**** Pho Cali & Grill
Man was it cold enough for you last night? Geez, I almost wish we had another mutt, because it surely was a Three Dog Night if I ever felt one…. I know us West Coasters are wimps…….
Way back in June, I noticed one of those coming soon signs in the same strip mall that houses Golden City. As the months past, there never seemed to be any progress as the place seemed frozen in time. In fact, Mignon Pho + Grill started up in August and opened at the end of October. So it was a bit of surprise to see that the place had finally opened.
As I entered, I noticed a certain "look" to the place…..then it clicked, and whe
n I asked the gentleman serving me confirmed that this was owned by the same folks who own Pho Cali in Mission Valley. You know that you've been in too many of these places when you recognize differences in generic decor, sigh…. I always try to reserve judgement, but I couldn't help being a bit disappointed as I really didn't think much of the Pho there.
So I just went ahead and ordered the Dac Biet (Special – $6.59) to just cut my losses, eat and get back to work. The portion size of the garnishes is the same rather skimpy sized portion as the Mission Valley counterpart….. though I can tell you, that after recent experiences, I was rather happy to see some Ngo Gai (rather one leaf) on the plate.
My bowl of Pho arrived……
And I was rather surprised; the broth was fairly clear, the fragrance mildly beefy, little droplets of oil floating on top…. this looked pretty good. The flavor really didn't deliver; it was really salty….. way too salty. The noodles were of course, in the ever present clump on the bottom, but weren't still cold in the center as I've experienced twice at the Mission Valley location.
The rare steak was just as bad as everywhere else….though I've had even worse since (coming up in a future post). The brisket, though perhaps a little too close to disintegrating, was probably the best item.
The tendon is a touch too hard for my tastes, but is still better then many places I've been. Overall, this wasn't too bad…. in fact, I need to revisit the Mission Valley location, just to see, you know…..
This past weekend, FOY (Friend of Yoso) Fred, sent me an email (it's always great to hear from you…. and best wishes to the Missus). Part of the last sentence of his email cracked me up, " it doesn't seem especially different than any other Pho place." I can see where one can think that. I do believe that this place is better than Pho T Cali, though, and the service, set-up, and much of everything else does fit that generic Pho shop look. I think folks will like that the place is new, and thus looks pretty clean.
Pho Cali and Grill
5375 Kearny Villa Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
too bad about the pho. thanks for explaining what “three dogs night” meant 🙂
Hi Kirk, that’s too bad about the Pho too… So I’m guessing the dac biet you got was the regular size and not XL.. (judging by your lack of expectation too, ha)
I hear you about the cold weather, Kirk. I think it’s been the coldest winter I’ve experienced here in the bay area. A steaming hot bowl of good pho (with ample basil leaves!) sounds pretty good right about now…
Pho does sound good right now, but then again it has been a very mild winter here so far. I hope it stays this way for awhile.
Hi Kat – It’s been pretty cold around here lately.
Hi Dennis – I just ordered the #1.
Hi Sherry – Someone I know just got back from there and told me it was freezing.
Hi Bill – I think you may get what we’ve been having in a couple of days.
I see their banner says the grand opening was November 19, which was when I last drove by and saw it was finally open. It did seem to take forever.
Ahh man…this brings up fond memories of last week. I was up north in Milpitas for Thanksgiving and we hit up a place called Pho Nam. Best tendon ever. And that broth was wonderful. Ohhh getting hungry here.
Hi Kirk,
It’s got an ideal location for me and coworkers to go over at lunch, and plenty of parking. And yet since that first time I can’t quite work up the motivation to go back.
Hi Kirk, Have you gone to Pho Santee yet?
Hi Sandy – Yes, I got tired of seeing that “Coming Soon” sign.
Hi Jan – Man, could I use some Pho this morning.
Hi Fred – That’s funny.
No not yet Michael, though more than a few folks have mentioned the place to me. I’m pretty sure that Cathy will have something soon.
You’re right, it really is pho weather here in San Diego. matthew and tried out pho mignon the other night on our way to nijiya.
Mission Valley prices ($6-$7 for Pho???) and mediocre quality for Asian food in Kearny Mesa? What are they thinking? I guess their target market is all the Bridgepoint people and other offices nearby.
Hi Lynnea – How did you like it?
Hi GT – I did feel the sticker shock…. especially after eating at Convoy Noodle House a couple of days after.
After reading this, I just had to try this place out. I am Vietnamese and my mom makes amazing Pho, so I came in a bit biased. I had to admit, I thought it was great! The staff was so friendly, I got my food very quickly, the broth was great, there was a generous amount of meat, and it stayed hot until the end. I had the Thai ice tea with boba and I also liked it. The boba balls were just the right texture.
I would even bring my family here. Overall, this is one of my new favorite Pho restaurants and I would recommend it!
Kirk,
Matthew and I liked pho mignon but just the service alone would get us back in there. the tea lattes are my big draw =)
Hi Breanna – I’m glad you enjoyed Pho Cali…. after visiting again, I’m not quite sold on the Pho here, as it is too salty and lacks depth of flavor.
Hi Lynnea – Yes, the service at Pho Mignon is very nice.
Kirk,
I sent you a few emails but not sure if you got them. I am looking for some recommendations on sushi knives that don’t cost a fortune.
Also there is a dish at Saigon that is a chicken hot pot with rice on the bottom and it is slightly sweet. Not sure if you had that but I would love to know how to make the sauce.
I tried to make the boiled fish and it was close but needs a lot of tweaking I think my broad bean paste was a little bitter tasting actually. I like korean chile pastes so maybe I will try that next.
Thanks again for your help.