You're not a Twin Cities foodie unless you've had some bánh mì, the deli sandwich that is found in many Vietnamese restaurants around town. I love the stuff but don't often get it, as
(a) no one in my family will share one with me
(b) if there's anything anymore that will entice me to eat a 14-inch fat-and-meat-packed sandwich whole in about 8 minutes, bánh mì is it, as I have found to my detriment (and great enjoyment) a few times since becoming a post-glutton, and
(c) I have generally assumed that I have to go out to find a good one.
Maybe I have one fewer reason – here is a recipe for pork bánh mì that looks entirely do-able. It strikes me that a Bánh Mì party, with plenty of marinated, roasted pulled pork, store-bought baguettes (don't waste 'em on the kids: buy hot dog buns!) and dishes of sliced vegetables and other condiments, would be an easy self-serve buffet for a crowd. Some rice, perhaps, for the odd person with celiac sprue. There's one at most of my parties (and he is rather odd on occasion, heh). A more exhaustive description of the necessary condiments, as well as recipes for some different types of bánh mì, can be found here.
Now… what to have on the side? A mischievous little part of me is jumping up and down, waving its arms and shouting, "Tater Tots!" Other, more mature parts are thinking, "Citrus fruit salad… vegetable soup in a clear broth, perhaps with a little coconut milk… or maybe a big spinach salad… a big pile of salt-and-vinegar kettle chips…"
"…or maybe some Tater Tots…"
UPDATE. The Wikipedia article in the first link has given me an idea for lunch… hmm… I happen to have some braunschweiger in the fridge… and cilantro… and sweet pickled cabbage I made for New Year's… no baguettes, but I do have some good crusty sourdough bread… sriracha and fish sauce and pickled jalapeños, check check check…
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