"Too few people understand a really good sandwich" James Beard

 The Hat and I have a few things in common. We are both born and "bread" in Southern California; The Hat in Alhambra, and me in Hollywood. But still, what's a few zip codes between friends? The original Hat opened in 1951, on Valley Blvd. and Garfield Avenue, and I made my screeching debut in 1956, so its got 5 years on me. With due respect to elders, The Hat expanded throughout the San Gabriel Valley, and my family expanded and migrated to the San Fernando Valley. Locations today include Alhambra, Brea, Glendora, Lake Forest, Montery Park, Pasadena, Rancho Cucamonga, Simi Valley, Temple City, and Upland. Please find an excuse to be in one of these cities for...well, I don't know, something.

We prefer the Pasadena location though parking can be a bit tight. Have patience, a space will open up. The Pastrami Dip Sandwich ($7.99) is simply wonderful. Thinly sliced meat melts in your mouth and is well-flavored, served on a fresh, soft roll with mustard and pickles. I've never had pastrami like this before.  Roast Beef with either au jus or gravy ($7.99) is piled high and well-seasoned on a soft roll. Small fries ($2.69) or onion rings ($3.99) make a perfect side, and neither is small! Rings are thin and super crunchy while fries are served in a brown paper bag. Help yourself to packets of ketchup. Burgers include the Pastrami Burger ($7.99), Double Chiliburger ($5.39), Turkey Burger ($4.69) and Hamburger ($3.49). If it's a cold sandwich you're after, try the chicken or tuna salad ($5.59) with a side of Chili Fries ($5.29). Soft drinks, iced tea, Orange Bang, Pink Lemon Ole, and Pina Colada Bang, as well as coffee and milk are also available. Portions are huge, so come hungry.What IItalic (Ctrl+I)n and Out did for the burger, The Hat does for pastrami!  The Hat 491 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena (626) 449-1844. Mon-Sat  9 am- 10 pm,  Sun 10 am- 10 pm.

Recommended Sandwiches: Pastrami Dip, Roast Beef Dip.

We simply adore Santa Barbara and will find any excuse to have lunch at a restaurant with a patio. Today we hit the jack pot with Metropulos! After picking up our wine at The Santa Barbara Winery, we strolled over a block, down Yanonali and ended up here. We love the folk art pig and rooster on the front steps and the lovely umbrellas outside. Inside, grab a menu and go to the deli counter to order. You can choose from Custom Sandwiches (either a half or whole $4.95-$9.95-add ons are extra) or order from the extensive menu. I recommend ordering from the menu. The Metro Ranch (8.95/$5.25) is a huge grilled chicken breast topped with fresh tomato, avocado, red onions, melted smoked mozzarella, mixed greens, and ranch dressing on toasted sourdough. This sandwich is insanely delicious! My favorite is the Fancypants Greek ($9.95). This baby is full of turkey, feta cheese, olive tapenade, housemade Greek dressing, cucumbers, red onion, fresh tomatoes, and mixed greens on a fresh ciabatta roll. To add to it, try some Russian potato salad. ($1.50) If you've never tried this, it's not too late. Red potatoes, scallions, and black olives combine with a light vinaigrette to make a tasty side for any sandwich. Soups ($4.50-$6.50) are prepared from homemade stock and change daily. Salads ($5.95-$9.95) range from bacon, tomato, and Swiss to the Metro Cobb. Stop into the bakery for a chewy chocolate chip cookie ($1). After lunch pick up some goumet food, bread, or chocolate for the ride home. Food, wine, and Santa Barbara on a beautiful afternoon...welcome to paradise. Metropulos 216 East Yanonali Street, Santa Barbara. (805) 899-2300.

Recommended Dishes: Metro Ranch Sandwich, Greek Sandwich, Russian Potato Salad, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Housemade Gyros on Th/Fr/Sat.

 Brothers David and Yoav Adir have found the golden ticket in this small Tarzana sandwich paradise.  After working together in the restaurant indusrty for years, the two brothers branched out to open their own  place. The Carving Board does not produce your average sandwich. I have eaten sandwiches from northern California to the Tiajuana border and nothing beats this place. Tables are always packed with tons of regulars and often the line is out the door. Don't let this keep you from trying one of the 30 sandwiches on the menu. My favorite is the Bentley ($13) a chewy ciabatta roll packed with over 1/4 pound of filet mignon, blue cheese, grilled onions, fresh spinach, and bacon mayonnaise. Opt for the fresh made potato chips. Goat Cheese Tomato Soup ($2) is wonderful on a cold day. The Pot Roast sandwich ($12) is another favorite. Tons of homemade (their mother's secret recipe) braised beef, carrots, brown gravy and parmesan-crusted corn mashed potatoes are served open-faced on a ciabatta roll. The grilled cheese with short ribs is nothing short of amazing. Buttery bread encases mozzarella, white cheddar, short ribs, and grilled onions which makes a mouth-watering treat. If you are craving November in July, no worries. Try the Turkey Dinner sandwich ($9.50) with roasted turkey, stuffing, grilled onions, dried cranberries, and hot gravy on sourdough. Your craving will be satisfied quicker than you can say Thanksgiving.  The menu also includes Chop House burgers and vegetarian sandwiches like the Roughage ($9) with mozzarella, portobello mushrooms, fresh basil, cucumber, tomato, avocado, butter lettuce, and pesto mayo on nine grain bread. Not into all the carbs? Any sandwich can be made into a salad for no charge! Don't miss the homemade cookies especially the chocolate chip and white chocolate macadamia. If you are a true junk food junkie, go for the Deep Fried Delicacies ($5)- Oreo's, Twix, and Snickers. Street parking available and limited parking in the back. The Carving Board 18607 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana (818) 342-3200

Recommended: The Bentley, Grilled Cheese, The Carving Club, Turkey Dinner, The Pot Roast, Chophouse Burger.

The Wild Carvery

I wanted to try Wild Carvery for months and finally got a chance to do so. This is an upscale gourmet sandwich shop in Burbank. The restaurant is charming and offers inside and patio seating. Burgers are huge and made with hand-selected U.S. Natural  beef, truly organic, no antibiotics or homones. Meat is ground fresh daily too! We had the Short Rib Burger ($15). Is a burger worth $15? In this case, yes! One half pound of beef with nitrate-free bacon, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, tomato, pickles, arugula, and garlic aioli is served on a fresh baked bun. The burger is beyond juicy and flavorful, not to mention huge! The arugula on the burger definitely brings out the taste. It is served with a side of organic greens with a fresh veggie garnish and balsamic vinaigrette. We also had the Turkey Club ($12). All natural fresh turkey, nitrate-free bacon, mixed greens, avocado, tomato, red onion, sprouts, and garlic aioli are served on a ciabatta roll. If your mouth fits around it, you'll love it! Chips are available too. We can't wait to go back! Wild Carvery 150 E. Olive Street, Burbank (818) 859-7233

Recommended: Short Rib Burger, Turkey Club, Turkey Burger, Lamb Sandwich.