It’s been a good fall for one of this year’s hottest newcomers, An Choi. Owner Tuan Bui tells us the Orchard Street banh mi/pho emporium has seen a 30-percent sales increase since his beer and wine license finally came through. He doesn’t think it’s the only factor. An expanded menu has helped, as well. Among the new items: thit kho, caramelized pork belly with Vietnamese pickles, and com suon bi, a grilled lemongrass pork chop with shredded pork skin over rice. There are also some heartier banh mi offerings, including one featuring a grilled pork basil meatball and hanger steak. Tuan says the continued positive buzz in the neighborhood and in widely read publications (including a mention in Details Magazine) have not hurt. Tuan mentions that pop-up sensation “Asia Dog,” a weekly visitor over the summer, is taking a bit of a break.
