The Craving: Superior Sandwiches

Sometimes my sweet tooth takes a day off, my craving takes the form of something with more substance: a sandwich. But it can be hard to find a good one.

Hence this week's top five places in Culver City to score a quality sub.

1) Jackson Market

Pop quiz: A turkey sandwich is a turkey sandwich, regardless of place—true or false? Nevermind the answer: Good luck being able to say anything but "yum" after trying Jackson Market's custom-made, hearty sandwiches.

Forget the streamlined, run-of-the mill piece of bread sprinkled with something resembling meat; a sheet full of choices ensures a unique sandwich every time. Proving that the owners of this neighborhood deli are serious about being known as simply "the best," the usual turkey sandwich selection that I made was anything but ordinary.

A crunchy baguette, a handful of avocado—sans mayonnaise—made me free to enjoy the sandwich without feeling even a hint of that nagging voice that comes with too many calories. This time, my only thought was that I couldn't wait to go back the next day. 

The price for a superior sandwich: $8.99

Jackson Market, 4065 Jackson Ave.; 310-837-2967.

2) Green Peas

Even with a plain peanut butter and jelly sandwich, this much is true: The sandwich is only as good as its center. This is where most sandwiches fail, in my opinion. I can't count how many times I've looked at fresh baked bread at delis and restaurants only to be deceived when the result turned out to be a soggy sandwich. I tried the herb chicken sandwich with ciabatta bread, though I was skeptical.

The filling made the sandwich, and with so many layers it was hard to keep track: mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, spinach, rosemary, garlic, mustard, mayonnaise ... and oh, did I mention the herb chicken?

The added bonus is that the meats are organic—and there are a bevy to choose from.

The price for a superior sandwich: Approximately $8.95, depending on your choices.

Green Peas, 4437 Sepulveda Blvd.; 310-397-9815.

3) Johnnie's Pastrami Restaurant

Trust me, this pastrami lives up to its citywide hype.

Johnnies famous french dip, complete with a french roll and a flavorful side sauce, made me realize the value of specializing in a single sandwich. Sure, there were many sandwich choices but none were quite as good as the namesake one.

To add some variety to the classic, try it on rye or with American or Swiss cheese.

The price for a superior sandwich: $10.50.

Johnnie's Pastrami Restaurant, 4017 Sepulveda Blvd.; 310-397-6654.

4) Choppe Choppe

Although the Waldorf turkey wrap caught my eye first, I stuck with an old favorite—a chicken wrap. The chicken market club was filled with so many tasty tidbits that I have to list them all, as much to remember it as to brag about such a tasty find: bacon, blue cream spread, onion crisps, roma tomatoes and lettuce. The Avocado Dressing was the icing on the cake, er... sandwich.

I have since gone back to try others, including the Waldorf turkey wrap and lemon mustard sandwich. I recommend all three.

The price for a superior sandwich: $7-9, varying by type.

Choppe Choppe, 3867 Hughes Ave.; 310-558-3400.

5) Cafe 70 Degrees

Don't discount a sandwich for its location. It doesn't matter when it comes to good subs. This small sandwich place is a testament to hole-in-the wall strip-mall-bound quality businesses everywhere.

Eating a tuna melt here made me rethink my childhood staple. It was not the mom-made sandwich of my youth, and took a flavor and shape that I hadn't been expecting.

The melt came out as a baguette, smothered in slightly spiced tuna salad. It is usually topped with cheese, but I asked for only a smidgen.

The sandwich was toasted, cut into three pieces, and was the perfect example of why some sandwiches should be served open-faced—sometimes the filling is the best part.

The side salad was a bonus.

The price for a superior sandwich: Approx. $7, depending on selection.

Cafe 70 Degrees, 3863 Overland Ave.; 310-837-6000.

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