I've come to the conclusion that Pho in general is not only an acquired taste but, many people are partial to how it is made, tastes and have their own favorite spot to enjoy this cleansing and very healthy soup.
I make Pho twice a month and, even though I'm partial to my own culinary prowess, I'll admit that I've had some really tasty Pho at other eateries and when I was in Vietnam 9 years ago too.
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There are many mixed star related reviews in regards to to Pho Long Beach from 1-5, a mixed batch if you will.
So the only way to make a decision is like playing Pan Nine at the Commerce Casino (Card-No-Card-Picture) put my money in the bank, let it run the table twice and take your chances.
I've had Pho Long Beach bookmarked for quite some time and this morning after hanging out with Tito and friends last night (what else is new) I opted to give in to my craving.
Also, I rarely dine in at any Boat Noodle, Thai, or Pho place (unless with friends) as I prefer to take the ingredients home and put them all together; a true test of freshness as to determine how the pre-prepared meal will turn out.
My order:
Large Bowl.
Pho Dac Biet-House Special for a large bowl which included, Rare Steak, Brisket, Flank,Tendon, Brisket Point,Tripe & Beef ball.
Every ingredient was individually packaged, separated and fresh.
The Bean Sprouts and the Limes were wrapped tightly, cool and crisp.
The Rare Steak, Brisket, Flank, Tendon, Brisket Point, Tripe & Beef Ball were packed tightly into a solid leak free container atop the thin Noodles, the Pho Broth was in a tightly saran wrapped styrofoam cup without any leaking.
The nicely round sliced star shaped centered Vietnamese Green Peppers, diced Malaysian Sweet Onions, Basil Leaves and Cilantro too were packed tightly and fresh.
I heated the Pho Broth in the microwave for 5.55 minutes, then placed every ingredient very methodically into the the bowl.
And, the hit for this dish is when the noodles hit the Pho Broth they spread open like a Lotus Blossom, truly no jabbing or attempts at separating them to mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Then another 2.55 minutes in the microwave with the Hoisin, Orange Pepper Sauce and some Soy Sauce (Just look at that Photo), stir all of these tasty ingredients together and savor I did for an hour enjoying this meal.
Price:
$7.56 with tax and, I'm still full 5 hours later!
The restaurant is clean, the staff is patient, friendly and very accommodating; this place was busy and 99% are Vietnamese Patrons (always a good sign when the culture dines at their eating establishments).
I'll defiantly be back and the 5 star rating is very justified for quality and freshness.
Pho Long Beach you are my Pho Fix Place and, make me fell like I'm this new person in my life's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_VpjSv_4QM read more