I’ve been on a BLT kick lately. It’s a pretty simple sandwich but when done right, can be all kinds of yum. I think what I like best about it, besides the bacon, is the crunchy texture. Toasted bread, fresh lettuce and crispy bacon all combine to give it this snap when you bite into it but it’s balanced with juicy tomatoes and mayo for moistness.
On Tax Day, we took our friend, artist Tanya Bjork, and her man to The Counter in El Segundo. They had never been but had heard Husband and I sing its praises. They ended up happy with it. Another convert!
BLT
I decided that I wasn’t in a mood for a burger and opted for the BLT instead. The bread was nicely toasted and, while thickier than normal store-bought bread, wasn’t too much. The amount of bacon was perfect to get the flavor of it in each bite. The tomatoes were juicy and the (Romaine?) lettuce was chopped which made for a slightly messy sandwich. Instead of mayo, The Counter uses garlic aoli which definitely is tastier.
Fries smothered with a ton of Tillamook Cheddar
On a side note, Tanya ordered the grilled cheese which ended up being a monster of ooey gooey 3 cheeses. They put so much cheese that it was just oozing out from between the two pieces of bread. I bet it would be awesome with bacon and tomato added… 😉
We ordered some cheddar fries to share between us and these were demolished, though I think I did most of the nomming. Eeks. As an avid lover of french fries and cheese, cheddar fries are to me what fish treats are to kitties… The cheese was nicely distributed but by the time we reached the end, it had solidified into a mass. Which I promptly devoured with a fork. *sigh*
The next day, Tanya and her man got hitched at the courthouse (CONGRATULATIONS!!!) and we all, along with other friends, celebrated with dinner and drinks at Tompkins Square in Westchester.
I ordered the grilled cheese sandwich with bacon and tomato. Okay, it’s not a true BLT but it’s a close cousin. T2, as we call it (it’s owned by two brothers), has a darn good grilled cheese which only gets better with bacon and tomato. Two slices of thick white bread, Tillamook cheddar, American and Gruyere…pretty classic. The nice thing is that they put in a good amount of cheese to offset the thickness of the bread. This time around though, the kitchen didn’t keep the sandwich on the grill long enough to melt the cheese completely. Forgivable since the place was packed and the kitchen was probably trying to get out orders as quickly as possible. Next time though…
Classic BLT at Johnny Rocket's
Last night, Husband and I ate at our local Johnny Rockets. Once again, I went for the BLT. This was textbook – sourdough bread, bacon, iceburg lettuce, tomato and mayo. While it was good, it wasn’t really anything above average. And for the price…almost $9 (includes a side of fries), it seems a little overpriced.
Overall, I think the best BLT I had this weekend was at The Counter…
The Counter – El Segundo is rated 4 NOMs.
Tompkins Square is at 4 NOMs, as well.
Johnny Rockets is at 3 NOMs.
The Counter – El Segundo
700-A Allied Way
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 524-9967
Tompkins Square
8522 Lincoln Blvd
Los Angeles, CA90045
(310) 670-1212
Johnny Rockets
1550 Rosecrans Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA90266
(310) 536-9464
Filed under: 3 NOMs, 4 NOMs, american, Los Angeles, restaurant review | Tagged: 3 NOMs, 4 NOMs, american, bacon, bar, blt, cheese, comfort food, dinner, El Segundo, grilled cheese, Johnny Rockets, lettuce tomato, Los Angeles, lunch, Manhattan Beach, restaurant review, sandwiches, The Counter, Tompkins Square, westchester | Leave a comment »
Dining with the Catty Critic 