WHY For a different take on the ubiquitous Mexican sandwich, served in a minimalist, casually stylish café.

WHAT Cook’s—which takes its name from the discoverer of the Sandwich Islands—takes sandwiches to a new plane with soft, house-baked rolls and a rotating menu selected from hundreds of filling choices. Traditional tortas like the fiery ahogada are executed with more flair than the corner torta shops, while original varieties like bacalao (Spanish cod and garlic), chicken mole verde and pork mojito create a fiesta of flavors. Refreshing aguas frescas in a rainbow of fruit flavors and imaginative sides and baked goods are also standouts.

WHO Students from East L.A. City College and culinary explorers.