Omnivore - Lunch at Star Provisions

Try the $12, Vietnamese-style sandwich.

I lunched with three friends at Star Provisions today. The place was packed inside and out and we had quite a wait in line. I ordered this bánh mì, the popular Vietnamese sandwich of a crunchy baguette stuffed with pickled vegetables, cilantro and meat — braised pork in this case.

The sandwich was utterly delicious but the cost, $12, was  bit of a shock, considering that you can buy these on Buford Highway for a couple of bucks (though not usually made with meat of this quality). With a side of pickled beets and a bottled soft drink, my tab was about $18.

I tried to spend more by purchasing a few cookies before we left. However, the slowest sales clerk I have encountered in a long time was working the cash register alone. I finally bailed, figuring it would be better not to eat cookies, anyway.

(Photo by Cliff Bostock)