Assorted Banh Mi Meats Prevented My Vegetarianism

There was a brief period in my early 20s when I seriously considered and attempted vegetarianism. For someone who grew up eating at least three different types of animal protein on any given day, this was a major feat, and I lasted for almost a month. Only, driving along downtown one afternoon, I had a sudden craving for a Vietnamese sandwich, assorted meats, from Van Loc. The warm crusty French bread, cradling pork liver pate, head cheese and other assorted cold cuts, sliced pickled carrots, fresh cilantro, cucumbers, jalapeno peppers, and a butter possibly mayonnaise concoction, made me realize I couldn't give up eating meats! I specify that it's not meat, but meats.

This sandwich is the embodiment of everything I love about meats.

Van Loc (10648 98 Street, Edmonton)

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You Say Sandwich, We Say Yeah!

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