Agoura Hills On A Roll

The deep affection I have for the sandwich was clearly rooted in my childhood. To this day, I still crave my mother's buttery grilled cheese sandwich and the mouth-watering PB&J she packed in my lunch box each school day. 

As an adult, I have made it my mission to track down a sandwich that could make me as happy as the ones of my youth. So after much fieldwork, I have found it--well, five--all right here in Agoura Hills.  

1.) Meatball @ Italia Deli & Bakery (8-inch $6.49, 12-inch $9.99)

If you ask an Agoura Hills local where to get a great sandwich, you are likely to hear about the Italia Deli & Bakery on Kanan Road. Owned and operated by the same family for almost 30 years, Italia's most popular item is the meatball sandwich.  The process of making this sandwich begins early each morning. Rolls bake in the Italian stove while lean, top round beef is ground fresh for the day's meatballs. The moist meat smothered in sauce and topped with grated Romano cheese proves to be a taste sensation.  

2.) New York Style Pastrami @ Agoura's Famous Delicatessen (Half $9.50, Whole $11.95)

This traditional deli favorite is served oversized at the community dining staple known as Agoura's Famous Deli. Ordered New York style, this pastrami sandwich is piled high with slices of tender meat. The regulars know to order it on fresh rye bread, double baked for extra crispy crust. Locals always ask for "shaved" pastrami, which translates into thinner, leaner meat. Don't forget about the mustard--traditional yellow, spicy deli or sweet and hot. It gives your sandwich that extra kick of flavor. Come hungry for this grand size sandwich and expect to take some home for a snack later. 

3.) BBQ Tri-Tip @ Rustic Canyon General Store & Grill ($7.95)

Great views of the Santa Monica mountain range, bikers (motorcycles and bicycles) and local legends are not the only draw at the Rustic Canyon General Store & Grill.  Those in the know order the BBQ tri-tip sandwich, served "Simi style" with a fresh chopped salad on top.  On the weekends, the meat boasts a heavier smoke flavor, roasting over a grill in front of the store. Your choice of tangy BBQ sauce or a creamy horseradish dressing brings the elements together nicely.  

4.) Mesquite Turkey, Swiss, Bacon and Avocado @ The Deli At Agoura Liquor (Regular $7.45, Large $8.95)

The sandwiches served at Agoura Liquor are not your typical liquor/convenience store variety. Served overstuffed with fresh ingredients, the mesquite turkey sandwich has a slightly sweet and smoky flavor, which is a pleasing contrast to the mild tang of the Swiss cheese.  The vegetables are nice and crunchy and the amount of crispy bacon and cut-to-order avocado is well worth the additional $0.75 and $1.50.  The bread is baked fresh daily at the Stone Ground Bakery next door.  

5.) Ellen's Special @ Blue Table Gourmet Deli/Market ($7.99)

One of the most popular sandwiches at the Agoura Hills newcomer cafe, Ellen's special sandwich is a gourmet panini made with turkey, ham, goat cheese, fig-onion jam and garlic aioli. Perhaps its best asset is the crunchy crust of the sandwich's fresh baked ciabatta roll. That, and the combination of goat cheese and homemade fig-onion jam, make Ellen's Special a delight to the taste buds.