Author: Claire Diggins
Just south of Avenue 51 on York Boulevard is Schodorf’s Luncheonette, a new and convenient stop for fresh sandwiches and salads. Matt and Anya Schodorf, owners of Café de Leche, opened this cozy lunch spot in February. Schodorf’s is a convenient place to grab a fresh and delicious lunch close to campus. It is also right across the street from Café de Leche, so you can easily pick up an iced horchata and espresso to enjoy with your sandwich on your way back to school.
A 10-minute walk from campus, the luncheonette is small and unobtrusive. With only a small chalkboard sign out front, the place is easy to miss, so look for the upward facing arrow on the window and the bright blue awning. Inside, Schodorf’s is warm and feels very open and clean. Despite its narrow size, the ceilings are high and the space is not over-crowded.
The décor is simplistic — two window seats with plush red cushions and a small wooden bench comprise the waiting area. The counter is made from recycled wood, found in the garage of the owner’s friend and fellow Eagle Rocker. Atop the counter is a neat handmade wooden contraption that holds an iPad, on which all transactions are made. Small two-tops line the deli counter and a recently added bar stands across the right wall with high chairs for additional seating. Polaroid pictures of friends and locals line the wall, giving the place a hip and friendly air.
Schodorf’s menu is simple but carefully built. They offer just four sandwiches and four salads, but there is something for everyone. The ingredients are simple, flavorful and high quality.
For vegetarians, the possibilities are endless. The citrus salad is dressed with chived goat cheese, mint, citrus vinaigrette, toasted pecans, radishes and orange wedges over mixed greens. Other salad options include a Greek salad with fresh basil and oregano and an apple salad on a bed of spinach with toasted almonds, cranberries and blue cheese. Also available is the simple but tasty Doc’s salad, made with romaine, garlic, lemon, oil, salt and pepper and blue cheese or feta.
The real show stoppers at Schodorf’s, though, are the sandwiches. There is the Vegetarian with roasted red peppers, hummus, tarragon aioli, avocado, sprouts, spinach and veggie slaw. This sandwich is loaded with good ingredients but it’s mayo-heavy, so beware.
The Pesto Caprese sandwich, on the other hand, is perfection and really gives the Italian Bakery on Colorado (also a great deli) a run for its money. The buffalo mozzarella is fresh and firm, and they give you tons of it. Also piled on is fresh basil and thick slices of plump organic steak tomatoes. What makes this sandwich extra special is the homemade pesto and the right amount of balsamic reduction. The pesto sauce is buttery and nutty, and the whole sandwich is packed with all the right flavors.
For meat-lovers, there is the Italian sandwich with salami and mortadella, dressed with spicy mustard and topped with provolone, romaine lettuce, pepperoncinis and red bell peppers.
Finally, there is the turkey. According to local Brian Dolan, who frequents Schodorf’s, the turkey sandwich is the best sandwich around, with smoked turkey, arugula, Swiss cheese and a black pepper aioli. “The turkey sandwich is ridiculous. It’s one of the best I’ve ever had. And you have to get far from Los Angeles to even start competing,” Dolan said.
What makes Schodorf’s special are the house-made dressings and spreads. They are all made fresh on site, and you can taste how fresh they are. Plus, most of the produce is locally sourced and organic.
For the sandwiches, you can choose between ciabatta and a French baguette. Every sandwich and salad is available in a full or half size. The half order is filling, and the price for half orders is very reasonable, $4-5, depending on the salad or sandwich. Whole orders cost $7-8 and come on an entire French baguette or large ciabatta roll.
An array of kettle chips and specialty drinks, like Olde Brooklyn Root Beer, Mexi Squirt and Boylan Black Cherry Soda are also available. The luncheonette offers daily specials of hot pressed sandwiches, featuring both a vegetarian and meat option. According to the menu, soups are coming soon.
Like Café de Leche, Schodorf’s fills a void in the local community. The owners originally opened Café De Leche because they didn’t want to have to leave their neighborhood for great coffee. The same is true of their inspiration for the luncheonette, only this time it was sandwiches they didn’t want to drive to purchase.
Many attribute the origin of recent changes, and arguably the revitalization, of Highland Park to the opening of Café de Leche. Since the trendy, art-promoting coffee shop opened three years ago, art galleries, record shops and vintage clothing stores have sprouted up around it. Now Schodorf’s has also sprung open, and it is one of the only places in Highland Park to grab a quick, healthy, fresh sandwich or homemade salad.
Dolan agrees that the Schodorfs have contributed to Highland Park’s revival. “I have to thank Matt Schodorf for adding at least $10,000 to the value of my house. Between Café de Leche and Schodorf’s sandwiches, York Boulevard is hip,” Dolan said. At Schodorf’s, the food is good, the staff is friendly, the vibes are relaxing and, ultimately, it is another great dining option close to Occidental.
Schodorf’s is located at 5051 York Blvd. Open Daily 11a.m. – 3p.m. Phone 323.258.8040 info@schodorfs.com
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