Bun Mee: If I could knock on the door of Denise Tran's Pacific Heights eating place, Bun Mee, at any hour and purchase a sandwich, rest assured that I would.
I've been dreaming of pork belly since my first visit, and because the menu boasts nine banh mi-inspired creations, it doesn't appear that my Vietnamese sandwich dreams will end anytime soon.
All of the wallet-friendly sandwiches are made on toasted French baguettes and filled with intriguing ingredients and flavor combinations, as well as the traditional herb, pickled vegetable and jalapeno accompaniments.
The Belly Bun's ($6.50) combination of tender pork belly, with its deep, slow-braised flavor, the slight sweetness from the radish relish and the lingering heat from the jalapenos is flooring. Had I had the perseverance to eat more than one, I would have.
Other tasty options include the Sloppy Bun ($6.25), Joe's Vietnamese cousin, which can be made even sloppier with the addition of a fried egg (additional $1.50); and the Hanoi-Style Crispy Catfish ($6.50).
Sides, such as the green papaya salad ($3.50), work well as cooling agents against the heat from the sandwiches. If you're looking for a more substantial side, opt for the salad rolls ($5.75).
If you're not in a banh mi mood, try a rice bowl or salad such as the Saigon Peanut Rice Bowl ($10). And even if you think you can't, push yourself to finish with a coconut cookie sandwich ($1.50). You won't regret it.
Bun Mee: 2015 Fillmore St., S.F. (415) 800-7696. www.bunmee.co. 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Delivery ($20 minimum) and online ordering available.