Paris Sandwich Cafe — Restaurant in Houston

Small mom and pop set up. I was greeted by a Latina who gave some food suggestions, then took my order. She impressively repeated the Vietnamese dish (bún rieu ốc, or the crab escargot dumpling noodle dish, without unions) in a flawless accent. Also ordered 2 banh mi to go (combo and shredded chicken).

Unfortunately chef still garnished onions on top. Broth for bun rieu was oddly more sweet than savory. Crab dumplings were lacking and no escargots in the crab escargot dumpling dish! (Latina explained later it was because i had asked for no onion which the escargot were bathed in; shouldn't i have been informed from the get go?)

The Latina came by apologetically after i mentioned the presence of onions (removed them myself rather than let them fish through the broth in the kitchen) and dropped off pickled chili peppers and a jar of shrimp paste, again offering the latter in fluent Viet accent (mắm ruốc). Sandwiches were decent. At checkout, price listed on wall wasn't what was rung up either for bun rieu. Again, i had to ask about that discrepancy.

A+ for effort, B- overall for taste, C- for lack of communication. ...

I don't know what happened that day, but the lady working there spoke no Vietnamese, and very little English. I ordered a Canh bun (B8 spinach noodle soup with crab), and she asked me if I wanted pork, chicken, or shrimp. I said no, just the crab. She looked lost and confused, so I pointed to the menu item. She didn't know what crab is, but then said "ok". While preparing my dish, I heard a lot of things being heated in the microwave. I was the only customer there, so I assumed she was making my food. When she brought out my plate, it was Banh Cuon (C5 rice paper rolls). What?! It was comical at the point, and I just ate it anyway. So everything was heated in the microwave, the rolls and bean spouts, instead of steamed, like they were supposed to be. And they weren't rolls, they were folded over at the end like envelopes, which means less fillings than in the rolls. They tasted ok, however some of the pork pieces felt like they were old or going bad. I would never eat here again, and do...

Good Pho and Bahn Mi Sandwiches. I love this little find not far from my condo. Love their presentation of Pho which puts the brisket and meatballs in the broth. My son calls it 'the place where they put the meat in the juice' affectionately. Traffic is light in the latter evening with most of their traffic coming at lunch. Bahn Mi Sandwiches are very good with a different style roll than most places. I link it because you can cut it evenly and it's a good balance between bread and meat and veggies. The lady who runs it is always very kind and service is always prompt, prices are good too....