LA to San Diego - where to pick up lunch?

[mmmmangos]

My husband and I will be driving down to the SD Zoo on Friday morning, and thought we might pick up lunch along the way. I was thinking of getting some banh mi around Westminster --there's an awesome little bakery we've bought banh mi from in the past (i know it's well known on CH), but I can't remember its name. I'm also thinking of checking out Mattern Deli in Orange, which I had read about on another site. I'm concerned that banh mi may not keep well. Thoughts on these ideas, or any other suggestions?

We plan to go and come back as quickly as possible, which is why I'm not looking for a San Diego recommendation. Thanks in advance!!

[schrutefarms]

I like Toms Farms, off the 15 in Temecula. Good sanwiches, a HUGE candy store, fresh produce, just a fun place to stop.

[mmmmangos]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think we'll take the 5 but we may end up on the 405 depending on how traffic looks. Das Ubergeek, REALLY helpful tip about getting banh mi veggies on the side - thanks! Schrutefarms, unfortunately Temecula is not on our route, but I suspect I'd really like Toms Farms. Another time.

I'll look into Tutor and Spunky's as well. Will probably decide en route. Thanks again!

[Midlife]

Dana Point. Tutor & Spunky's. Best sandwiches I've found. Period.

http://www.tutorandspunkys.com/

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Tutor & Spunky's Deli
34085 Pacific Coast Hwy Ste 116, Dana Point, CA 92629

[Das Ubergeek]

Which freeway are you using? 405? 405/73? 5? That will matter.

You can absolutely keep banh mi -- just ask for the vegetables on the side (it's a perfectly normal request and they will give you a baggie of the pickled stuff). If you're going down the 5, Zon Baguettes is literally a hundred feet west of the freeway on Newport Blvd (first exit past the 55 freeway). It's more expensive than the other places, but is excellent, English is spoken, and is a two-minute diversion plus the time to get the sandwiches.

[cagey]

If you're heading south on the 405 (and looking to stop for a banh mi pickup), you can get off at Bolsa and head east. Passing Beach Blvd and then Newland St, you'll see a shopping center *before* reaching Magnolia. In that center you'll fine Che Cali bakery (and some Pho places). Get in line (or slug your way to the front as is usually the case), get your sandwiches, and take Magnolia back to the 405. From freeway exit to freeway re-entry, it's about a 20 to 25-minute diversion (depending on the chaos in Bahn Mi Che Cali).