It's Raining Cats and Dogs

Thi Thi Vietnamese Submarine
209 1st Street SE

Thursday was a wet one. It rained nonstop from morning to night. But David's gotta eat. Today would have been a good day to check out the TA Oasis as it is a block away, but crappy weather could potentially mean a shorter line up at Thi Thi subs. I was completely drenched before I even got to the end of the block. It's too late now to go back to TA... You can't get any wetter than completely drenched. 7 more blocks to go. Normally, the line for Thi Thi subs stretches to the sidewalk and curves around the block. Where 20 minute waits is the norm. Not today. As I walked up to the hole in the wall (literally), the line was still inside. Two other die hard fans were waiting for their delicious subs. As I opened the door, I was greeted by Thi Thi sub owner and family, cardboard "welcome mat" and the smell of the delicious saté sauce.

As I ordered by food, the saté ribs, more people began showing up. The sub sandwiches, stored in a giant rubbermaid tub, is sliced with a machete when ordered (Sketch? Yes. But it's effective). It is first lathered with butter (probably lard, or lard butter), then put through the toaster roller with the meat and cheese so that the cheese is all melted on to the meat and bun. Next, my usual toppings, carrots and cucumbers, are added. And finally, the Thi Thi special sauce is drizzled on. By drizzle, I mean squirted. Upon receiving my sub, I made my trek back to the office. Special thanks to the Children Festival's clowns for lending me their umbrella while I waited for the lights. That was very sweet of them. Not that it really matter because I was drenched from head to toe. But it's the thought that counts.

8 blocks and 10 minutes of drying off later, I was finally able to enjoy my sub. The bread, surprisingly, was still crispy. The special sauce was spicy and delicious. The veggies were crunchy and the ribs were tender. Totally worth it. Totally.