Vietnamese Restaurants – Page 9

Phuong Nga Bakery and Café Revisited

August 8, 2022 mmm-yoso Banh Mi, Sandwiches, Vietnamese Restaurants

**** Phuong Nga Bakery and Cafe is now Banh Mi Express

With the recent hot and relatively muggy weather, I'd been craving banh mi. Also, I had been wanting to revisit Phuong Nga Bakery and Café, but when I initially dropped by after work, I saw that Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 01 their hours were now only from 8am to 3pm Mondays to Fridays. I did pass by on a Saturday and I noticed activity in the place. And then it dawned on me…..all that bread you see Phuong Nga selling from their counter is baked here! Duh….. And so, I made it a point to actually drop by during the shop's business hours to grab a banh mi.

The young man working was very nice and did confirm that the bread at Phuong Nga is indeed baked here.

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 02

I ordered the Banh Mi with Ham and Pate (Banh Mi Thịt Nguoi – $6.19, all sign are only in English) to go and my sandwich was ready in a few minutes.

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 03 Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 04b The banh mi here have always been on the "hefty" side in my opinion and this was no different. First off, the bread was really crusty, I felt perhaps a bit too heavily baked? One bite resulted in crusty "shrapnel" flying in all directions. Still, this was much better than what I've recently had from Cali Baguette and Cali Banh Mi, both of which seemed to have "jumped the shark" a while back.

There was a nice smear of pate which I enjoyed and perhaps a bit too much Thịt Nguoi? But maybe that because of my own "PPP" (personal proportional preference)?

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 04

The jalapeno was pretty mild and for some reason I felt the sandwich could have done with more cilantro and pickled veggies? Perhaps that's because of the larger amount of protein in this sandwich?

Phuong Nga Bakery Rev 05

Anyway, this did fill me up and I think is a decent option for banh mi. If that bread was just a little less baked, it would have brought it up a notch as it was nice and yeasty and the non-crust portions nice and tender. So, I'll probably check them out again soon.

Phuong Nga Bakery and Cafe
9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92123
Current Hours:
Mon – Fri 8am – 3pm
Closed on Saturday and Sundays

Circling Back to Tu Thanh

June 13, 2022 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants

A few weeks back, the Missus was craving Her favorite Bun Rieu, so I went to pick some up. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, I was told that there was at least an hour wait for the Bun Rieu. I suddenly had an idea; I placed my order and decided to push my luck and see if I could find parking near Tu Thanh. I had tried to grab my favorite Bun Mang Vit in San Diego from Tu Thanh during the previous month, but there was no parking to be found within 4-5 blocks, so I ended up at "plan B" 777 Noodle House. Still my craving for Bun Mang Vit went unabated.

Well, I guess it was my lucky day, I found parking half a block away and greedily headed to Tu Thanh.

Circling TT 01

These days Tu Thanh opens at 9 and I arrived at 930 and there were no customers in the place.

Not sure what the drill is these days; I went up to the window and placed my order.

Circling TT 02 Circling TT 03 And then went and sat at a table. I took a look around the room and quickly noticed at the pile of children's toys stacked up on a freezer. I guess Covid has meant that there had to be options in place if childcare and school is not available?

As I waited for my noodle soup my mind wandered……Tu Thanh is one of those "places" that I have been going to for ages. Well, sort of; you see, back in 2006, I used to go to A Chinese Fast-Food shop…well, sort of a Chinese Fast Food Shop named Chinese Kitchen. Along with the Fried Rice, Chow Mein, and other "standards", none of which I ever tried, there was a menu posted with Vietnamese Specialties. In fact, the other name the place was known as was "Chi Tu Thanh Nha Hang". Then nearly 7 years later, Tu Thanh's namesake restaurant opened and I've been going there ever since.

Circling TT 04

Soon enough the Nuoc Mam Gung and my eating utensils arrived. The utensils were delivered in a little basket. I'm guessing with Covid, they don't just lay out the eating implements on tables anymore.

Circling TT 06

The look and the fragrance of the Nuoc Mam Gung was comforting. Back in March of 2021 I'd done take out from Tu Thanh and the sauce was lacking in garlic and ginger and was much too sweet. This was return to what I expected and enjoyed.

