An Choi

Some days deciding what to eat for lunch taxes our brains overly much. So we've recently taken to walking in a random direction and stopping when inspiration hits. Today inspiration found us as we crossed Broome on Orchard and wandered into the newly opened backyard patio of An Choi. What a beautiful day day to sit at the shaded tables dappled with sun. We really wanted to try the un chả cá, a Hànội speciality seldom found here, but it seems that's for weekenders only. No matter, the bánh mì thịt heo quay (crispy roasted pork) and the đặc biệt (special) were more than adequate substitutions. Their proportions have gotten heavier than from our first visit, but the ingredients and bread remain just as fresh.
An Choi, 85 Orchard St, NY, NY 10002 (below Broome)