saigon sandwiches bánh mì at the KUSF rally

saigon sandwiches, larkin & eddy, san francisco

Two weeks ago, KUSF was abruptly and unexpectedly taken off the air by USF, who had arranged to sell the frequency 90.3 to USC in a deal that would result in 90.3 turning into a classical station.  Being a former KUSF volunteer and DJ, I found this turn of events shocking and deeply saddening.  I can say that over the last two weeks I've felt like the geography of the city has changed- I have a constant and nagging sense that something is missing, like a persistent phantom limb.  So last week, I attended my first ever Board of Supervisors meeting at City Hall, where Supervisor Mirkarimi introduced a (symbolic) measure condemning the sale of 90.3 (he was backed by Supervisor Mar, who had some great things to say about the value of community radio).  There was a rally with a fantastic and spirited turnout in front of City Hall before the meeting, and it was amazing to see how much vocal protest exists against the sale.  And of course, if there's any upside to having to protest in front of City Hall, it's that Saigon Sandwiches is a mere two blocks away- so before the rally, I made sure to stop by for a couple bánh mì.  I went with the chicken (delicious) and the combination (even better!), and I was stuffed!  The combination in particular seems hearty enough that only one sandwich would get the job done- otherwise, bánh mì usually just isn't filling enough that I can be satisfied with just one.  There's another KUSF rally TODAY (2/1/11) at 1 PM, and in today's Board of Supervisor's meeting there will hopefully be a vote on Supervisor Mirkarimi's resolution.  If you want to show your support for community radio (or just want an excuse to get some bánh mì), please come out and join me!  Your taste buds and ear drums will thank you.  And be sure to check out SAVEKUSF.ORG to see what else can be done to stop this sale and get KUSF back on 90.3!

saigon sandwiches' bánh mì

saigon sandwiches, larkin & eddy, san francisco

I miss summer!  I miss bánh mì!  I guess that I don't really have to wait until the weather gets better to have bánh mì again, but it seems like such a perfect sunny day food- the jalapeno and cilantro give it such a bright flavor, and the meat and dressing are so sweet.  And of course, Saigon Sandwiches have a well earned reputation of being THE place to go when you want bánh mì.  Although there may be some places closer to where I live that serve these tasty little Vietnamese sandwiches, none compare to getting one (or two or three) from Saigon Sandwiches.  Come back sunny days, I want to eat bánh mì in a park!

Bánh mì CHALLENGE!

Wrap Delight, Tenderloin, San Francisco

As I was walking towards a more popular sandwich joint I saw this cute little spot with seating. The weather was overcast and it was about to rain and I didn't feel like eating outside or taking anything to go. I stepped in and it was empty but the woman behind the counter greeted me immediately. I had no reluctance at this point and happily ordered. There are also a lot of other good looking prepared foods wrapped up and ready to go. I wanted to eat it all! I took a seat closest to the window and the door facing the street. The woman called me in a couple minutes and my sandwich was ready. She was really nice and has a warm smile. I'd be happy, too, if I made tasty sandwiches all day.

I sit back down, settle in, and open up the wrapping to get this. I have to admit, the whole time I was thinking of Viking's tofu and how I feel like everything pales in comparison now. This was a great sandwich and I have yet to have one made poorly. A couple of people came in and were very talkative with the woman behind the counter. I ate the whole sandwich and it was very satisfying. I handed my tray over to the woman when I was done and she thanked me.

This place has a nice atmosphere. It's not exactly the cleanest place but it comes with the territory. It was nice to be able to sit down in a spacious setting versus being crammed into a store and taking it to go. I would recommend this place to people who haven't been here before because it's a calm atmosphere and the prices are a little cheaper than most places. I will definitely go back.

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Saigon Sandwich, Tenderloin, San Francisco

I'm sure every knows and loves this place. It almost feels like overkill for me to review this place again since Mark has already reviewed the same sandwich before. Of course, when I got there it was crowded with a line outside the door. Everyone was very quiet and some people were taking photos while the two ladies behind the counter made each sandwich. It's really hypnotizing to watch even if your stomach is grumbling. I got to order after ten minutes of waiting. They were very quick and you can tell everyone is just waiting in anticipation that their sandwich is coming up. After ten minutes more (and another person claiming my sandwich was theirs) I finally got the yummy bundle in my hands! And then I'm out the door...

I took a seat on the street just a block away where it seems a lot of other people enjoy their lunches, too. It was a nice, warm sunny Friday and I was ready to chow down. I unwrapped it and immediately had buyer's remorse. Don't get me wrong, I loved this sandwich but I felt like I should have ordered something other than the tofu since I get it all the time and I've never had bánh mì with real meat. What delicious meats have I been missing out on all these years?! Either way, I enjoyed my sandwich and was able to enjoy a good show of the people, cars, and bikes going about their merry ways. I wonder if anyone was going to get a sandwich just up the road?

Either way, yes, this place is awesome. Of course, I will be back to taste more of their sandwiches. Everyone loves this place and rightly so but I think it's time for me to expand my boundaries in the sandwich area.

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Since this was a challenge between Wrap Delight and Saigon Sandwich I'd have to say that...both were really good for what they are. I still think it's difficult to screw up this sandwich. It is almost delicious by default. Both places can make the sandwich in a reasonable amount of time but it depends if you would want to sit in or take it to go. I'd also like to point out that they are also on the same street, too. If you haven't been to Wrap Delight it's worth checking out but if you don't want to, well, you can't go wrong with Saigon Sandwiches.

tofu bánh mì

saigon sandwiches, larkin & eddy, san francisco

We met up with fellow breadxbread contributor Daniel Pennypacker in the U.N. Plaza a couple weeks ago, and he suggested we get some Vietnamese sandwiches up the street. I can't believe this sandwich was only $3! Warm marinated tofu, crunchy pickled vegetables, jalapeño, and cilantro on toasted french bread. It started sweet and salty and got spicier and spicier. Really good.