The Sandwich Files: Star Provisions "Banh Mi"

Okay, so pretty much every sandwich at Star Provisions is worth its own post. Their "Banh Mi" is certainly no exception.  I'm guessing that they put the name of the sandwich in quotes on the menu because it is not traditional in some way. Who cares. It is one of the best sandwiches in the city.

The sandwich starts with a perfect crusty baguette smeared with house made mayo. The roll is stuffed with glazed pork belly and, on this particular occasion, roasted pork shoulder. The toppings -- carrot, cucumber, red pepper, pickled jalapeño, cilantro, and basil -- provide a vinegary and spicy counterbalance to cut all of the pork fat. 

This sandwich is unctuous and fatty in all of the best ways. Extra napkins are advisable.

Star Provisions

1198 Howell Mill Road, NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

The Sandwich Files: Fried Bologna with Spicy Kimchi at Heirloom Market BBQ

Let's be honest, it's a pain in the ass to eat at Heirloom Market BBQ. Located in a former liquor store alongside I285, the parking is extremely limited and the lines are generally out the door. But when your order is called, it all seems worth it. My normal go-to is the spicy Korean pork sandwich, made with rib meat marinated in gochujang (Korean chili paste) and smoked to perfection. That sandwich has a new rival in this fried bologna sandwich special. 

The thinly-sliced bologna is fried and piled on a soft potato roll with Heirloom's spicy kimchi slaw. Kimchi pickles are served on the side. It sounds simple, and it is, but the bologna is a perfect fatty vehicle for the spicy funk of the kimchi. I finished mine in about four bites. Hopefully, this special becomes a mainstay.

Heirloom Market BBQ

2243 Akers Mill Road

Atlanta, GA 30339

The Sandwich Files: The Aporkalypse Now from Muss & Turner's

Muss & Turner's in Smyrna has a huge list of great sandwiches on their lunch menu, the most popular being the Big Green Egg grilled burger. For today's sandwich, however, I went with something off of the "Divine Swine" section of the menu:  The Aporkalypse Now.

This lunch-only Thai-inspired sandwich comes on a soft, french bun (the same bread used for the burger) that is toasted on the flat top. The bun is smeared with cilantro mayo, and piled high with warm, thinly-sliced pork loin. The pork is topped with a slaw made with cucumbers, cabbage, red onion, and cilantro. A cup of "spicy nam prik" made with fish sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar and chiles is provided on the side for french dip style dunkage. The sandwich is not very spicy, but overall the Aporkalypse Now is a solid sandwich.

Muss & Turner's
1675 Cumberland Parkway
Smyrna, GA 30080

The Sandwich Files: Star Provisions Muffuletta

The muffuletta has few peers. After a night of overindulgence in New Orleans, there is nothing more restorative than ordering one of these rich and salty beauties from the Central Grocery and eating it on the banks of the Mississippi. All of the muffuletta's elements -- the Bread, Salami, Mortadella, Ham, Provolone, and Olive Salad -- play crucial roles. If one of them is off, it ruins the whole sandwich. Most muffulettas I've eaten in Atlanta have been awful. Maybe that is why I'd never tried the Star Provisions version until today.