Garrett SnyderOne of the most popular food stalls in Grand Central Market, Wexler's Deli, is set to open its much-anticipated second location in Santa Monica at the end of the week.
Chef-owner Micah Wexler and partner Michael Kassar will be transporting their hit list of old-school Jewish delicatessen favorites to the Westside — expect hand-cut pastrami sandwiches, bagels, chocolate egg creams and lots of smoked fish — along with an expanded menu that will feature pastries, salads, coffee and matzoh ball soup, the latter made with Jidori chicken schmaltz and cracklings and based on a recipe from Wexler's mother.
The second Wexler's Deli's larger square footage on Santa Monica Boulevard (its Grand Central Market kitchen is basically closet-sized) means the 30-seat restaurant will be able to introduce new items such as pastrami lox and smoked trout, a “Big Salad” with hard-boiled egg and Niçoise olives, an expanded coffee service for the morning crowd and, most exciting, chocolate babka and black-and-white cookies from former Gjelina pastry chef Nicole Rucker.
Starting next week, the restaurant will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, offering casual counter service with table seating as well as a takeout counter for those who prefer to eat their breakfast on the go.
Wexler's Deli, 616 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica; wexlersdeli.com.
Reuben at Wexler's Deli; Credit: Anne Fishbein
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