Since the opening of their first eatery on Bunker Hill in Los Angeles in 2005, Mendocino Farms has won over patrons with their commitment to working with regional farmers and artisanal food suppliers to produce tasty handcrafted sandwiches. It's opened up spots in Brea, Costa Mesa and Irvine, but their OC mothership is going to be the gigantic location within Whole Foods at The District in Tustin.
And if you’ve never experienced Mendocino Farms, the Drake Farm’s Celebration Sandwich is where to start. It's a fusion of sweet and savory components, held together by perfectly crunchy buckwheat bread, with piles of thin-sliced Creminelli prosciutto. Next comes ridiculously creamy herb-marinated goat cheese from Drake Family Farm’s melded together with candied fig chutney. Add some lemony basil pesto, peppery arugula and slivered almonds for some added crunch. This is next-level sandwich—you paying attention, Bristol Farms?
Mendocino Farms. 2847 Park Avenue., Tustin; www.mendocinofarms.com
Cynthia Rebolledo covers anything and everything food, culture and spirits.