LENNY’S DELI
2379 Westwood Blvd., West L.A. • (310) 475-5771
If you remember Lenny Rosenberg, who opened Lenny’s Deli on Swarthmore two years ago, you may have wondered what happed to him after Steve Taub bought the restaurant last year. Well, Rosenberg and his partners now own the famous Junior’s Deli on Westwood Boulevard, just north of Pico (and around the corner from the Landmark Theatres).
With his family’s roots in the Jewish deli business going back to the 1950’s in New York, Rosenberg has brought a commitment to quality food and service along with an exciting healthy food menu that offers cage-free eggs and organic and gluten-free foods. I particularly like the fact that many sandwiches are served in half or whole portions, as are salads, fish specialties and soups.
And, breakfast is served all day. This is the modern version of a deli, with fresh-squeezed juices and a variety of fresh fruits.
The restaurant has been completely remodeled, but retains the former affection for history with a number of old-time black-and-white photos. Diners enter through the bakery, with its enticing aromas and counters filled with freshly made baked goods.
My son and his wife, who live nearby, were happy to join me for lunch. The extensive menu gave us many choices, and it took a bit of time to make a decision. While sipping our iced tea we also enjoyed an array of flavored pickles, sauerkraut and marinated cauliflower.
My Reuben sandwich of superb grilled rye bread filled with tasty corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut was excellent—and happily, I was able to get a half rather than a whole of this hearty sandwich, which is served with refreshing coleslaw. The whole sandwich is $14.95.
The hearty brisket dip on an onion roll served with a cup of au jus ($16.95) was my son’s choice, and was accompanied by French fries and coleslaw. Listed as “One of Lenny’s All-Time Favorites,” this dip may be ordered with hot pastrami instead.
My daughter-in-law ordered a half corned beef sandwich, served with a choice of two mini-potato pancakes, coleslaw or potato salad. This half sandwich is $9.50, while the whole version is $13.50. Stuffed with splendid corned beef, the sandwich alone was perfect, and it was accompanied by fine potato salad. She also ordered a small bowl of matzo ball soup, which was wonderful, with a tender matzo ball and vegetables all in a succulent chicken broth.
If these plentiful sandwiches are not enough, there are dozens of desserts from the bakery. We shared a bite each of the German chocolate cake with coconut. A bite of this incredibly rich and delicious cake was irresistible—so we each had two bites!
All kinds of sweets are available in single servings, such as a baked apple, an éclair and lemon meringue pie, among many others.
There is a kids menu and one for seniors, which offers $1 off Monday through Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. Dinner entrées feature meatloaf ($14.50), breast of roast turkey with stuffing ($15.50) and New York Steak ($17.95). There are fish specialties, appetizer specialties and more.
Lenny’s Deli is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (midnight on Friday and Saturday). There is free valet parking in the adjacent lot for one hour, after which the fee is $1 every half hour.
SAM’S BY THE BEACH
108 W. Channel Road, Santa Monica Canyon • (310) 230-9100
Sam’s is offering a special prix-fixe menu of three courses served Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for $50 for two diners. Entrée choices include homemade duck ravioli, grilled wild butterfish and grilled top sirloin steak. This is a very good deal.
WINE DINNERS
On March 13, LOCANDA DEL LAGO is offering a five-course dinner featuring HUG CELLARS wines from Paso Robles. The cost is $99, plus tax and gratuities. For reservations, call (310) 451-3525. The restaurant is located at 231 Arizona Ave. in Santa Monica.
On March 14, SADDLE PEAK LODGE will feature Ferrari-Carano wines on their five-course menu, priced at $95 per person. Saddle Peak Lodge is located at 419 Cold Canyon Rd. in Calabasas. For reservations, call (818) 222-3888.
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