Banh Mi and being a "regular"

Seeing as how my mandate here is food and music, I should clarify that this post is not about "being regular" which has a distinctly different connotation than "being a regular."

On to business. Marie is convinced that it is because of my shaved head (and possibly implicitly, my big ears) that I am easily recognized and remembered. I raise this point because this post is actually about my absolute favourite place in Vancouver to get banh mi (Vietnamese subs.) Coincidentally it is also (I just remembered) the very first place I ever ate one (many thanks to Steve Balogh, who lived around the corner at the time). Truong Giang Vietnamese Sandwich is right on East Hastings near Dunlevy, and although I've never seen more than two customers in there at a time, they still manage to make fresh and tasty banh mi every time i'm there.

I remember the first few times eating there getting the same once-over stare from the owner/proprietors (I'm dead sure it's a literal mom and pop operation, it's always the same couple manning the place) but over time they have come to recognize me, to the point now where I get warm smiles and hellos, even immediately after another customer gets the old once-over in front of me. They know how I like to order: no onions, extra spicy (sliced chilli peppers). They were super excited to meet my daughter the other day, as they have a daughter of their own, who is now old enough to work at the till in the restaurant. (aside: This girl can't be more than 12 years old, and she is the epitome of good restaurant service: friendly, efficient and confident. I hope I can be a good enough parent to raise a child as together as she.)

Here's the thing: I maybe visit that place a few times a year, tops. Maybe I went slightly more often ten years ago, but since then, I think it would not be far off to say that a year could pass without me eating there. I've never introduced myself, or even small-talked with them while visiting. (Although there was one occasion where I ran into the husband/father at the vet.) Yet they still recognize me whenever I go. I'd like to say that these are people-persons, and that's why they take the time to remember customers who return, even only sporadically. But, it could be because of my haircut...

Here's the special sub, I think it's $3.50

You don't need me to tell you why Vietnamese subs are a contender for the perfect food, but I might remind you anyway.  In spite of it's history of brutality and ignorance of human rights, colonialism has produced some incredible cultural mixings and developments (Hello, jazz music!).   Here the French occupation has left Vietnam with the best bread and coffee in Asia.  Somehow banh mi manage to have a bun that is crispy, light and hearty at the same time.  Couple that with pickled veggies, some cold cuts or shredded meat, and some cilantro garnish, and bob's your uncle.  Although I'm not much of a coffee drinker (I enjoy the taste, but never understood the habit of drinking coffee every day) I will not turn down an opportunity (although they are rare) to savour two kinds of coffee: Turkish coffee (in a tiny demitasse glass with the superfine grounds mixed in at the bottom) and Vietnamese "French" ice coffee (dripped over sweetened condensed milk then poured into a glass filled with ice.)

Almost every time I eat there (or take out) I try to imagine if there were any occasion/event I could use as an excuse to get Truong Giang to cater.  Partly because I'd love for them to have the business (although they've been there for this long, they must be doing okay) and partly because how cool would it be to attack a stack of 50 banh mi.