Uptown Provision's Aaron Melendrez: Veteran, master mixologist, and maker of the best damn sandwiches you've never had

We’re joined today by Aaron Melendrez, the chef and owner behind one of Southern California’s most exciting sandwich shops, Uptown Provisions in Whittier. From an Asian-inspired egg salad that’ll change your life, to a pastrami sandwich that could go toe to toe with the best of ‘em, Uptown Provisions is the LA sandwich scene’s best kept secret. It’s no surprise that behind such an interesting operation is a dude with a super interesting story. Aaron walks us through how he went from living in South Korea doing intelligence for the Air Force, to helming some of LA’s most forward-thinking beverage programs, and eventually going out on his own to start a baller sandwich shop that draws on his techniques as a mixologist to make some of the most interesting sandwiches this town has ever seen.  Personally, I was super inspired by Aaron’s story. It’s very much one of learning as you go, drawing inspiration from the unlikeliest of situations, and regularly checking in with yourself to determine whether the path you’re on is actually making you happy. Helpful links: Uptown Provisions https://www.uptownwhittierprovisions.com/ Uptown Provisions Instagram https://www.instagram.com/uptown_provisions/?hl=en