Hoisin sauce and sri-racha on an otherwise boring corn dog.
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12 May 2007 @ 10:54 am
I am a genius
05 May 2007 @ 02:18 pm
The afternoon in pictures
I sent these in from my phone but they never showed up, so here they are again in a regular old post.
I saw this sign today and wish I could have a table made from one:
Then I ate this amazing pile of deliciousness:
This all involved a lot of walking. I left my place, went up to 12th, over to Jackson, down to Pioneer Square, and over to the market so I could drop a birthday present off for![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
badrobot68. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALAN!!!) There is housework I could be doing but instead I'm making love to a big cup of coffee. This is a headache prevention measure.
I saw this sign today and wish I could have a table made from one:
Then I ate this amazing pile of deliciousness:
This all involved a lot of walking. I left my place, went up to 12th, over to Jackson, down to Pioneer Square, and over to the market so I could drop a birthday present off for
badrobot68. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ALAN!!!) There is housework I could be doing but instead I'm making love to a big cup of coffee. This is a headache prevention measure.27 April 2007 @ 11:34 pm
I disagree
Please try to imagine a utahraptor "I disagree" logo. I was going to grab the image from the Dinosaur Comics merchandise page, but it turns out they don't have the stickers there any more. Boo.
Anyway, I've always thought I should sample a lot of banh mi and write about my findings, but The Stranger did it for me. However, my favorite is New Saigon Deli and they didn't seem very impressed.
I disagree.
Anyway, I've always thought I should sample a lot of banh mi and write about my findings, but The Stranger did it for me. However, my favorite is New Saigon Deli and they didn't seem very impressed.
I disagree.
16 December 2006 @ 01:49 pm
Yesterday's Lunch
Grilled pork, shrimp on sugar cane, ground pork, noodles, veggies, sprouts, basil, lettuce, and rice paper for making spring rolls, courtesy of Mai Thao. Fish sauce on the side for dipping. I had two attempts at a similar meal at Saigon Pearl, and one again at Thanh Vi where the hostess noticed I needed a little help with my rice paper hydration technique, and gave me a quick lesson. Yesterday, as I ate the meal pictured above, the hostess told me they'll stay together better with a layer of lettuce on the rice paper.
patosa ordered it today at Saigon Pearl and did a much better job rolling them up than I suspect I ever will. Making your own spring rolls is fun, though, and makes for an excellent, fresh-tasting meal.08 November 2006 @ 11:42 pm
Pho Kim Phuong
(no links available at this time)
1226 S. Jackson St
Seattle, WA 98118
206-726-8669
HOURS
Su-Th 10a-9p
Fr-Sa 10a-10p
Leaving for work on Monday with the realization that money would be tight for the next couple of weeks, I decided to grab a good, cheap bowl of pho. I was on my way to Pho Bac and noticed a new restaurant I'd never seen before. There were banners indicating a grand opening at this spot about a year ago, but nothing ever seemed to materialize, and I forgot all about that side of the street.
Pho Kim Phuong is in an interesting L-shaped storefront that surrounds a corner and has entrances on the South and East sides. It has only been open for two months, according to the charming hostess who was there today and on Monday. I already like her a lot; she commented on Monday that she'd never seen me, and today was surprised that I was back so soon. She also checks in many more times throughout the meal than her dismissive, bored neighbors across the street do. [edit to add: When I went in today (Thursday) she said, "Hello, my dear."]
One nice thing about catching a restaurant when it's new is that you get to be there during the honeymoon phase. The hardwood floors gleam when the sun comes out. The tasteful mix of fake and real plants are free of dust and lively, respectively. The dishes and condiment dispensers are brand new, including the coolest soy sauce and fish sauce dispensers I have ever seen. And check out those brown marble tables. This place is a class act.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Chili sauce, chili oil, Sriracha, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and pepper. The soy sauce and fish sauce dispensers deserve another mention. They're amazing! They are flexible plastic bottles with metal spouts, and you squeeze to get the sauce out rather than just pouring it. I've never felt so in control while using soy sauce.
