Friday Food Bites: Bay Cities Italian Deli's Famous Godmother Sandwich: My Review
I hate to sound like a snob...but when I heard word of the famous Godmother sandwich from Bay Cities Italian Deli in Santa Monica, I wasn't impressed. Sure, the sandwich sounds tasty - layers of Italian meats, cheeses, and a delightful relish of peppers, onions, and crunchy lettuce all stuffed between two slices of freshly made crusty Italian bread. What's not to love? But, haven't we all feasted on sandwiches much like this one before? Like many, many times before? Truthfully, the so-called "best sandwich in L.A." didn't sound the least bit unique.
But we can't all be fancy. And you know what? Sometimes those tried and true kinda recipes live on...and...on...and...on for good reason.
So...I had to try it. And it had better live up to its name.
After waiting in a 30-minute long line for one of the sandwiches everyone and their mother in Santa Monica rank supreme, I finally got to the counter to place my order. "One Godmother to go." For there wasn't a seat in the house. This place stays slammed. You'd think they were giving away the sandwiches for free.
No substitutions? No problem. For I'm down with all of its Italian ingredients. Genoa salami, Mortadella Cappacola, Ham, Prosciutto, and provolone made to order with “The Works” (mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, house made Italian dressing, and pickled hot or mild peppers) - it all sounds rather satisfying to me.
Paper-wrapped and rolled I could still smell the deli aromas on my 10-minute drive home. While I wasn't exactly ravenous, I did find myself salivating a bit as I thought about taking a large bite out of the massive meat and cheese filled beast.
Within seconds of walking through my door, I unwrapped the Godmother and took a big bite. And to my surprise, it kinda sorta lived up to the hype. I wouldn't dare say it's the best sandwich in all of L.A. but its flavors and textures are pretty solid for a splurge meal on a Saturday.
The bread boasts a deliciously crunchy exterior with a perfectly soft and salty interior. The various meats all compliment one another with tastes of spicy, peppery, and slightly sweet. The sandwich veggies add their own something special to the party too with a little bit of crunch and a little bit of heat. Let's not forget about the impeccably portioned mayo and mustard spread either. Keeping the sandwich ever so moist, the condiments also harmonize so beautifully with the other sandwich ingredients.
While I'll still stand by my opinion that this sandwich isn't exactly unique, it is, well, pretty damn tasty indeed. Following classic Italian sandwich rules, Bay Cities does kick it up a notch with delectable freshly-made bread and of course, some tender, love, and care given to each and every sandwich.
Is there a famous sandwich shop where you live? Does it live up to the hype?
