Looking for a good classic deli? Try Loeb's!

Last year, I was in the mood for some matzo ball soup so I searched the Internet and found out about Loeb's. Thank goodness for that- because I am obsessed with this NY deli! It is a block from the White House, and a family owned restaurant. My friend Kelsey and I are regulars here, and the owners know us by name. They even know our "regular" order!

Turkey, Lettuce, Tomato Mayo on Challah Roll
Cross Section of Turkey on Challah

Loeb's has all of the classics including matzo ball soup, potato pancakes, lox, and sandwiches with three inches tall of freshly sliced meats. A few sandwiches that are good are the Central Park (beef brisket and Cole slaw), the Walter Special (pastrami, cheese, slaw, and russian dressing) and my usual- Turkey on Challah Bread. Go on the early side, because the challah twist rolls always run out! The matzo ball soup is really good- it has chicken, celery, carrots, broth, and one huge matzo ball in the center.

"Walter Special"- Pastrami, Muenster cheese, Coleslaw, and Russian dressing on Pumpernickel Bread

For dessert, they are famous for their bread pudding (which runs out immediately, so unfortunately I've never had a chance to try it) and their apple strudel.

Go Monday-Friday before 3:30, and say hi to Steve and his siblings (the owners)- they are so nice! Also bring cash, unless you have an AMEX card, because they don't accept other credit cards.

Vietnamese Deli: Song Que

Anthony Bourdain recommended this Vietnamese deli in Virginia called Song Que. It is a mini market that is fun to browse because of the random foods ranging from Asian candies to pork skins to bean paste patties. There was a selection of sticky rice- including corn flavored (it tasted like cornbread in rice form), bean, taro root, and banana.

Candies, Bean Patties, and Meats on display in the store

There is a deli where they are reputed for their sandwiches and bubble tea. I went with my friends, and I got the Grilled Pork Sandwich. The best part was the price- three dollars! The sandwich was on a roll with the grilled pork, sliced cucumbers, carrots, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and mustard. It definitely had a spicy kick to it with the jalapenos.

Grilled Pork Sandwich

I also got a Mango Bubble Tea. I'm usually not the biggest bubble tea fan, but this was like a slushy smoothie so I decided to try it. It was funny because the bubble tea cost the same price as the sandwich. It was pretty good! I think it could have been a little more mango-ey.

For dessert, my friend Katherine bought a box of coconut butter biscuits for the table. Light and delicious!




Overall, a must go! Even if you don't like Vietnamese food- it's worth a try. It's kind of far from the metro (East Falls Church), so I wouldn't recommend going here when it's cold unless you have a car.

Breadline

Breadline is my all time favorite sandwich place. Fortunately for me, it is only four blocks away from my university's campus- but it is very accessible to the Farragut West metro! Breadline is always bustling with government workers on their lunch breaks. They make the bread on site so it is always fresh, and their menu is simple but they have delicious specials every day like the Shrimp Po'Boy or Portobello Fontina Cheese piadine (italian flat bread). My favorite sandwiches include the Chicken Guacamole, the BBQ Pork sandwich, or the Prosciutto on Walnut Bread. If you are a chocolate lover, try the brownies--to die for! If you are a Challah Bread fan- Fridays they sell 5 dollar challah loafs, so you can make challah french toast saturday morning!
Their policy is to get you in and out in no longer than 7 minutes, so don't worry about long lines.

Breadline Egg Salad, Sun Dried Tomato, and Arugula Sandwich on baguette