Fred P.
Yelp
As a pho addict, I'm always game to try a new place, and when one opens up less than ten minutes from home, I have to give it a try. My expectations for pho are very high, having had it all over the world. I fear having a bowl put in front of me and then being disappointed. Fortunately, I was very pleased at what I got.
The first thing I should note is that the place is clean, quirky (in an uptempo kind of way) and the service is friendly and helpful. I did not find the blend of meats I wanted (tai, nam, chin), so I asked if they would make a "custom" bowl. No problem. Could I get extra condiments (onions)? No problem. A good start!
The bowl (one size only, I think) was huge! My kind of meal. :) The condiments weren't quite what I requested (I like scallions pieces, I got sliced white onion) but they all went into the bowl and I added the Sriracha and plum sauce, a few pepper slices, and sampled the broth.
Yum! Now, a couple of notes: Cilantro was one of the condiments. I think next time I might do without. But here's my impression based on decades of pho dining: The pots being used to cook the soup are still new. As they age and season, I anticipate the pho will improve. Much like a good wok, a seasoned pot yields a more flavorful product. This needs time, and there's no shortcutting it.
It's a good excuse to go back, though. And I will!