Mr Saigon's bánh mì is on the way (plus a few updates)

Did you know there was a fourth space available for a restaurant in the building? Me neither. Cherry Street took one section, then Źóćáló, and then Mod Pizza ... but I was surprised to hear today that Mod Pizza isn't taking over that whole space. There's one more spot in the northeast corner.

A little bird tells me that it'll soon be the latest outpost of Huy Tat's burgeoning bahn mi empire, Mr Saigon. Seattle Met reports that he's just opened a spot near 2nd and Pike, and that he's got a Pioneer Square location coming soon. My tipster says that it's in our building.

Back in our Federal Way days, I'd occasionally veer way from the phở at my frequent lunch spot and have a bánh mì sandwich. It's a small baguette, meat (I go with chicken), and veggies (cilantro, cucumber, carrots, cabbage).

Mr. Saigon's sandwiches should be cheap, too, especially compared to Grand Central and Delicatus. An undated review of their Central District location -- and the background image on Mr Saigon's web site -- shows prices as low as $5.50 for a classic bánh mì. Fast? Cheap? Tasty? Not pizza? Sounds like a good fit.

There's been no timeline announced for opening, which is admirable. Most restaurateurs seem to throw out a best, soonest possible opening date, and then disappointingly miss it. Better to under-promise, or make no expectations at all.

Otherwise, the neighborhood's been a bit slow. Three things I've noticed:

• Yeah, JuJuBeet opened this week in the old Taco Del Mar space. That's like healthy fruit-and-vegetable juice cleanse voodoo vitamin stuff, though, so you won't catch me near there. 

• Mod Pizza's construction is in full swing; they announced last year that they're targeting an April 2019 opening. I ate at their Union Square location two years ago and said it was "the way I like it: crispy, messy, made to order." I prefer a pepperoni cleanse to a juice cleanse any day.

• Lady Yum and their macarons opened last month, just across the street. It took longer than expected (window signs said Summer 2018), but they made it. I'm waiting a few days until my professional macaron taster arrives in town for a proper review.

And one more nibble: Like Il Corvo? I sure do -- enough that it inspired my cat's name, but not enough to wait in that block-long line. Several sources (the Seattle Times, The Stranger, Eater) are reporting that a dinner version, Il Nido, will be opening near Alki Point next month. That's a bit far for an after-dinner walk, but if you're in that area, well, get in line for dinner.