July 11, 2010

Mendocino Farms

Pork Belly Banh Mi (braised, caramelized pork belly, pickled daikon, shredded carrots, cucumbers, jalapenos, chili aioli, and cilantro pressed in a panini grilled ciabatta)

 
Turkey Avocado (fresh turkey, smoked gouda, avocado, chili aioli, jalapeno relish, romaine lettus, and chipotle salsa on panini grilled rustic white bread)


When I used to work downtown, there were three main things that immediately brightened up my day: three-day weekend; pay raise; and lunch at Mendocino Farms. Ok, so maybe I slightly exaggerate (with the latter only; the former two were smile-inducers, guaranteed), but Mendocino Farms definitely used to be one of my go-to lunch spots, alongside GCM and Loose Leafs.

Let me assure you it was not out of convenience or because my coworkers and I were unadventurous creatures of habit (hardly). Rather, it's the winning combo of high quality + quantity that sets MF apart from the rest. And though the prices are much steeper than a Subway footlong, the MF sandwiches live up to, if not exceed, its much-hyped artisan sandwich standard: simple, yet flavor-packed. So when I heard that Chef Judy Han opened up shop in Marina Del Rey, I grabbed my fellow foodie friends and went. And we ate. And we were happy.

I hope you may be happy too... go check it out! :)

Some personal faves: Pork Banh Mi; Caprese; BBQ Chicken; Drunk'n Goat; Thanksgiving Sandwich


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cuisine: American
location: Downtown LA (2 locations); Marina Del Rey
website: { mf; menu; yelp }
good for: L
cost: $7-12