Circling TT 05 Circling TT 07 My noodle soup and duck arrived. Over time, I'd resigned myself to the fact that banana blossom was no longer included with the Bun Mang Vit. Also, the quantity of dried bamboo shoot has gone down gradually over the years, reducing the amount of earthy tones in the broth. And I'm sure that ever rising costs and Covid supply chain issues have had an affect as well.

Still, on this day at least, the noodles were perfectly firm enough and slippery, the broth was nicely flavored, not overly MSG heavy. The broth does get better as the meal goes along because of the way I eat the duck with this dish. And that gingery-garlicky-savory-mildly sweet sauce was on point.

The duck was sliced to a good thinness for the dish, had a good toothsomeness, and was oh so "ducky" if you know what I mean.

Circling TT 08 Circling TT 09 As for how I eat this; well that's been that's been documented in earlier posts:

"Chi Tu Thanh taught me to eat things this way years ago. For the duck; I dip it in the broth…it warms it up a bit (a good study in temperature and flavor) and in the end adds a bit of flavor to the broth; it then gets a dunk in the sauce, which livens things up. The veggies get the same….what ever escapes adds to the flavor of the rather neutral flavored broth. A dunk in the steaming broth (as it was this day) changes the texture of the herbs a vegetables and whatever escapes adds to the flavor of the broth…those stray veggies do eventually get a dip in the sauce as well."

And over the meal, because I let the bamboo shoots steep in the hot broth, the flavor gets better and better.

Circling TT 10

And yes, it's not as amazing as it used to be; but it's still darn good!

Funny thing, the young lady who I ordered from initially spoke to me in Vietnamese and was a bit surprised that I didn't speak that language. As I paid at the register she asked me how I enjoyed my meal and then asked me how I had heard of Tu Thanh. I told her that even though I'm not a regular customer, I've been eating the Bun Mang Vit from the days of Chinese Kitchen. Which got quite a funny, surprised look from her.

Circling TT 11

And yes, I am so very thankful that places like Tu Thanh, Minh Ky, Phuong Nga, and Mien Trung are still around for us to enjoy. And hopefully will be around for many more years!

Tu Thanh
4804 University Ave. #A
San Diego, CA 92105
Current Hours:
Thurs – Tues 9am – 7pm
Closed on Wednesday

Road Trip efficiency: Brodard (breakfast menu!) and Ochoa’s Chorizo

June 2, 2022 Cathy Breakfast/Brunch, Markets & Grocers, Orange County, Road Trip, Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is being written by Cathy today, while Kirk is busy with work.

Almost every post I have written has been part of some other errand or event, even before the crazy surge in fuel prices. Usually, the 'other part' of the trip is a separate post or remains unwritten. The second part of this post will reveal a long time favorite stop. Kirk wrote about Brodard in 2013 and I wrote about a visit to the original location in 2014 and the new location in 2019.
Since Covid-19, we had driven here a few times, during the week to avoid crowds.
The menu has condensed, is easily wiped down and has no prices.
Nem Nuong with pork (3 rolls, $7.50) is an automatic order here. Brodard is known for these rolls. Pretty much made to order (the rolls are constantly being prepared (because they are constantly being ordered) in an 'open kitchen' area), the flavorful grilled pork sausage with lettuce, cucumber, carrot, cilantro, daikon and chive wrapped with rice paper bundles with the crisp wonton in the center makes the rolls unique. The warm, pork based sauce accompanying the rolls is just the perfect bit of savory.
The Banh Khot Tom- Moon Cake shrimp ($12.95) are mini crisp rice cakes flavored with coconut milk and turmeric.
Each is filled with one shrimp, mung beans and scallion. Served with a variety of greens and a lime-chili-fish sauce for dipping, every delicate bite is filled with flavor.

We were here on a Saturday, around 8 a.m. and noticed this placard on the table-

A breakfast menu. We had to.
The top item: Bo Ne Trung ($17). Chateaubriand -with pate (on the top left of the platter), sate sauce, onions, mayonnaise and two eggs, served sizzling.
It's served with a piece of banh mi. (You can sort of see the corse pate a bit better in this photo). (It is a *wonderful*, flavor filled pate).

The egg whites crisped from the heat of the cast iron platter, while the yolks remained runny. The beef tenderloin was quite perfect; buttery-tender with flavor complimented by the sate sauce (as well as occasional bites of onion and mayonnaise).

