Across the street from the beautiful Huntington Beach pier on the famous Pacific Coast Highway lies “Sessions West Coast Deli,” a small and charming sandwich shop that boasts one of the best views one could ask for. I happened up on it whilst trying to kill some time before an appointment with my barber, shame on me for not looking Sessions up before this, because I really enjoyed it.
Sessions Makena Sandwich
Chicken Tinga
Guacamole
Pickled onion
lime cream
Cabbage
Ciabatta roll
For those of you asking, Chicken tinga (or tinga de pollo) is shredded chicken that is stewed in a broth of tomato, garlic, and peppers. The flavors of chicken tinga tend to be slightly smoky with a very subtle sweetness from the tomatoes, a perfect pair for any neutral flavored starch like tortillas or french bread. This is a sandwich that embodies the Southern California culinary lifestyle with a Latin American influence while maintaining a light a unencumbered characteristic. The Chicken Tinga was nicely displayed, being the most prominent flavor. I can’t tell you how many times sauces completely overpower protein in a sandwich, but this composition was very balanced.. The briny flavors of the pickled onion mixed well with the lime cream, the salt and citrus were the most lingering on the palate and a nice conclusion to the chicken tinga’s sweet smoke. The thick and crusty ciabatta bread was sturdy enough to keep the sauces from soaking through (there are technically 3) and was a great pairing for the softer textured fillings. I really appreciated the fact that the lime cream was spread sparingly almost to the point where I wasn’t sure if it was actually there or if someone just squeezed citrus on the meat.
There is nothing here that is overly complicated, but everything from the decor to the house made sauces serves as a statement that you can be completely casual but still approach food with strong intention of effort. It’s a place that I would grab lunch and sit on the sand to enjoy, while appreciating the fact that I was doing absolutely nothing else.
-Vy
Sessions West Coast Deli
414 Pacific Coast Highway,
Huntington Beach,CA 92648
