Sandwiches – Page 43

A-Chau Vietnamese

June 13, 2005 mmm-yoso Banh Mi, Sandwiches, Vietnamese Restaurants

A-Chau a little Vietnamese “deli” located on the corner of El Cajon Blvd and Menlo Ave, has a very unique distinction.

A-Chau sells the only Banh Mi that can fill me up! And even though I know this I keep on buying spring rolls, egg rolls, or something else to complete the meal.

I guess I’m unable to deal with the reality that an “oinker” like me can fill up with a sandwich that costs $2.50! I’ve had many a Banh Mi in my time, but this unassuming sandwich can, for some reason make me feel stuffed. Trying to deal with emasculation via a char-broiled pork sandwich is not an easy thing. I usually end up giving the spring rolls or egg rolls away….to this day I haven’t tasted the spring rolls. I’ve tried to understand how this happens. What I have noticed is that the bread that A-Chau uses is not as crusty as the usual roll, being a bit softer and doughy, so those who believe that it’s the baguette that makes the Banh Mi may not enjoy this sandwich. In addition the pork is a bit richer than in most Banh Mi’s I’ve had, so I definitely couldn’t eat this every day. There is a very liberal amount of hot green chili’s in these sandwiches, those who are sensitive to this should probably ask to not have them. As far as the Banh Mi is concerned it’s pretty good, not the best I’ve had, mainly because the veggies are a bit tasteless and the bread somewhat doughy, but the pork makes up for that.

There are quite a few dishes available, hot table and vermicelli dishes, as well as pre-packaged snacks. 3-4 tables adorn the interior of the restaurant, though it’s very apparent that most of the business is a very brisk take-out. The parking lot can be an adventure due to the fact that there are just a few spaces that two restaurants and a Vietnamese Market share. The clientele is varied and the menu English friendly, and the service is efficient and fast. Most sandwiches range from $2.25 – $2.75. As for me I still haven’t made it past the Char-Broiled Pork sandwich (Thit Nuong) , though I’ll keep trying!

A-Chau
4644 El Cajon Blvd Ste 111
San Diego, CA 92115

Hillcrest Farmer’s Market

June 12, 2005 mmm-yoso Farmer's Markets/Night Market, Sandwiches

Well the June gloom is in bloom – very pun-ny! But I was up early this Sunday morning so I thought I’d head up to the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market. I got there right at nine and got a primo parking spot, close to the sign:

Most of the food booths were still setting up so I wandered around. And checked out the crafts and other booths. Talked to the guy in the Baba’s Hummus factory booth, I’d noticed that they’ve closed their store on Convoy, but he assured me that business is fine and they’ve decided to close the restaurant side of the business, but the Hummus factory is still going strong. Also sampled some salsa and other items.

I had my marching orders, so I made sure to get a half dozen Noah Bedoah cookies from CJ’s. I’m assuming that they must really be good, I really don’t get a chance to eat them – they are off-limits in our household. We once had to hunt down CJ’s shop in Point Loma during the middle of a Noah Bedoah attack. According to the gang at CJ’s the name of the cookie comes from a recipe in an old cookbook.

Seems like Rainier Cherries are the hot item today, people are buying them by the bagful. Alot of people also lining up at the crepe stand. At the Wright’s Poultry stand there’s a sign saying Copper River Salmon $17/lb hmmmmm…sounds kinda scarey to me. I usually try to get most of my chicken from Wright’s – free range and hormone free.

Around that time I got the scent of grilling meat, and I knew that the Kabob Guy was ready and in action:

The Kabob stand has got to be the best smelling in the whole Farmer’s Market! So I ordered and paid for my Beef Kabob sandwich ($5.00), walked on over to my car, sat on the bumper and carefully maneuvered my way through the sandwich – ground beef with a nice touch of herbs and spices, some hot sauce and Tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pepperocini on a grilled pita, no need for lunch after eating this. It doesn’t get much better than this! The only problem is that you need about 10 napkins!

Seems like the weather was keeping alot of people away. This made for a relaxing morning at the Farmer’s Market. Though fairly small compared to say, my favorite, the Torrance Farmer’s Market, there’s a good variety of produce, flowers, food, and other goods. Also a very good place for people watching.

San Diego Hillcrest CFM
In the DMV Parking Lot at Lincoln and Normal
Most Sundays, 9A-1P Rain or Shine

Time for a nap!

Sandwich Emporium

May 28, 2005 mmm-yoso Caffeine Fix, Sandwiches

*** Updated post can be found here.

What a name! When we first moved to the Bay Park area I tried this Sandwich/Coffee shop in a little Strip Mall on Clairemont Drive – it was terrible! Since then twins Peter & John have taken over the business and upgraded(modernized) the menu and the food.

Notice the Traffic School sign…..kind of a strange mall. But back to the food. Some of the sandwiches are Country Ranch Chicken, two types of Reubens, something called a BLAT (Hickory Smoked Bacon, lettuce, Avocado, tomato), and also great coffee, locally roasted from the San Diego Coffee Company.

My current favorite is the Italian with Mortadella, Salami, and Ham – I get mine with no Mayo, Mustard, and Italian Dressing on the side. $5.75, for a filling sandwich. Sure beats the Subway across the street. Hopefully the Twins will keep on upgrading the menu, and keep on making a good cup of coffee!

And yes, it’s not always Peking Duck and Sushi for us!!!!

Sandwich Emporium
3054 1/2 Clairemont Drive
San Diego,CA
619-275-1351