Yea, I didn’t mention it in my post, but Mercado SM and LA closed nearly simultaneously this past weekend 
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On-line ordering is not always available (at least, it wasn’t when I tried this Saturday).
The place was mobbed, but the sandwiches came out in maybe 15 mins or so?
They were… fine. A half size is I think what most would consider a normal-sized sandwich; it’s a substantial size. The bread was good for my sandwich; it was a bit overly chewy on partner’s.
For me, the main issue is that the filling (for ours, at least; a combo grinder and a turkey pesto?) is completely undistinguished. The turkey meat seemed “compressed” in partner sandwich and was not pleasant.
The bread is definitely better than, say, a Mendocino, and I guess the filling is maybe slightly better. But I’d always rather have a Gjusta italian sandwich, for more $, or an Italian sandwich from Santa Monica Pizza Kitchen for slightly less $. I would also want to try the La Puglia sandwiches again instead (it’s been a few yrs).
I would try it again but am not in any hurry to do so. Partner said he would not be willing to try it again b/c of the overly chewy bread and price (but he also doesn’t love sandwiches as much as I do).
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Appears Hollywood is still operating. Consistent with the other locations? I need a place for next week.
I had only been to Mercado 3rd and SM and found them equally consistent, so I would suspect that Hollywood would be as well, but can’t say for sure. The online reviews for Mercado Hollywood appear to be better than 3rd or SM, for what it’s worth.
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There’s a Mercado in Pasadena too. We found it “fine.”
Yeah, I haven’t been back, nor am I running back. It’s very expensive, too. Just down the block there’s Sogno Toscana with similar sandwiches and they’re very good, with a very pleasant patio/seating area (BreadHead seating is not good).
I noticed this place for the first time while going to Bread Head (and also noticed the lovely patio). Sounds like the place is worth trying, from what you’ve said, so I may give it a whirl…
Sogno Toscano is quite good but quite expensive. I would expect any place like this on Montana to be expensive, so if you appropriately set your expectations, it’s not too egregious. My favorite sandwich is the Bufalina - it’s fantastic. The bread is great, the prosciutto expertly hand sliced to order, and the tomato confit they use is out of this world.
I do have one small quibble……they have a food labeling issue that they have no desire to address. One of their sandwiches is called the Pata Negra. I ordered it thinking it would be, as the name suggests, real Pata Negra, which is essentially the highest grade of Spanish ham. Pata Negra refers to 100% Iberian black footed pigs that are fed only acorns their entire life. Pata Negra is significantly distinct from all other pork products in flavor, texture, chemical composition (it’s the only pork product that lowers cholesterol), and even how it looks. It’s an expensive and somewhat rare product in the US, as I believe there are only a few approved distributors. As soon as the sandwich arrived, I knew it was not Pata Negra. I inquired, and they insisted it was. After my meal, I went over to the deli counter and asked to see the Pata Negra. They held up the packaging, which said 50% Iberian pork shoulder. A tasty product, but not at all Pata Negra. I explained the labeling issue to the manager, and yet weeks later, the menu still shows Pata Negra
If anybody is interested in real Pata Negra, they serve it at Wally’s Santa Monica.
Labeling issues aside, I do really like the place. The sandwiches are great and the soups are pretty good too. I find the salads just ok. I haven’t tried the pizza or pasta, which I think were originally only available at dinner, but might be available at lunch now as well.
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A few of the restaurants in this announcement were news to me (ie. Hermanito, Luke’s Lobster…):
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I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve had there (admittedly usually just coffee but have also had sandwiches and bruschetta there as well)
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The pizza at Sogno Toscano is very good - more of a flatbread thing than a pizza, though. They have a great cheese and salumi board, too. Artichoke Salad is good, but skimpy on the artichoke.
Try to avoid the place when there’s live music, it’s so loud that you can’t hear your companions.
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This is exciting for us Westsiders. But, this will be rough for their bottom line: “Jade Rabbit will not have a license to serve alcohol”
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wow, can’t wait!
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That was the original location for Tacos Puntas Cabras, a Thai place, and some new American place, correct?
Hopefully, the proximity to St. John’s and the outpatient tower give it a steady flow of business.
And interesting that it is independent of Rustic Canyon.
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Is that where it is? Parking is terrible around there, maybe it won’t be so bad in the evening i hope
It is the space formerly occupied by Bruce Marder’s place The Rooster, near St. John’s.
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@J_L is correct…same block as Tacos Puntas Cabras but not the same space…this is the corner of the block closest to St Johns.
And all of the tech/media companies nearby
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Yup. I assume I’m going to have park several blocks away…
It’s really not that bad compared to other spots. Plenty in the neighborhood and on Wilshire a couple blocks away.
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