The best bánh mì in Chicago? [Photographs: Nick Kindelsperger] Nhu' Lan Bakery 2612 W. Lawrence, Chicago IL 60625 (map); 773-878-9898 The Short Order: Freshly baked bread and perfect bánh mì. Want Fries with That? Nope, but some shrimp chips are possible. Want Ketchup? This sandwich needs nothing, eat it as is. You can keep your paninis. I'll forever give up the club sandwich or limit my meatball sub intake—but me and thebánh mì have a serious, committed sandwich relationship that needs constant nourishment. The bánh mì's power lies in its striking balance. The fatty meat, which can include head cheese and pate, contrasts with the acidic, pickled vegetables like daikon radishes, cucumbers, and carrots. Have I mentioned the slight jalapeño...
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"The tofu...looks and texturally feels almost like the tender ribeye on a Philly cheesesteak." [Photograph: Michael Nagrant] I've finally found a reason to stop making fun of vegetarians and to become one myself: lemongrass tofu banh mi at Nhu Lan, in Lincoln Square. I know people who are crazy banh mi freaks, who consider the Vietnamese sandwich their desert island or death row meal. I am not one of those people. In fact I probably wouldn't have stopped at Nhu Lan, but after getting through a laundry list of chores and shopping, I found myself in Lincoln Square with my two-year-old screaming for lunch and my own low blood sugar about to do me in. I turned to the iPhone...
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