Since my Wor Won Ton Mein quest had pretty much been a wash-out, I focused my attention on my Banh Mi craving that had been hovering in the background waiting for a chance to break-out.
I decided to ask the Gal at the Dry Cleaners for a recommendation, and I listed off the Banh Mi places I've been to, all of which met with a slight negative nod, after which She told me to try Cafe Dore', saying "they are kind of slow, but do a good job". Which means, you might wait a while but it's worth it. She gave me instructions, and I found Cafe Dore', in (another) strip mall in City Heights, located next to a Vietnamese "Deli" and coin laundry.
There was a group of Vietnamese men having coffee and chatting. I drew alot of stares as I passed them. I entered the cafe and there were 4 tough looking Vietnamese guys sitting around watching the television. One of them stood up and simply said "yes?", they obviously thought that I took a "wrong turn" somewhere. I mentioned that I had been told that they make a really good Banh Mi; there were instant smiles all around....and the Gentleman pointed to a small flyer listing 5 sandwiches all ranging from $2.00-$2.50 under a piece of glass on the counter - this was the only "menu" in the whole place! I finally figured that this was actually a Vietnamese Coffee Shop, not really a restaurant.
After a short wait he handed me a package with my sandwich ($2.50) in it.
To say that this was a heck-of-a-sandwich is an understatement. The baguette was crunchy and fresh, the pate, BBQ pork, and "ham" combined with the veggies to create a very tasty and balanced flavor. The cilantro and cucumber was palate cleansing. My only (small) gripe is that they went easy on the hot green peppers - maybe going a little bit "easy" on me. This was easily the best Banh Mi I've had in San Diego so far!
The location is on the corner of Marlborough Ave and University Ave. Cafe Dore' has no English signs in it, no menu, except for the sandwich list under the glass counter, so I don't know what else they serve, but will find out. The strip mall also has a Vietnamese BBQ, a Seafood Shop, a Market, among other things. Might be a nice place for the adventurous to explore! This was one heck of a Banh Mi!
Cafe Dore
4135 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 563-3525
Between Marlborough Ave and 41st St
That banh mi looks tasty indeed!
Posted by: elmomonster | Tuesday, 28 June 2005 at 10:17 PM
Hi Kirk,
I love banh mi. My favorite thus far is Ba-Le and the lemongrass chicken banh mi. It's so delicious and I like the fact that you can either have it on a French roll or on a croissant. mmmm. Maybe I should have one tonight. Still at work! =(
Posted by: Reid | Tuesday, 28 June 2005 at 10:41 PM
Elmo - Yes, it was pretty tastey....
Reid - Can't beat the price of Banh Mi, this was the best I've had since moving to San Diego.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 29 June 2005 at 08:08 AM
They actually do have a menu with other items besides sandwiches now. While café Doré has a great banh mi, I'm with Reid in that Ba-Le is my favorite. Didn't know there was a lemongrass chicken variant. I will go today and check it out.
Posted by: Len | Saturday, 10 November 2007 at 11:39 AM
Hi Len - I think that version is only available in Hawaii, I haven't seen it in San Diego. Bale is good, but is kinda gringo-ized, at least the Linda Vista location is..... There's an updated post on Cafe Dore coming up. BTW, give Saigon Sandwiches and Deli next door a shot.
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 10 November 2007 at 12:27 PM