It's seems like things are cooling off a bit. So, I decided to reward myself for working a weekend morning by heading up to City Heights. I'd make up my mind when I got there….and since it had been about a year since I'd last visited, an early lunch at Tu Thanh seemed perfect.
The menu here has expanded over the years…..
But I stick with the one dish that I first started having back…..well golly, in August of 2006, at Chi Tu Thanh Nha Hang, aka Chinese Kitchen.
The Bun Mang Vit.
I love how the earthy crunchiness of the rehydrated bamboo shoots as it contrasts quite nicely with the bun. These days, I don't drink the broth which is very light, until near the end. Once you finish dunking, saucing (that wonderful gingery and sweet nuoc mam gung), the herbs and veggies, and that duck into the broth, the flavor is transformed. The duck, which I think is the source for the broth is toothsome, but that gamy flavor is still quite pronounced. And of course that little bath in the nuoc mam gung just adds another wonderful layer.
Man, this looks like a lot more duck than I used to get here. There's still rau ram in the salad, but not as much banana blossom.
Still, this is comfort food. And I always leave feeling like I'd had a meal at a friend's house. And all this is still eight bucks.
Tu Thanh
4804 University Ave. #A
San Diego, CA 92105
Parking in the area can be a bit of a pain. On this morning, because Mucha Fruita (Cathy's post from 2015) was grilling stuff, there wasn't much parking close by. So I parked two blocks away. It gave me a chance to take a photo of this place.
Sent Cathy a text with the photo and she mentioned that this was one of three locations of the "Leaning Tower of Pizza" chain. Now it's a dive bar and tattoo parlor.
That's City Heights……
interesting area, glad you had a nice meal:)
This hit the spot Kat!
Cool photo of the Tower Bar! I’ve driven by a bunch of times but never stopped to check it out.
It really does stand out Soo!