With nothing but pocket change to do my bidding, I showed up, hungry, at the North Austin Chinatown location of Lily's.
I'd heard of the place for years, and hoped that the bread, which I was promised would be the closest approximation to New Orlean's poboy-style bread I'd find in town, would meet my bread-picky standards. It did. In spades.
What a delightful place I found. Rows and rows of all kinds of condiments for sale, the likes of which I've never tried. If it weren't for the fact that loose change was all I had, considering Lily's does not take debit cards, I'd have tried everything in sight. That's just how I roll. Like I'm going to have to have some of that Grass Jelly some day. And a few of the other odds and ends sitting about.
And I was delighted with my bahn mi, too! Fresh ingredients--herbs including cilantro, pickled vegetables, and some other stuff that I'm not sure I know--because my English was met with vacant stares, but hey, I'm an adventurer! So a #3 it was.
Though there was a communication breakdown, there was no shortage of hospitality. Or value! I received a bright, fresh, tasty foot-longish sandwich, on that glorious crusty bread, along with a glass of iced jasmine tea, on the house, and with exchanged smiles and nods, I got down to the business at hand.
Having spent half of the cost of a standard fast food value(?) meal, I left satisfied, with a tad more pep in my step than greasy burgers and fries would have me, and looking forward to many happy returns.
I happily recommend a visit to Lily's, at 10901 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753.
Happy Trails!
Oh my gosh I stumbled in there one day while I was shopping at the asian market. It's such a great little deli. I too was blown away by the condiments and just like you when I realized they only took cash or check. I quickly scrounged 5 bucks out of my purse and bought a #3 too. If I recall they were super nice and that sandwich was so big! I LOVE this post! I don't think I got free tea so it must have been that winning smile you have :)
ReplyDeleteThat was a fine sandwich, and cheap, too, huh? I think there is another sandwich place in Chinatown that is their competition, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of the nasty reviews I read, which really surprised me, weren't somehow related to the rivalry among them. Nevertheless, they've got a customer in me!
DeleteLet's go back together and test the smile theory! Hahahaha.
Love that place! This sounds weird, but I absolutely love their Vietnamese yogurt.
ReplyDeleteWeird? Then I HAVE to try it! Thanks for dropping by, Meredith! Happy Holidays!
DeleteI get my eyebrows done by this sweet little Vietnamese lady who SWEARS by that place. I need to get up there and check it out! And thanks for the tip for those of us who never carry cash.
ReplyDeleteI still can't believe that sandwich was 3.50! lol
DeleteThanks for dropping in, friend!
YUM! I love a good bahn mi sandwich. This one looks fabulous! You can't go wrong with free tea:)
ReplyDelete