It looks like the breakfast menu has been available on weekends since the end of March. We hope to go back soon to try the other items available on the special menu.

Brodard Restaurant 16105 Brookhurst Street Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (657) 247-4401 Website Open daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

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We leave Brodard and know that the Interstate will eventually be found and we can head home. The new location of Cream Pan is only about a mile from Brodard. One signal light South of Brodard is Warner. We took that street one day in 2018 and found this business. Now it is a destination. This small, nondescript storefront houses quality. Family owned, Ochoa's has been selling fresh made, perfectly spiced chorizo for more than 35 years.
There are two refrigerator display cases. Pork, chicken and soy chorizo with various spice levels are the primary choices.
The pricing? The plain and spicy pork chorizo is available in bulk. All are available by the meter (scroll back up and look at that photo again). There are a few other meats available.
A meter of green pork chorizo, (medium spice/heat level) ($9) is simply placed in a paper bag for the trip home. We also purchase a pound of bulk mild spice pork chorizo ($4.25). Once home, the green is cut into three inch chunks and frozen, while the mild is divided into three ounce small flat shapes and frozen, ready for breakfast cooking.

We cook the sausage, then add eggs and scramble it all and enjoy many, many breakfasts with the best chorizo.

Ochoas Chorizo 220 West Warner Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92707 (714) 850-0052 Open Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Pho and Grill International (Spring Valley)

May 9, 2022 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!!, a food blog, tries to write about interesting meals. Kirk and His Missus are researching some very interesting 'worldwide' foods while Cathy is writing about another local place.

The Mister and I were in Spring Valley on a bread-buying/bakery errand (future post) and passed by this new location (about 1/2 mile East of the old location) of Pho and Grill International. The original location opened in 2015. This mall also houses Grecian Cafe, where we also stop when in the area.

The people who work here are very friendly and treat everyone like family. There is almost always a US Postal Service truck parked in front (because they are having lunch here; always the sign of a good place to stop-read Trent's comment on this post- stopping where local delivery people eat has been how we find great hidden gems).
The menu is fairly extensive.
59, the Special Combo ($14.95), includes two grilled shrimp (plump, juicy, great grilled flavor), a grilled pork chop (excellent) and a grilled pork patty (very good version) along with the rice and salad. The menu also listed 'shrimp paste on tofu', which wasn't on the plate (but a fried egg was included and not on the menu).
The owner came out to check on us and we explained that we thought tau hu ky would be part of the plate. He apologized and brought out this shrimpy delight, which was very tasty (but not tau hu ky).
It was a warm day and I wanted Bun…cold noodles on top of lettuce. I chose 37- char broiled pork and egg roll (bun thit nuong cha gio)($11.95) (primarily because I wanted a bite of crispy egg rolls without having a full order). It arrived in this wide, low bowl- deceptively large.
The lettuce was hidden but definitely there once you mixed things up. The char grilled pork was wonderful and the crispy, fresh tasting, quite filled cha gio will be a separate order next time; really good.

Another Covid-19 survivor. Good people work here, everyone seems to know everyone.

Pho and Grill International 9676 Campo Road Spring Valley, CA 91977 (619) 825-8585 Open seven days 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Sunday Stuffs – Tenkatori Replacing TJ Dumplings, Tan Ky Mi Gia Has Closed, and Do Mushrooms Communicate with Each Other???

April 10, 2022 mmm-yoso Japanese Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants, yoso-silly

Well, after the recent record heat we had here in San Diego I was going to put up a sandwich post….but now it's back to the mid-60's here……so let's just do a short round up, ok?

Tenkatori Replacing TJ Dumplings:

I had read about Tenkatori replacing TJ Dumplings last Monday and was waiting to drive on by to check things out.

I then read about the change on two other websites and "FOY" Junichi mentioned it in the comments of my Chicken Wing Wednesday post as well. So, since I wanted to do another revisit/price check at GyroGrill, I dropped by Miracrest Plaza to see what was going on. Well, TJ Dumplings does indeed looked closed and as I left GyroGrill with my lunch, a truck pulled up and some folks went into the space and started doing some work. So yes, it looks like TJ Dumplings is gone and now I can cross off visiting Tenkatori in Gardena off my list.

