Hermosa Beach is more or less a frat boy finishing school, particularly around the pier, and most of the food is interchangeable with what you’d find in the touristy part of Hollywood, but every now and then, I find hope. On the city’s southern border, just above Herondo Street [where Hermosa meets Redondo], Mickey’s Italian Delicatessen & Liquor Store is a Hermosa Beach mainstay since 1953 that serves some of the Southa Bay’s best sandwiches.

Our friend Karla recommended the deli, which Korean War veteran Michael Angelo “Mickey” Mance opened near the strand. Mickey passed away in 2001, and son Paul took over the space with a green facade, surfboard sign, sidewalk tables, and jam-packed deli cases. Their LED menu is loaded with different options. I enjoyed both sandwiches I ordered, but for pork’s sake, it’s imperative that I profile Mickey’s Combo ($6.25 small). A soft, pliable French roll hosts cotto salami, chopped ham, Bologna, Swiss Cheese, mustard, and if you’re smart, “everything.” That means mustard, mayonnaise, chopped lettuce, sliced tomato and onions, punchy pepperoncini, and pickles. You’ve made it this far; you might as well go all the way.

Dose of Vitamin P spotlights my favorite pork dish from the previous week.