Angeles

An LA legend on the bucket list, finally checked off and done. 

One and done, I think. I liked it a lot, but I'm just not sure I loved it. Their pastrami is what they say it is, a tender, almost-buttery, melt-in-your-mouth meat-pile, but the #19 was suppressed by so much coleslaw. Hubby loved the slaw, and I do think it lightens the fat as it should, but the too-much-too-rich is the entire reason you're there. Kudos, though, for making the only rye bread I've ever not hated. 

I preferred the #54 - Hot Pastrami & Corned Beef. You can taste the pastrami, and the corned beef is truly no less tender. Just a little bit of mustard to showcase their two best meats. 

Maybe it's nostalgia, maybe it's something more, but I miss Second Avenue Deli, and Langer's can't compete. But it's been a long time since I've dug into a Twin Double, so maybe it's only my memories that taste better than Langer's hot pastrami.