6780 Miramar Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

Tan Ky Mi Gia Has Closed:

Per "FOY" Elle (what would I do without all of you???) in the comments of my recent 777 Noodle House revisit post; mentioned that Tan Ky Mi Gia on ECB closed a while back. Man, talk about a a blast from the past. My last visit there was at the end of 2019; which seems like decades ago. Of course, I used to visit when it was, well Tan Ky Mi Gia, then when it became Hing Ky Mi Gia, then returned to being Tan Ky Mi Gia….I think; though on my last visit the menu and the sign on the street still said Hing Ky Mi Gia….go figure. The folks working were always the same though…

So, on my way to Northgate Market to pick stuff up to make Pozole, I dropped by and it is indeed closed. Sad, it seems like the end of an era……I still remember posting on Tan Ky Mi Gia in Mira Mesa all the way back in 2006 which closed in 2014 and became Tim Ky.

5237 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Do Mushrooms Communicate with Each Other?:

And here's one from the "I am a cesspool of useless information" files (at least that's what a friend of mine "back home" called me). Read an interesting article in the Guardian where a Professor from the University of the West of England theorizes that mushrooms communicate via electrical impulses. Whoa….

Of course I instantly wondered what the mushrooms I used in any number of my recipes thought of me? I truly hope they thought I was a "fun-guy"…ok, I hit my limit of dad jokes for today.

Have a great week!

Circling Back to 777 Noodle House

April 3, 2022 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants

My visit to Minh Ky was really encouraging in a way. It used to be that I'd head up to City Heights a couple of times a month to see what was going on. And every so often there would be something new…..whether it was a new Peruvian place or maybe that a long time BBH place would be moving. You never know….back in 2010; I noticed that a billiard place on University had closed and was becoming something called 777 Noodle House. Which started a long chain of visits; some of which was documented here. 777 has always been a nice stop for reasonably priced grub for me; though my last visit was one for takeout back in February of last year. And strangely, the circumstances were the same. Like the last time, I had been trying to visit Tu Thanh, but there was no parking to be found in the area. So, I headed on over to 777.

There's one woman there who is always so friendly and noted "I haven't seen you in a long time" when I entered. I told her that unlike the last time; I'd be dining in. Especially since there was only one other table occupied during my visit.

My usual when I'm dining solo at 777 is the Hu Tieu Nam Vang ("Phnom Penh Noodles") Kho ("Dry"); but this time I was craving some "Mi" (egg noodles), but I still wanted to gnaw on that pork shank. So, to mix things up a bit; I went with the Mi Trieu Chau (Chaozhou – Chiuchow) Kho (Dry). Like most everywhere else, prices have risen, but here at least it's still under ten bucks at $9.97 and if you just wanted the version that's just noodle soup it would be $7.97.

Soon enough it arrived. This time around the broth the pork shank was in wasn't overly salty and the shank had a good amount of tender gnawable meat.

The noodles were nicely firm, with a good stretch…..this is where takeout often falls short. Good amount of savory-mildly sweet sauce as I mixed everything together.

I'm used to slightly over-cooked shrimp here; but today, it wasn't bad at all.

Don't diss the blanched bean sprouts as it adds a mildy sweet-earthiness to the dish along with textural contrast. I use the broth from the shank soup to even out any saltiness and also at the end to get every bit of flavor from the bowl. There's no rocket science here; it's simple, comforting (for me) good grub, which is what I really wanted on this morning. Something I'd been missing during Covid.

And as always, the food gives me insight…..into the diaspora of ethnic Chinese from Chaozhou, who emigrated to Cambodia, then Thailand, ending up in Vietnam, and then finally San Diego.

I've mentioned that I had heard Annie; that wonderful, friendly woman who has been working here; along with her sister, and the gentleman who always calls me "sir", for 12 years now; speak to customers in Vietnamese, then Mandarin to another family, and then Spanish to another before. Amazing!

To quote the late Ed from Yuma who, in his last post wrote:

"I just want to dedicate this post to ALL our immigrant mothers, fathers, and ancestors. We/they are America."

