As an avid traveler, we felt like Anthony Bourdain discovering this Vietnamese restaurant. The mechanic next door showed us how to ring the buzzer to be let in. The resident dog made sure we didn't wander upstairs. Through the gate and down the alley there was a single table waiting for us. The Vietnamese owner/chef had previously helped train the Mexican staff at the only other phó joint in the city (owned by Americans), and before that she was a chef in Vancouver, BC. Now she can spend the day with her kids in between serving customers.
My husband and I enjoyed a welcoming bowl of eggrolls and the fish sauce felt like home. Next, we had refreshing traditional Vietnamese coffee with bubble tea and cucumber lemonada. For our meals, my husband wanted a banh mi but unfortunately she was out of the bread. Instead, he opted for pho like me.
The pho was large. Served in an adorable clay pot and I was unable to finish mine. Broth was good, nice and light. For my seasoned palette, I would prefer more of anise and fish sauce broth taste. But overall, I was satisfied!
Lastly, we had a great conversation with the owner and felt like we made a new friend. This is a hidden gem and we will definitely be back. Happy eating. read more