THE MEAL.
On Monday I was thrilled to notice that the prices at Pho Kim Phuong are about as much as the other places I go used to charge. I ordered bun thit nuong cha gio for $5.95, and was very impressed. She brought it to the table but noticed that they forgot the carrots and radishes, so she said she'd be right back. And it was great. Two egg rolls, delicious pork, a nice mix of vegetables and herbs, and perfect noodles. It was honestly hard not to go back yesterday. Today I had their pho with rare beef, tendon, flank, and tripe. Mostly I just wanted rare beef and tendon, but didn't feel like ordering off the menu, so I got the closest mix to what I wanted that I could find. When it arrived I was a bit weary because of how generous they were with the tripe. In case you don't know, that's cow stomach. But I realized today how good it actually is, and gobbled it up. The place I normally get pho nearby now charges $6 for a small and $7 for a large, but today my choice was $4.85 for a small and $5.75 for a large. And that's how it ought to be. (Sorry,patosa, but they definitely use a lot of cinnamon in the pho.)
I have to admit, this place is quickly becoming a favorite. I think I'll go tomorrow for more bun and Friday for more pho and to try their spring rolls. I've never been anywhere 4 times in a week, unless you count the deli for sandwiches.
1226 S. Jackson St
Seattle, WA 98118
206-726-8669
HOURS
Su-Th 10a-9p
Fr-Sa 10a-10p
Leaving for work on Monday with the realization that money would be tight for the next couple of weeks, I decided to grab a good, cheap bowl of pho. I was on my way to Pho Bac and noticed a new restaurant I'd never seen before. There were banners indicating a grand opening at this spot about a year ago, but nothing ever seemed to materialize, and I forgot all about that side of the street.
Pho Kim Phuong is in an interesting L-shaped storefront that surrounds a corner and has entrances on the South and East sides. It has only been open for two months, according to the charming hostess who was there today and on Monday. I already like her a lot; she commented on Monday that she'd never seen me, and today was surprised that I was back so soon. She also checks in many more times throughout the meal than her dismissive, bored neighbors across the street do. [edit to add: When I went in today (Thursday) she said, "Hello, my dear."]
One nice thing about catching a restaurant when it's new is that you get to be there during the honeymoon phase. The hardwood floors gleam when the sun comes out. The tasteful mix of fake and real plants are free of dust and lively, respectively. The dishes and condiment dispensers are brand new, including the coolest soy sauce and fish sauce dispensers I have ever seen. And check out those brown marble tables. This place is a class act.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Chili sauce, chili oil, Sriracha, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and pepper. The soy sauce and fish sauce dispensers deserve another mention. They're amazing! They are flexible plastic bottles with metal spouts, and you squeeze to get the sauce out rather than just pouring it. I've never felt so in control while using soy sauce.
THE MEAL.
On Monday I was thrilled to notice that the prices at Pho Kim Phuong are about as much as the other places I go used to charge. I ordered bun thit nuong cha gio for $5.95, and was very impressed. She brought it to the table but noticed that they forgot the carrots and radishes, so she said she'd be right back. And it was great. Two egg rolls, delicious pork, a nice mix of vegetables and herbs, and perfect noodles. It was honestly hard not to go back yesterday. Today I had their pho with rare beef, tendon, flank, and tripe. Mostly I just wanted rare beef and tendon, but didn't feel like ordering off the menu, so I got the closest mix to what I wanted that I could find. When it arrived I was a bit weary because of how generous they were with the tripe. In case you don't know, that's cow stomach. But I realized today how good it actually is, and gobbled it up. The place I normally get pho nearby now charges $6 for a small and $7 for a large, but today my choice was $4.85 for a small and $5.75 for a large. And that's how it ought to be. (Sorry,
patosa, but they definitely use a lot of cinnamon in the pho.)I have to admit, this place is quickly becoming a favorite. I think I'll go tomorrow for more bun and Friday for more pho and to try their spring rolls. I've never been anywhere 4 times in a week, unless you count the deli for sandwiches.
