Mendocino Farms’ New Financial District Location Opening Monday
By RICH ALOSSI
Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at 01:39PM

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — It’s not uncommon to find a line of hungry office workers snaking around California Plaza  during the lunchtime rush, the scene drawing onlookers wondering what could possibly attract such a presence. For those in  the know, Mendocino Farms is nothing short of a way of life.

Luckily for us, the restaurant’s new location at 5th and Flower in Citigroup Plaza is well positioned to serve those in the  Financial District who may not have the time to trek up Grand Avenue and wait in line during short lunch breaks.

Try the Highway 128, a chicken, goat cheese, apple and ancho-cranberry chutney sandwich — but don’t miss the jalapeno relish — or this author’s favorite, the kurobuta pork belly banh mi: a Vietnamese-style sandwich with just the right level of spicy kick.

Prices are higher than a normal sandwich shop — $7.75 to $9.75 — but the quality of the product is second to none. And despite the long line, it moves along at a snappy conveyor-belt pace.

Grand opening for the new space is Monday, November 16, at 11:00am. As always, call to confirm hours before visiting.