Something About Her vs. Bread Head: A Tale of Two Sandwiches in 2024 Los Angeles

The year is twenty-twenty-four. The place is Los Angeles, a city practically built on a foundation of avocado toast and green juice, where the sun always seems to be shining and a new “it” restaurant pops up faster than you can say “collagen peptides.” In this town, celebrity reigns supreme, and for every A-lister gracing the silver screen, there seems to be an equally famous face slinging overpriced cocktails or plant-based burgers. So, when the stars of the reality show “Vanderpump Rules” opened their highly publicized sandwich shop, “Something About Her,” it sent ripples (okay, maybe tidal waves) through the city’s culinary scene.

Now, I’ll admit, I’ve never actually seen an episode of “Vanderpump Rules.” I’m more of a “Great British Baking Show” kind of gal myself (give me a good sourdough challenge any day). But even I, someone who exists blissfully unaware of the drama that unfolds at SUR, couldn’t escape the media blitz surrounding this new eatery. Instagram was awash in photos of perfectly manicured hands clutching hefty sandwiches, the airwaves filled with interviews about the restaurant’s “secret” sauce, and every food blog worth its salt (and pepper) seemed to be singing its praises. It all begged the question: is “Something About Her” worth the hype, or should you, like me, try your luck at a less celeb-fueled establishment?

The Line at “Something About Her”: A Reality Check

Walking down the street towards “Something About Her,” it becomes pretty darn clear: this place is popular. Like, really popular. The line of eager diners snakes around the block, a testament to the magnetic pull of reality TV and the allure of maybe, just maybe, catching a glimpse of Jax Taylor or Stassi Schroeder grabbing a bite to eat. Don’t get me wrong; I can appreciate the dedication of a fandom. But as I watch the minutes tick by, I can’t help but wonder about the opportunity cost of this culinary pilgrimage. Is standing in line for an hour (or more!) for a sandwich really the best use of anyone’s time, especially in a city overflowing with incredible dining options?

Bread Head: A Haven of Carefully Crafted Sandwiches

Just a few miles away, nestled on a quiet side street, sits “Bread Head,” a small sandwich shop that takes a decidedly different approach. There’s no line snaking around the block, no paparazzi lurking in the bushes, just the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread and a promise of a truly exceptional sandwich experience. And let me tell you, when it comes to crafting a sandwich that’s both delicious and thoughtfully composed, Bread Head is in a league of its own.

Take, for instance, “The Mozzarella.” This isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill mozzarella sandwich. Oh no, this bad boy is a symphony of textures and flavors, a testament to the culinary prowess happening behind the counter. Imagine this: thick-cut slices of creamy, fresh mozzarella, still slightly cool to the touch, layered between juicy slices of heirloom tomato and peppery arugula. The bread, oh, the bread! It’s perfectly toasted, its crust offering a satisfying crunch that gives way to a soft, chewy interior. And the pesto, a vibrant green concoction that’s both herbaceous and nutty, ties everything together in a flavor explosion that will have you seriously considering ordering a second sandwich.

In a city obsessed with the next big thing, Bread Head is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest. It’s a love letter to the humble sandwich, elevated to an art form through the careful selection of ingredients and a dedication to culinary excellence. After just one bite of “The Mozzarella,” I’m ready to declare it a strong contender for the best vegetarian sandwich in Los Angeles, and trust me, that’s a bold statement in a city where plant-based eating is practically a religion.

The Chefs Behind Bread Head: A Legacy of Culinary Excellence

So, what’s the secret behind Bread Head’s ability to elevate a simple sandwich to such lofty heights? The answer, it turns out, lies in the hands of its founders, Jordan Snyder and Alex Williams, two chefs who cut their teeth in the high-pressure world of fine dining. You see, before they were slinging sandwiches, Snyder and Williams honed their skills at none other than Trois Mec, the Michelin-starred culinary temple that once graced the streets of LA. Working under the watchful eye of Chef Ludo Lefebvre, they learned the art of balancing flavors, sourcing the finest ingredients, and, perhaps most importantly, the transformative power of a perfectly executed dish.

But when the pandemic hit, like so many others in the restaurant industry, Snyder and Williams found themselves at a crossroads. With Trois Mec shuttered and the future uncertain, they decided to take a leap of faith. Armed with their culinary expertise and a shared love for the comforting simplicity of a well-made sandwich, they launched Bread Head as a delivery-only operation out of their tiny apartment kitchen.

Word of their exceptional sandwiches spread like wildfire, with foodies across the city clamoring for a taste. It wasn’t long before Bread Head outgrew its humble beginnings, eventually finding a permanent home in this charming little storefront. And if their current success is any indication, this is just the beginning for the dynamic duo. Whispers around town hint at expansion plans, fueled by a recent partnership with a group of seasoned restaurant investors. It seems the sky’s the limit for Bread Head, and I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the opportunity to sample every single sandwich on their future menus.

Beyond “The Mozzarella”: Exploring Bread Head’s Menu

While “The Mozzarella” stole my heart (and stomach) at first bite, I’d be remiss not to mention some of the other standouts on Bread Head’s carefully curated menu. Each sandwich, it seems, is a testament to Snyder and Williams’ commitment to crafting delicious, elevated versions of classic American favorites.

Take, for instance, their muffaletta. This New Orleans staple is often a messy affair, but at Bread Head, it’s a thing of beauty. Layers of thinly sliced mortadella, salami, provolone cheese, and a tangy olive salad are piled high on freshly baked focaccia bread, each bite a symphony of savory, salty, and slightly acidic notes.

And then there’s the roast beef sandwich, a seemingly simple creation elevated to new heights by Bread Head’s meticulous approach. Thinly sliced roast beef, cooked to a perfect rosy pink, is piled high on a toasted baguette, topped with sharp cheddar cheese, a bright horseradish mayo, and a smattering of crispy fried onions for good measure. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you slow down and savor every single bite, a reminder that sometimes, the most satisfying meals are the ones that remind us of home.

Oh, and did I mention the pimento cheese? A nod to Snyder’s Southern roots, this creamy, cheesy concoction is the perfect side dish to accompany any sandwich on the menu. Seriously, do yourself a favor and order a side (or two). You won’t regret it.

A Final Thought: Choosing Quality Over Hype

It’s worth noting that Bread Head is still a relatively new kid on the block, but if their current offerings are any indication, they’re well on their way to becoming a Los Angeles institution. Sure, their hot sandwich game could use a little work (I’m looking at you, lukewarm chicken parm), but hey, nobody’s perfect, right? And when the cold sandwiches are this good, it’s hard to hold a few minor missteps against them.

As I finish my meal and stroll out of Bread Head, I can’t help but think about the stark contrast between this experience and the hypothetical one I likely dodged at “Something About Her.” Here, there were no long lines, no need to elbow my way through a throng of selfie-stick-wielding tourists, just a peaceful, delicious lunch enjoyed in a charming little corner of the city.

And that, my friends, is the beauty of choosing quality over hype. Sometimes, the best things in life are the ones that don’t require a two-hour wait and a carefully curated Instagram post. Sometimes, all you need is a really, really good sandwich.