29 October 2006 @ 01:43 pm
Green Papaya
Official site.
Green Papaya is the closest vietnamese restaurant to my apartment, so when my first visit wasn't so great, the disappointment had an extra sting to it. That day, I'd studied the menu online before going, and tried to order bun thit nuong, which I knew they had. The waiter had no idea what I meant, so I found it on the menu and pointed it out. "Oh, you mean a vermicelli salad bowl!" I guess so, but that's like working in a mexican restaurant and offering "tortilla wrap sandwiches" when you mean burritos. Then I asked for iced coffee, figuring that was the safe way to order cafe sua da, and he said, "All we have is vietnamese coffee."
While I waited for my order, a couple of other parties came in and were seated, and then a woman came in for a to-go order. He told her that because a couple of large parties had just ordered, she was probably looking at a 15-20 minute wait. A good chef ought to be able to expedite the to-go orders, especially in a place where they heavily advertise their to-go counter with a separate doorway and special name.
Then my bun thit nuong came, and I hated it. It was a warm wet mess, much like the one I had at Saigon Bistro and hated so much.
But deciding never to come back made no sense, since it's so close, and it's a nice place. The room is spacious and well-decorated, and they've spread the tables out nicely instead of packing them in the way so many restaurants do. So a few weeks ago when I called in sick to work, I decided to drag myself out of bed and try their pho. But I couldn't, because they were closed to have the hood in their kitchen cleaned.
Today I was in the mood for a good greasy breakfast and some cocktails at Linda's, but about 7 people went in as I approached, and a few left because there was obviously going to be a long wait. And the crowd at Linda's isn't exactly one I like when it's larger and louder. So I figured it was time to give Green Papaya another chance.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
The last time I went, there was nothing on the table, and I had to ask for chili sauce to go with my bun. This time, most of the tables had salt, pepper, and soy sauce. I was worried they wouldn't bring hoisin and Sriracha, but they did, in small glass condiment jars they keep refrigerated. That was a nice touch, except it's pretty hard to spoon cold, thick hoisin evenly over the soup.
Their pho bo (beef pho) is pretty expensive at $7 a pop, but they use Angus beef, and the strips of it in my soup were fantastic. The soup itself was pretty dull, but after I added the requisite hoisin and Sriracha, it was pretty damn good. I started off with a half-order of their spring rolls, which was pretty good, but also pricey at $3.
I originally wanted cafe sua da, but not for $3.50. The coffee at Than Brothers is among the best, and they only charge $1.75 for it. But I realized that there was a full bar, and I could have a screwdriver. So I did. Twice.
It's easier to find good vietnamese food in this neighborhood than it is to find a Samoan at the airport, but it's nice to have a decent one so close by. I'm glad my favorites aren't as close, because I'm forced to venture out of my immediate neighborhood.
By the way, the bathroom has a urinal in a private stall. That's weird.
Green Papaya is the closest vietnamese restaurant to my apartment, so when my first visit wasn't so great, the disappointment had an extra sting to it. That day, I'd studied the menu online before going, and tried to order bun thit nuong, which I knew they had. The waiter had no idea what I meant, so I found it on the menu and pointed it out. "Oh, you mean a vermicelli salad bowl!" I guess so, but that's like working in a mexican restaurant and offering "tortilla wrap sandwiches" when you mean burritos. Then I asked for iced coffee, figuring that was the safe way to order cafe sua da, and he said, "All we have is vietnamese coffee."
While I waited for my order, a couple of other parties came in and were seated, and then a woman came in for a to-go order. He told her that because a couple of large parties had just ordered, she was probably looking at a 15-20 minute wait. A good chef ought to be able to expedite the to-go orders, especially in a place where they heavily advertise their to-go counter with a separate doorway and special name.