777 Noodle House
4686 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92105

Circling Back to Minh Ky

March 23, 2022 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants

**** Minh Ky is under new ownership, you can find an updated post here.

This past weekend I decided to head back to Minh Ky….you see, Minh Ky was one of the last places I dined in at before San Diego County made restaurants do takeout or delivery only on March 16th of 2020. For some reason it just seems like a longer period of time to me. Minh Ky which opened back in 2004….even before I started this blog, is one of what I call the "foundation eateries" (along with Pho Hoa, Nhu Y, Hoai Hue, and a couple of others) of this part of City Heights. It is, what my "FOY" Candice would call a "stalwart" of the neighborhood. Serving all comers from the little shop in the strip mall with one of the worst parking lots in San Diego.

I had actually ordered takeout from Minh Ky in December of 2020….they were only doing takeout at that time.

Last week on my way to Phuong Nga (which is still only doing takeout) I noticed that Minh Ky seemed to be doing some good business.

So, I decided to check them out that weekend, nearly two years after that faithful visit. Of course, I'm still a bit cautious, so I made sure to get there right at opening time; which is now 9am.

There was just one guy eating on one other table in the place when I arrived.

I got my "usual" these days, the Beef Sate Egg Noodle Soup "dry" (soup on the side), which is now heading toward the ten dollar mark. Regardless, I couldn't help but smile when my food arrived; for some reason it looked so sparkling and vibrant……you never quite hit this with takeout.

And it was as good as ever; perhaps even better…….of course time could have something to do with it. But the beef was tender; the slightly pungent-nutty-garlicky sauce, the firm slightly crunchy egg noodles, there was a good amount of tomatoes this time which added a nice acidity. This was just like old times.

And you know what else was like old times? Well, the crowd of customers coming in, the family of 8 sitting near the window, the three young ladies….college students laughing and carrying on while slurping their noodles, the two strangers, sharing a table since the place was now full….one of the gentleman had a Burberry Messenger Bag….he would have made the Missus envious. Yes, this was the "old" Minh Ky….a place where everyone can eat decent food at a decent price.

I recall "FOY" Red Devil saying in the comments of my post in April of 2020 – "If they reopen restaurants, will people go?" And I guess if it's a place like Mink Ky, they will.

But then there was the "new" me…….tainted by the pandemic….I started feeling a bit uncomfortable seeing all of these people in one small space. I needed to leave as soon as I finished things up. These "old – new" habits are taking a while to overcome I guess.

And as happy as I was seeing Minh Ky doing great business and even with the remaining Covid trappings (plexiglass/staff still wears masks), I realized that it's going to take a while for me to adjust to things. I'm just hoping that I'll be able to have that time and we don't regress….

Minh Ky Restaurant
4644 El Cajon Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92115

So, how have you been dealing with our reemergence from Covid?

These Days We Call it “Bun Rieu” Weather – Phuong Nga

March 4, 2022 mmm-yoso Vietnamese Restaurants, yoso-silly

Man, did you see the lightning and then hear the roaring thunder last night? And then it came down in buckets…at least where we live. And I don't know if I'm getting soft in my old age, but it felt mighty chilly today…..

In days past, I would have called it Bun Bo Hue weather, and would probably still do so….except that the Missus now prefers the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga, so I'm over ruled. Oh well…..I do enjoy the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga so…..

One quick note, this is no longer Phuong Nga 2…..the location on University has closed and, if I recall has become a birria shop.

Anyway, I got the drill down…..I can't really call in my order as the owner and his wife really doesn't understand what I'm saying on the phone….though if the young lady or the young man is working I'd be in luck. So, I have to head on over to 54th and University and place my order….and recently, I think the popularity of the Bun Rieu has increased since on three occasions they've been out of Bun Rieu….once at 1030 in the morning!

On this day however, I was in luck.

PN is still only doing takeout which is perfectly fine for me. There's a short wait and then I'm handed two rather hefty take out packages to take home.

I've detailed my preparation steps in an earlier post and it works well for us. We can never finish all the noodles, so I save those for another use.

The Missus loves the savory broth, mild acidity, I like to add some mam tom for a savory kick. A squirt of lime, teat up those perilla leaves for some nice anise touches and we're ready to go.

The Missus especially loves that PN still provides shredded banana blossom and shredded morning glory as most places don't even provide that anymore.

This suited us perfectly….and I have a feeling; if it's still this chilly during the weekend, I'll be headed on over to Phuong Nga again. If I do, I hope they aren't out of Bun Rieu.

Phuong Nga 2
4016 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105

So tell me….what have you been eating to keep warm these past cold days?

