Even though plenty has changed since COVID-19 arrived in 2019-2020, it's safe to say not much has changed at Chesapeake's Pho Dalat. That's both good & bad - for me, I'm simply not happy with their service. But their food is good. PD is the perfect example in determining (if you had to choose) what's more important to you as a diner - good food or good service?
I guess, for me, the answer is good food. I used to frequent PD often as it's close to my office. But now I'm permanently a remote employee, so I don't get out to Chesapeake much as a result.
I finally decided, though, to check them out again, because it's been almost 3 years since my last visit. I was curious as to how my return experience would be - I came in on 10/1/22 and was surprised to find a female working the FOH. She was all about the hustle - frank (but polite), anticipating customer needs, moved with a sense of urgency. This was a different Pho Dalat just because of her. If you're a PD regular, you know what (or whom) I'm referring to.
That evening, I made it a point to order #11, the Duck Egg Noodle (Mi Vit Quay). It was as good as I remembered - so delicious and filling. It went great with their spring rolls (#2) and the soda I ordered. And wouldn't you know it - my server actually asked me if I would like a refill. I was in shock and happily answered, "Yes. Yes, I would love a refill of your soda, ma'am." I was giddy and elated. Right then and there, I decided I would return as often as possible.
Fast forward almost 2 months - I headed out to PD again, this time with high expectations. I walk in on 11/29/22 and - boom, their regular FOH guy was working. He's an older gentleman who, and I'll say this as nicely as possible, is a glacial server. In addition, he doesn't seem to give af. That's a lethal combination for customers, especially if a customer seeks a "quick" bite.
Slow Pai Mei was already in the weeds - there was a 4-top and an 8-top finishing up their meals. When I came in and said I was alone, he just gestured at a small table and dropped the menu on it as I sat down. That proved to be the ONLY interaction I had with him during my visit. Well, I interacted with him once more before I left because I had to pay my tab, but two BOH people took my order, brought me my food, refilled my drink and prebussed my table. Mr. FOH walked around, took payments for the other 2 parties and then continued to take his sweet time cleaning those parties' empty tables after they left. Not once did he come over to my table - he didn't serve me, didn't look in my direction, nothing. He didn't acknowledge me at any point, even when he walked directly in front of me, which was often because my table was 3 feet from the register.
The 2 kitchen staffers were in on all of this - they apologized to me every time they stopped by my table and would shake their heads and roll their eyes while shooting their coworker mean glances (albeit, they did this while he wasn't looking). They were obviously fed up because they're picking up his slack and essentially working dual roles.
Btw, during that visit, I had the spring rolls again and the #10, Hue Noodle (Bun Bo Hue). The #10 is spicy - I ordered it because it was cold outside and I wanted to warm up. Bun Bo Hue definitely does the trick.
So yeah, Pho Dalat offers excellent food, but you run the high risk of getting crummy service, too. My previous review in 2018 came with four stars. This one would actually be a two, but I awarded an extra star because of their food quality. Regardless, I won't be hitting them up as often as I'd like because I can get good food and service from Los Burritos nearby.
Thanks, though, Pho Dalat. JV read more