Then my bun thit nuong came, and I hated it. It was a warm wet mess, much like the one I had at Saigon Bistro and hated so much.
But deciding never to come back made no sense, since it's so close, and it's a nice place. The room is spacious and well-decorated, and they've spread the tables out nicely instead of packing them in the way so many restaurants do. So a few weeks ago when I called in sick to work, I decided to drag myself out of bed and try their pho. But I couldn't, because they were closed to have the hood in their kitchen cleaned.
Today I was in the mood for a good greasy breakfast and some cocktails at Linda's, but about 7 people went in as I approached, and a few left because there was obviously going to be a long wait. And the crowd at Linda's isn't exactly one I like when it's larger and louder. So I figured it was time to give Green Papaya another chance.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
The last time I went, there was nothing on the table, and I had to ask for chili sauce to go with my bun. This time, most of the tables had salt, pepper, and soy sauce. I was worried they wouldn't bring hoisin and Sriracha, but they did, in small glass condiment jars they keep refrigerated. That was a nice touch, except it's pretty hard to spoon cold, thick hoisin evenly over the soup.
Their pho bo (beef pho) is pretty expensive at $7 a pop, but they use Angus beef, and the strips of it in my soup were fantastic. The soup itself was pretty dull, but after I added the requisite hoisin and Sriracha, it was pretty damn good. I started off with a half-order of their spring rolls, which was pretty good, but also pricey at $3.
I originally wanted cafe sua da, but not for $3.50. The coffee at Than Brothers is among the best, and they only charge $1.75 for it. But I realized that there was a full bar, and I could have a screwdriver. So I did. Twice.
It's easier to find good vietnamese food in this neighborhood than it is to find a Samoan at the airport, but it's nice to have a decent one so close by. I'm glad my favorites aren't as close, because I'm forced to venture out of my immediate neighborhood.
By the way, the bathroom has a urinal in a private stall. That's weird.
24 September 2006 @ 06:32 pm
Itsy bitsy free spring rolls
I had lunch at Pho Cyclo today, and I guess the guy forgot to put my order into the computer, because after everyone who got there after me got their food, they came over with some free spring rolls, apologized for the delay, and asked me what I had originally ordered. That was certainly nice of them. Another time I had this happen to me there, they gave me the sandwich that I had ordered to take with me to work for free.
And they played Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. I think that's the fourth vietnamese restaurant I've heard that song in. What's the deal?
And they played Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. I think that's the fourth vietnamese restaurant I've heard that song in. What's the deal?
26 August 2006 @ 09:50 am
Tamarind Tree
Official site
It's really hard to pick a "best" vietnamese restaurant in Seattle; so many of them are good for various reasons, and all the ones I go to have their strong points. Tamarind Tree is easily the nicest one I've ever been to, though, in terms of decor, presentation, and the price you pay. It's a very lovely restaurant, especially when compared to some of the holes in the wall I go to, but their prices aren't any more expensive than anywhere else. Going in, you'd expect it to be expensive, but it's not.
The partially-covered patio has a waterfall and will make you forget the huge, crowded parking lot you walked through to get there. Inside, orange and burgundy walls frame rows of tables, cleverly divided with tall plants. Tasteful, soft music plays, which is a refreshing change from "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," which I have heard at two other restaurants in the neighborhood.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
None. I do hate the convention that the fancier a restaurant is, the fewer condiments will be on the table, and have never enjoyed having to ask for one. They do tend to bring chili sauce out with bun, and when I had soup there and asked for hoisin sauce, they brought it along with chili sauce. What you will find at every table is a nice squarish plate for mixing and sharing, a square teacup for your tea, wooden chopsticks, your soup spoon, and your napkin. As you place your order, they whisk away any items you won't be needing.
