Katella Deli - Los Alamitos

Was told link below to their website isn't working and I am not sure why, so you will have to just copy and paste www.katellabakery.com

It's been a while since I've updated this blog, but what really can I add to saying that this is the best place in Southern California to get your Deli on!

So, it delights me to no end to have stumbled upon their OFFICIAL website and, folks, it will make you drool and maybe make you cry...

OMG. Here's the link: www.katellabakery.com and I don't blame you for clicking it right now.

Wonderful photos of their wonderful offerings. A price list AND (excuse me while I wipe the tears of joy from my eyes) you can order on-line for pick-up.

AND...

AND...

You can order gift cards. Their catering menu is on-line. And, don't fall over, they are starting a Katella Deli Reward Card program. You can sign up for their e-mails. You can text "Subscribe KatellaDeli" to 40404 for exclusive deals and specials. They are also on Twitter (but they haven't twitted ;-) from what I see).

I KNOW that when I die, there will be a Katella Deli in heaven because Katella Deli surely is heaven on earth.

Disclaimer: I do not work for Katella Deli, I am not related to anyone - living or dead - who has ever worked for or owned Katella Deli.

I am a Katella Deli addict.

This blog has not been authorized by anyone at Katella Deli and the opinions expressed below (except one) belong to me. - Cherie

I am not sure how many years ago I found this place, but if you like to eat, this place is Heaven. A newspaper restaurant reviewer once called this the best deli outside of New York. Well, I've never been to a New York Deli, but I will not argue with the reviewer.

To get the technical stuff out of the way, Katella Deli-Restaurant is located at 4470 Katella Ave in Los Alamitos (between the race track and Los Alamitos Hospital). Their phone number is (562) 594-8611. The link is to a map where you can also click to get some reviews of the restaurant. Normally, not everyone has the same passion about this place as I do, but the passionate ones are pretty passionate.

So, how passionate am I?

I live in Costa Mesa and have been known to get up on a Saturday morning and make the 15 mile drive just to get fresh rolls. Of course, once I am there, I load up on a lot of other things like cakes and cookies. Most of the items freeze quite well...but then again, most of what I buy never makes it to the freezer!

They have these huge things that they call Cinnamon Crisps. We used to call them Elephant Ears. Crispy, chewy in places...those of you who know about these will be pleased to find them here.

If you have just a couple people in your home, or you have a MAJOR sweet tooth, they have cake "slices" which are actually mall little cakes at unbelievably reasonable prices. The Carrot Cake is the best I have EVER had at ANY bakery or restaurant...and I've been all over the US.

The pastrami is piled thick and is ever so tender. This is one of my take-out orders.

I remember the first time I bit into one of these wonderful sandwiches: the pastrami melted in my mouth and I knew I'd found heaven here on earth.

Wish I could comment more about everything else in the restaurant, but I am so addicted to the Pastrami that, when I think about ordering something else, I get a panic attack.

At Thanksgiving, they make cakes that look like a turkey on a platter complete with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. Christmas time is filled with everything you'd ever want. They just do everything right, whatever the holiday!

Eclairs. Oh my gawd!!! There is no way this picture can do their eclairs any kind of justice. First of all, I think they weigh about a pound. I am NOT joking. (Will weigh one sometime.) The eclairs are huge and they have thick chocolate frosting, not that runny skimpy, thin stuff. The frosting is almost like fudge. (Folks, I am torturing myself writing about this...)

Italian rum cake. Tortes. Banana boats. King Tuts. Black Forest Cake. Bagels. Bread sliced to order. Bagel chips. Black and Whites. Are you drooling yet?

They haven't invented a way to upload aromas yet, so please do yourself a favor and if you are close by stop and see, smell, taste for yourself. They are an easy drive off the 605 Freeway (Katella exit and head east) or you can take the Seal Beach Blvd exit off the 405, head north and turn right on Katella.

The restaurant has plenty of regular restaurant seating, seating at the counter, cozy booths and a little patio area. They also have take-out.