Yael D.
Yelp
While eating here on a recent Saturday night, I was beside myself when I spotted Rosie Perez dining at a nearby table. For those of you who have zero idea who she is, do yourself a favor and find a way to stream Spike Lee's seminal film, 'Do the Right Thing.' In today's racially charged times, it seems more apropos than ever. And please don't tell me you have no idea who Spike Lee is:
Yeah, yeah, but how was the food?
Pork Spring Rolls with Mint & Lettuce for wrapping (4 to an order): These were pretty tasty, but for some inexplicable reason, they were served on top of the Lettuce Leaves you were meant to wrap them in. Not only that, but these Lettuce Leaves were wet, as if they had been washed, but not dried. So between that and the steam from the hot Spring Rolls, they were every bit as soggy as you'd imagine. Plus we had to request more Lettuce since there wasn't enough and that too, was wet.
Iron Pot Lemongrass Chicken Curry with a 'Sour Kick': This one came with Calamari on the menu, so I appreciated the kitchen's willingness to swap it out for Chicken. It was also pretty tasty, but everything was cut really small and I longed for some texture. It was more spicy than sour, which I didn't mind, but I couldn't make out much Lemongrass. Ultimately, not worth $17.
Beef Pho: I liked my first spoonful of this, which popped with star anise flavor, but then as I kept eating, I realized it was the only thing I could taste and that the broth was one-dimensional and in need of seasoning. Hubby also flashed back to this totally divey, yet delicious Vietnamese spot on Avenue U where we'd enjoyed our Pho accompanied by thinly sliced raw beef on the side that we added ourselves. The beef was already in the broth before this hit the table.
A Word about Service: Our mains arrived before our Spring Rolls. Then, not two minutes later, the Spring Rolls arrived. This thoughtless pacing bugged me because I knew, especially since we were eating soup, at least one dish would get cold. At this price point, this shouldn't happen. I mentioned it to the server, who while very sweet, didn't really know how to respond.
A Word about the Cocktails: I have enjoyed some complex, well-balanced cocktails lately and these weren't that. Hate to say it, but they were basic AF and for $12 at that.
A Word about the Space: It's more roomy than it appears from the outside and is very inviting.
Bottom line: This city is not exactly known for its Vietnamese cuisine, with the most satisfying that I've tried so far, being at dingy little places in Chinatown. I had been hoping this would prove to be that elusive Holy Grail combination of good Pho AND pleasant ambiance. Alas, the quest continues.
ps Don't know how the aforementioned Ms. Perez felt about her meal, but I won't be back. Three stars 'cause I get this spot's convenient appeal for locals. But destination worthy, it's not.
