Although its name sounds like a secret code that only Austin locals understand, Ng BMT is actually a Vietnamese sandwich spot located within the Hong Kong Supermarket. This unique sandwich cafe-meets-bakery serves traditional Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches on fresh-baked baguettes.

Each banh mi is available with your choice of peppered shrimp, tofu, pork, or other meats to accommodate both meat eaters and vegetarian guests. Diners new to the banh mi might enjoy the pork banh mi, which sandwiches slices of marinated pork within a warm baguette with creamy mayo, pickled carrots, cilantro, and, for a little spicy kick, jalapeno peppers! Counter the heat with the chilled sweet tofu dessert.

Ng BMT is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Regulars note that the prices at Ng BMT are easy on the wallet, so you can grab a cheap lunch that’s bit out of the ordinary.

Ng BMT
8557 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78758
(512) 931-1088
www.ngbmt.com
www.yelp.com/biz/ng-bmt-austin

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Stacy Spensley

Lots of things are in bloom in the springtime, including a number of nutritious vegetables. However, it can be difficult to decide what to purchase when you’re faced with the overwhelming possibilities in the produce aisle. Here are a few veggies that are in season in the spring, plus tips for choosing the freshest of the bunch.

1. Artichokes. Look for artichokes with tight, firm leaves that are deep green in color. Be sure to avoid ones with black spots, because this means they’re old and already rotting.

2. Asparagus. The thickness of the asparagus doesn’t matter, but you’ll need to check if it’s bright green and firm. Avoid bunches that are drooping or peeling.

3. Peas. Whether you’re looking for snow, sugar, or snap peas, you want to choose pods that are almost translucent.

4. Spinach. Spinach is one of the most nutrient-rich vegetables, but you should choose only fresh leaves to maximize its health benefits. Look for bunches that are darkly colored with no signs of yellowing or breaking.

5. Rhubarb. This isn’t the most common vegetable, but rhubarb is delicious in a number of sweet dishes from pies to cobblers. Avoid limp stalks and seek out ones that are deep red in color.

Spring Clean Your Diet [Cooking Light]
Spring’s Best Fruits and Vegetables [Real Simple]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr jshontz

When that lunchtime hunger strikes during the workday in Round Rock, head over to the Sweet-n-Cheezy food truck for the perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. The recognizable orange truck serves patty melt-style sandwiches with names like The Hungry Hippo and the Razorback, and they’re all piled high with premium meats and deliciously melted cheeses between two slices of thick, grilled Texas toast.

The signature sandwich is the namesake Sweet-n-Cheezy, a unique combination of fresh strawberries with melted brie cheese and raspberry jam on pistachio cranberry bread. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more traditional, you’ll also find perfectly grilled burgers that taste even better when paired with the truck’s soft, fluffy shaved ice.

The Sweet-n-Cheezy truck is closed from Monday to Wednesday.

Sweet-n-Cheezy
5430 US Highway 79
Round Rock, TX 78665
(512) 887-4540
www.sweet-n-cheezy.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr waferboard