Fabby's Sandwicherie Review - Downtown LA - Los Angeles - The Infatuation
"Fabby’s Sandwicherie is a small Downtown sandwich counter that makes tortas on chewy Jalisco-style birotes. That’s about as conventional as this place gets. You’ll notice things at Fabby’s are a little different once a bouncer cards you at the door. That only happens in the evening, though, because you have to walk through the shop to reach The Grayson, an attached bar that’s fairly forgettable aside from a solid Happy Hour. Fabby’s tortas, however, are far from forgettable. photo credit: Jessie Clapp photo credit: Jessie Clapp photo credit: Jessie Clapp photo credit: Jessie Clapp photo credit: Jessie Clapp Of the five Mexican-leaning sandwiches on the menu, the beef bourguignon one—which looks like it could have been pulled from a French bistro—stands out most. The beef is cooked down until it’s almost spreadable with a butter knife, and there’s a satisfying crunch and serrano heat from the onion and carrot escabeche tucked inside. Fabby’s isn’t a grab-and-go situation, but they make the short wait tolerable by serving cold appetizers that you can snack on as your torta sizzles on the panini press, like a colorful pickle plate sprinkled with chives and tostadas topped with creamy ribeye tartare. Like those tortas, these fancified snacks add a sense of luxury to the most casual lunch at Fabby’s, or any other you can find to come here: a post-work snack, a pre-drinks bite, or just strolling up in sweatpants to grab a great sandwich. Food Rundown photo credit: Jessie Clapp Tostada de Tartare A tangy, light appetizer that you should eat while waiting for your torta. The minced ribeye is buttery soft and the serrano aioli mixed in keeps things bright and creamy. Pair with a margarita and finish in a few bites—otherwise, the tostada gets soggy as it sits. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Pambazo Torta This “spicy” torta is more smoke than heat. Guajillo-infused mayo is brushed onto the birote before it’s pressed, giving it its bright red glow, and the housemade chorizo, paired with shredded lettuce, mashed potatoes, and whipped quesillo, is on the milder side. photo credit: Jessie Clapp Beef Bourguignon Torta Beef, melted cheese, and mashed potatoes in a sandwich is as heavy and rich as it sounds, but we’re not phased. We could probably put away two of these spectacular tortas: the meat pulls apart beautifully, the melted quesillo is nice and oozy, and the spicy escabeche adds a vinegary pop. Feel free to drizzle in Fabby’s salsa taquera for added heat." - Sylvio Martins
