Cemitas Poblanas

The Los Angeles Times had a 2 page color spread on something called Cemitas. Unfortunately, the ARTICLE is paywalled.

They are sandwiches that were invented in the Pueblo area of Mexico, and have gravitated here to LA.

One of the places mentioned is on Victory Blvd in Van Nuys, called Cemitas Don Adrian.

We needed to check out our relative, who lives off Victory, so I asked my Husband if we could put the two errands together.

He was OK with that, and off we went.

The place itself, is small, with a walk-up window. They prefer cash, btw.

I was told the #8 and #11 were the best and that is what we tried to order.

Unfortunately for us, #11 was sold out (the chicken cemitas).

So we went with #3 Pork cemitas and the #8 Beef cemitas.

The bread was crunchy, and did not lose its crunchiness on the reheat.

It comes with jalapenos, avocado, onion, two cheeses (and other things).

It was OK, but not worth the price of $35 for two of them.

We won't be going back again, but we are glad we went.

Los Angeles Times By Danielle Dorsey
“Number 8 or 11,” the cashier told me through the walk-up window at Cemitas Don Adrian, when I asked for her favorites on the long menu of cemitas. Number 8 comes with cured steak, but I opted for no. 11 with milanesa de pollo. A breaded, pounded-thin slab of dark meat chicken is tucked inside a toasted, plate-sized cemita bun that’s crusted with sesame seeds, and with white onion, avocado, crumbly queso fresco, stringy quesillo and your choice of chipotle or jalapeño peppers spilling out. I took the cashier’s recommendation and ordered mine with jalapeños, which are just-pickled, slightly crunchy and acidic with a mild heat. Pápalo is added when it’s in season. Cilantro and radishes are served on the side. Ranging from $15 for no. 11 to up to $23 for the “L.A. 100%” that’s loaded with five meats, it’s easy to see why local workers line up for the cemitas every weekday around lunchtime. Outside of the cashier’s picks, the sandwiches can come stuffed with milanesa de res, lamb barbacoa, marinated chicken with head cheese, plus eggs, tofu and additional vegetarian options. A second location with seating is just a couple minutes away on Van Nuys Boulevard.