I had a tasty bahn mi from the new Pork Belly Grub Shack, opened recently by Kru’s Billy Ngo and Aimel Formoli of Formoli’s Bistro. Composed on a chewy baguette smeared with a richly-flavored pork pate, the sandwich was stuffed with crackly sliced pork belly (more fat than meat), pickled carrots, cucumber slices, daikon, cilantro and enough jalapeno peppers to give it a spicy snap.
The quirky, friendly eatery is buried in a retail center near Arco Arena in Natomas, and it takes some befuddled driving around before you locate it – but it’s worth checking out for the interesting menu items. I spied several amazing-looking burgers while I was there (the “Hot Mess” burger is slathered with barbecue sauce and loaded with melted cheddar and Jack cheeses, caramelized onions, roasted garlic and a fried egg) and there’s also a fun selection of sandwiches (don’t miss the funky fried chicken sandwich) and salads.
4261 Truxel Road, Sacramento, (916) 285-6100
