Day 32: Bay Cities Deli

I would argue that Bay Cities Deli is the best Italian deli outside of Italy.  This Santa Monica establishment is so popular, when you come and take a number at lunchtime you will find you are knee deep in people who had the same idea.  You look, sadly, at the number counter and it reads "43" and your ticket says "52."  But don't despair, the guys who work behind that counter are pros, and they are fast.  The wait is usually not bad.

Bay Cities is great for lunch (they have outdoor tables, if you like dining al fresco on fugly Lincoln Blvd.), they have take-out, and they cater for any party or event you can imagine.  Apart from the amazing deli (marinated mushrooms, hot and cold Italian fare, amazing heroes to order on fresh-made bread), there is a whole store packed with jars, cans, and bottles of all different products, domestic and Italian.  There is a refrigerated section with homemade pastas and sauces.  There is a houseware section with great gadgets, dish towels, utensils and pretty provincial Italian ceramics.  The cheese counter is the bomb.  And there is a whole wine shop to boot.  I could spend an hour in this store easily.  Before my husband determined that he is a celiac and can have no gluten, he used to live for the Godmother sandwich.  A hero piled high with provolone, mortadella, salami, and five different other kinds of meat which I have blanked out.  Today I put together a care package to take to a girlfriend who had a little minor surgery -- some chocolate covered cherries to cheer her up, peppermint tea, honey, and breadsticks.  For myself, a chicken hero, provolone, lettuce, tomato, oil and vinegar.  And that bread.  I dream about that bread...