Lincoln Lunch: Vietnamese Sandwich

(not my actual lunch) A friend recommended I stop by Saigon's Bakery and Sandwiches in San Gabriel to break up my long drive to Claremont. The street addresses were so confusing I had given up hope when, of course, it appeared before me. And there was parking. Score. But would the food hold up?

The small shop had pictures of all their sandwiches next to the price, just like at a Chinese takeout dive. But the store was clean, brightly lit, and had a few tables if you want to sit and munch. I ordered a grilled pork sandwich and an iced milk coffee, plus a bagette to go. My total: $4.50. Nope, that's not a typo. My sandwich, served on a foot-long skinny baguette with long slices of onion, carrots, cilantro and a mild chili pepperwas $2. I would have paid double. It was tasty, the flavors well balanced, and a decent sized meal. The bread is crunchy on the outside and ever so soft on the inside. Delish. The coffee, at $1.75, was actually a shot of expresso mixed with instant milk and doused with ice. Tasted so rich and sweet I wondered if there was chocolate in it. The drink kept me up until the wee hours of the night (I usually drink decaf) but make no mistake, I would totally drink one of these again. The loaf of break I saved the bread and had the next day for breakfast, toasted with jam. Again, simple but delicious. I'm not the only one who liked it. Read other reviews here.

Visit them at 718 E. Valley Blvd in San Gabriel. (626) 288-6475. The bakery is on the sw corner of San Gabriel Blvd and Valley, tucked behind the corner building. Exit 25B off the 10, then drive north on San Gabe Blvd, left at Valley.