DELI ROUND-UP

by Brian Padgett

You’ve tried to uphold your New Year’s resolution for the better part of the month, but let’s face it; You’re back to smoking like a chimney, drinking like a fish and prefer hitting the snooze button to waking early and hitting the gym before work. In the name of letting you live hard rather than hardly live, we bring you some of our favorite kosher eateries in La La Land.

Canter’s Deli’s Fairfax location and 24-hour operating policy are not the only reasons this L.A. hotspot has been a staple since 1931; the food is damn good! Start with a cocktail—their full bar has gotten more than a few inebriated—before delving into your matzo ball soup or Reuben. After 2 a.m., calories don’t count. 419 N. Fairfax, L.A. (323) 651-2030, cantersdeli.com

For over 50 years, Angelenos have made the pilgrimage to this Westside eatery to indulge in the greasy goodness of Junior’s Deli. The sandwich menu reads like a love letter to Hollywood. The likes of the Golden Globe (1/2 lox and 1/2 smoked white fish on a bagel with cream cheese) won’t have you looking red-carpet-ready anytime soon, but sated you will be. 2379 Westwood Blvd., L.A. (310) 475-5771, jrsdeli.com

Voted “best all-night restaurant in Los Angeles,” Izzy’s Deli in Santa Monica has accrued a loyal following amongst famished insomniacs and celebrities alike. “Super Production” sandwiches are not for the faint of heart; “Mammoth” portions live up to their name, include protein options from cod and chopped liver to roast beef and pastrami, and are served on rye with generous sides of cole slaw, potato salad or macaroni. 1433 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 394-1131, izzysdeli.com

food2know :: SANDWICHES

Since man learned to bake bread, there has been an indefatigable urge to place meat between it. We know how that goes. As busy as we are, what better foodstuff translates as easily from the car to the boardroom and beyond? We’ve created this handy go-to guide to suit your busy schedules.

PAPA CRISTO’S, 2271 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. (323) 737-2970

These gyros will have you thinking you’re a hop, skip and a jump from the beaches of Mykonos.

PHILLIPE’S, 1001 N. Alameda St., L.A. (213) 628-3781

The birthplace of the French Dip sandwich, you can order it single dipped, double dipped or just plain “wet.” Go for the gold, you know you want to.

LANGER’S, 704 S. Alvarado St., L.A. (213) 483-8050

When you are craving pastrami, this is the place to go.

PHILLY’S BEST, 220 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. (626) 449-2378

What sandwich list would be complete without a nod to our brothers in the City of Brotherly Love? With many imposters flooding the City of Angels, it’s best to nix the fluff and go where the getting’s good.