To say that Langer’s Deli is a Los Angeles landmark would be an understatement. Founded by Al and Jean Langer as a 12-seat lunch counter in 1947, it proved to be so popular that over the years it’s expanded more than tenfold in size, becoming one of LA’s most renowned and venerable restaurants along the way, being named a James Beard American Classic as well as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand honoree.
Al and Jean’s son, Norm Langer, can still be found at the restaurant on most days, and he’s become a beloved local fixture. We had the opportunity to chat with him over email; some responses have been lightly edited. From his legendary corned beef and pastrami to the world-famous #19 sandwich, it’s all shipping nationwide!
What is the origin story of Langer’s?
Al and Jean Langer opened Langer’s in 1947 in a smaller footprint at our same location. There were two later expansions, and the final one in 1968 produced the deli you see today.
What do you believe sets it apart from the pack?
We have two James Beard Awards and a Bib Gourmand Michelin award for our pastrami. NO ONE else comes close. No one.
Why do you think Langer’s has been an LA favorite for such a long time?
Big portions, flavor, uniqueness, old-school service and a commitment to serve exactly the same quality as the day we opened – Al Langer’s philosophy.
What is it about the #19 Sandwich that has made it such an icon, in your opinion?
It’s the mix of the peppery pastrami with the tangy coleslaw, swiss cheese and Russian dressing. All on twice-baked rye that is crispy on the outside and warm soft inside.
This article originally appeared on Goldbelly.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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When you’re hungry and hankering for a deli sandwich, there’s nothing like a pastrami on rye. This iconic Jewish sandwich is the stuff deli dreams are made of. Pastrami is a labor intensive affair that, when done right, is pure perfection.
Pastrami is a brined and partially dried brisket that is seasoned with herbs and spices before being smoked and steamed. The highly marbled beef comes from the deckle (a shoulder cut) or the navel (right below the ribs). It’s juicy, salty, rich, and an essential Jewish deli staple.
Pastrami is served as a simple sandwich, but we’ve been known to eat it by the slice. One bite of these legendary Pastrami Sandwiches and you’ll see why pastrami is our go-to sandwich.
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Purists will tell you that a New York Pastrami Sandwich is simple: pastrami, bread, and mustard. A true NY Pastrami Sandwich lets pastrami be the star of the sandwich. It has several inches of thinly sliced smoky pastrami neatly stacked between two slices of freshly baked Jewish rye bread and a schmear of yellow deli mustard.
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NYC’s Pastrami Queen has been famous for its pastrami since 1956. Their Pastrami Queen Sandwich Kit makes it easy to create meat magic. It comes with juicy, tender, and smoky sliced pastrami, Orwashers Unseeded Rye Bread, half sour and sour pickles, and mustard.
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Brooklyn icon Junior’s Restaurant may be famous for its cheesecake, but their deli sandwiches aren’t to be missed either. Since 1950, New Yorkers have flocked to the Jewish deli for pastrami or corned beef piled high between onion rye rolls and slathered with deli mustard and a heap of coleslaw. Junior’s Restaurant’s Corned Beef & Pastrami Sandwich Kit includes sliced corned bread, sliced pastrami, onion rye rolls, mustard, coleslaw, and pickles.
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The Bronx’s last Jewish deli is a retro step back in time, from the deli’s decor to its deli foods. Liebman’s Kosher Deli’s Complete Deli Dinner is like having dinner at Liebman’s but at home. Gather around the dinner table for corned beef, pastrami, rye bread, pickles, coleslaw, mustard, knishes, matzo ball soup, and rugelach.
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This is the real deal. Sarge’s Deli has been making one of NYC’s most legendary pastrami sandwiches since it opened in 1964. The pastrami is cured in house before it’s stuffed between two slices of rye bread. Sarge’s Deli Pastrami or Corned Beef Sandwich Kit includes your choice of corned beef or pastrami plus mustard, pickles, and potato knishes (turnovers).
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James Beard Award-winning Langer’s Deli serves arguably one of the greatest pastrami sandwiches ever. The Los Angeles deli serves its pastrami in the form of its Langer Original #19 Sandwich. Each sandwich is made with pastrami, Swiss cheese, creamy coleslaw, and Russian dressing plus mustard and pickles nestled between Fred’s Bakery’s Jewish-style rye bread.
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What’s better than one pastrami sandwich? Two epic pastrami sandwiches. Los Angeles Brent’s Deli ships everything you need in its Pastrami Sandwich Kit Best Seller to make their two iconic sandwiches, the Reuben and 555.
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Pastrami’s non-smoked cousin, corned beef, also makes a mighty fine sandwich, the Reuben sandwich. Long Island, New York’s Lido Kosher Deli makes one of the most legendary Reuben Sandwiches with corned beef or pastrami. The Jewish deli’s Reuben Sandwich Kit includes corned beef, pastrami, or both plus all the fixins: mustard, Russian dressing, rye bread, sauerkraut, and sour pickles.
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You’ll need both hands to hold on to Primanti Bros’ pastrami sandwich, logistically because it’s a hefty sandwich and strategically to keep others from sneaking a bite. Primanti Bros Pastrami Sandwich Pack includes a loaf of Italian bread, fresh-cut pastrami, cheese, coleslaw, tomatoes, Red Devil Hot Sauce, and French fries shipping straight from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to your porch.
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Kenny and Ziggy’s is an NYC deli in Houston that takes their meat seriously. They smoke and flavor their pastrami in house and ship their Pastrami Sandwich Kit to pastrami lovers everywhere. This juicy triple-smoked pastrami nestled on fresh Jewish rye bread is so good, we won’t blame you if you keep this kit to yourself.
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The family-run Attman’s Deli is an institution in Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1915, the old-school Jewish deli is famous for many things, including its “Cloak & Dagger” sandwich. This signature sandwich is a massive mix of pastrami, tangy Russian dressing, and coleslaw. Get a special delivery straight from Charm City with Attman’s Deli’s Pastrami Sandwich Kit. The sandwich kit includes 2 lbs. of first-cut pastrami, rye bread, coleslaw, Russian dressing, and deli mustard plus kosher pickles and potato chips.
This article originally appeared on Goldbelly.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
Attman’s Deli
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