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). Read more »

White sturgeon caviar from Calvisius

Consider the following new restaurants when you dine out next week (openings can be delayed, so call ahead to confirm before heading out):

An Choi In an attempt to bring more authentic Vietnamese food to New York, owners Tuan and Huy Bui have opened this small space designed to look like a street alley in Saigon. It comes complete with a mobile food cart dispensing banh mi sandwiches, including fillings such as crispy roasted pork with pickled carrots, daikon radish, cilantro and aioli. The restaurant also specializes in pho: chicken or beef broths with rice noodles, bean sprouts, Thai basil and lime. 85 Orchard St between Broome and Grand Sts (212-226-3700)

BXL East A second location of the midtown Belgian beer bar and restaurant has opened on the Upper East Side, this time offering a bigger selection of suds, including 15 on tap and 50 by the bottle. Pair its house brew, the Cuvee BXL (an amber ale made by upstate’s Brewery Ommegang), with steak or one of many preparations of moules frites. 210 E 51st St between Second and Third Aves (212-888-7782) Read more »