Takeout Revisits – Sizzling Pot King and Mien Trung

February 21, 2022 mmm-yoso Bun Bo Hue, Chinese Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants

Man, this weather merry-go-round has been crazy. Last weekend, we had the hottest February day ever recorded in San Diego….and the Santa Ana's really messed up my sinuses. Even after temps came down and we had some rain (!?!), I was still feeling congested. So, we figured the best way to clear things up would be…..well, some fairly spicy food.

Starting with our old standby, the Dry Pot to go from Sizzling Pot King…..instead of the medium spicy, we went with spicy.

**** Sizzling Pot King is now Zhang Liang Malatang

Well, like almost every place else prices at SPK have gone up. The Dry Pot Combo is now $38.99! Back in December of 2020 it was $32.99. Frozen Tofu is now $3.99, add to that one order of rice and we're getting close to fifty dollar country here…whoa.

Well, on the good side, the ma-la and spice helped clear me out…it doesn't look particularly spicy above….but I dug through and found 14 dried chilies.

It's getting kinda expensive and they've cut out using Chinese Cauliflower a while back….but this is basically two meals for us.

Sizzling Pot King
8058 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92111

Still, this didn't quite do it for me…..and with the rather wet and cooler weather, I decided to do some takeout from Mien Trung. With the Missus now preferring the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga, I really don't get over to MT quite as often as I used to. The really nice gentleman was working and man, he was just so happy to see me. We had a nice chat while I waited for my takeout order. He asked me how long I'd been coming to MT….he laughed when I told him over 15 years now!

Places like Mien Trung and Phuong Nga do so much takeout…..I remember how I used to see those pots of Bun Bo Hue waiting for pick-up….that they really know how to pack things.

And both places slightly undercook their noodles for takeout; so that pouring hot water over them during the prep separates and heats up the noodles perfectly.

As for how this was…..well, it as just what the doctor ordered. Good spice, wonderful herbaceous – sour tones from lemongrass…nice pungency…..this cleared me up!

I'm not sure if it was a case of not having had Bun Bo Hue from Mien Trung in a while; but I thought today's bowl was very good….the thick cuts of beef weren't overly chewy and the pork hock was quite tender.

I gotta get back more often.

Mien Trung Restaurant
7530 Mesa College Dr
San Diego, CA 92111

Thanks for dropping by. I know this seems like one of those C(learing) O(ut the) M(emory) C(ard) posts….but in this case I guess it's more of a C(learing) O(ut) T(he) S(inuses) kind of posts.

Pho Time PB

December 7, 2021 Cathy Vietnamese Restaurants, What Cathy Eats!

mmm-yoso!!! is the name of this food blog. Kirk usually writes here, but today, it's Cathy's turn.

I have written a bit about why The Mister and I venture into Pacific Beach on a fairly regular basis (we pick up par-baked rolls at Charlie's Best Breads) and usually grab a quick meal while in the area. In the corner a few doors down from our destination, since 2009, the family owned and run Pho Time has been able to thrive, even during Covid.
Some tables have been moved for distancing.
There are menus on an outside window as well as at the front door. The menu is 'Americanized' in descriptions. There were many people picking up 'To Go' orders while we were eating. A very tasty hot tea is served here.
I ordered the "crispy crepe" (Banh Xeo) ($11.25) as soon as we sat down, because I know it takes time to prepare. The version here is great! Crisp pancake filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and mung beans; flavor and freshness and when eaten with the accompanying lettuce, mint and pickled vegetables dipped in fish sauce, quite a perfect bite.
From the Appetizer part of the menu, the "Vietnamese Chicken Salad" (Goi Ga)($10.95) is a great choice. Poached white meat chicken, on top of a bed of cabbage mixed with pickled carrots and topped with mint, basil and peanuts in a vinegar/fish sauce dressing is a perfect blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors. This is particularly refreshing on a hot day.
The Pho here is remarkable. A wonderful beefy broth, great (non-clumped) noodles and bright flavors overall makes this "eye round steak" (Tai) ($10.25) bowl a satisfying meal with bright flavor in each slurp.

Another family owned restaurant that has continued quality.

Pho Time PB 1820 Garnet Ave San Diego 92109 (858) 203-2109 Website Open daily 11-9