The catfish sandwich at Baoguette. (Photo by Roxana Marroquin)

Ah, we’re so predictable. Times get tough, and we turn to bread—stuffed with all kinds of deliciousness. We suppose it could be worse.… In this week’s issue, the cover story focuses on spring fashion and we ponder another trend of the moment: sandwiches. The throngs that descend with regularity on Baoguette and the new Manhattan Defonte’s may enjoy TONY’s picks of the best new pleasures on sliced bread (and arepas—Williamsburg’s Caracas sneaked in there too).

Sandwiches aren’t confined to our feature. An Choi and Num Pang Sandwich Shop, both touting Asian subs, open this week, as do five other spots, including Cafe Pedlar from the boys behind Frankies 457 Spuntino and Libertador, an Argentine eatery on the Upper East Side.

On the critical front, Jay Cheshes wanted to love La Fonda del Sol but was less than impressed, granting the Spanish revival thee stars out of six. Mr. Jones also got a visit, warranting four stars for Bryan Emperor’s deft Japanese tapas, Shin Ikeda’s cocktails and an appealing retro-futuristic vibe. In bars, our critic lauded Beer Table for its singular list of brews and educational mission, awarding it five stars.

Also this week: places to drink from a beer tower (like a keg, but different) and a week full of eating and boozing events.