THE FOOD
It's killer. They have the best spring rolls I've ever tasted. I like to go withpatosa and jcii and order the Tamarind Tree Rolls and the Spring rolls. Each order is 4 large rolls, which makes them cheaper than anywhere I've seen. Even though I wish they used thicker noodles, their bun is great, and features an unusual selection of chopped cabbage and other vegetables. Check out the nice little dessert selection as well.
BEVERAGES
The way they serve their coffee is unique. The coffee seeps into the cup you'll eventually drink out of, instead of a separate cup, and rather than bringing a cup of ice, they give you a whole pitcher and tongs. The Tamarind Tree also has a very well-stocked bar, and a nice selection of specialty cocktails. I agree withpatosa's theory, that the cocktails are probably where their profits come from.
This place also boasts restrooms that warrant a separate review, and one of the coolest waiters in Seattle. One warning: The hours are 10am-10pm, but don't go until at least 10:30. They just don't have it together right away. I ordered bun right at 10am, didn't get it for nearly half an hour, and only had time for a couple of bites before having to pack the rest up and leave to make it to work on time.
It's really hard to pick a "best" vietnamese restaurant in Seattle; so many of them are good for various reasons, and all the ones I go to have their strong points. Tamarind Tree is easily the nicest one I've ever been to, though, in terms of decor, presentation, and the price you pay. It's a very lovely restaurant, especially when compared to some of the holes in the wall I go to, but their prices aren't any more expensive than anywhere else. Going in, you'd expect it to be expensive, but it's not.
The partially-covered patio has a waterfall and will make you forget the huge, crowded parking lot you walked through to get there. Inside, orange and burgundy walls frame rows of tables, cleverly divided with tall plants. Tasteful, soft music plays, which is a refreshing change from "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini," which I have heard at two other restaurants in the neighborhood.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
None. I do hate the convention that the fancier a restaurant is, the fewer condiments will be on the table, and have never enjoyed having to ask for one. They do tend to bring chili sauce out with bun, and when I had soup there and asked for hoisin sauce, they brought it along with chili sauce. What you will find at every table is a nice squarish plate for mixing and sharing, a square teacup for your tea, wooden chopsticks, your soup spoon, and your napkin. As you place your order, they whisk away any items you won't be needing.
THE FOOD
It's killer. They have the best spring rolls I've ever tasted. I like to go with
patosa and jcii and order the Tamarind Tree Rolls and the Spring rolls. Each order is 4 large rolls, which makes them cheaper than anywhere I've seen. Even though I wish they used thicker noodles, their bun is great, and features an unusual selection of chopped cabbage and other vegetables. Check out the nice little dessert selection as well.BEVERAGES
The way they serve their coffee is unique. The coffee seeps into the cup you'll eventually drink out of, instead of a separate cup, and rather than bringing a cup of ice, they give you a whole pitcher and tongs. The Tamarind Tree also has a very well-stocked bar, and a nice selection of specialty cocktails. I agree with
patosa's theory, that the cocktails are probably where their profits come from.This place also boasts restrooms that warrant a separate review, and one of the coolest waiters in Seattle. One warning: The hours are 10am-10pm, but don't go until at least 10:30. They just don't have it together right away. I ordered bun right at 10am, didn't get it for nearly half an hour, and only had time for a couple of bites before having to pack the rest up and leave to make it to work on time.
24 August 2006 @ 10:48 pm
Nhu Y
I have been avoiding Nhu Y for some time, because one of my once-weekly haunts, An Thinh, was in their spot, and I was really sad to see them close. I don't know what all has changed, because the menu mostly looks the same, and very little has changed inside. Even the paper sign listing specials hasn't changed, or even been moved. They took down the god-awful lace curtains, but replaced them with bamboo screening material held up by scotch tape. Classy. I always looked forward to my perfect bowl of bun, an excellent cup of coffee, and the spunky waitress who used to work there. Today, the kid who is forced to sit there with his mom all day came over to me, touched my leg, asked a question I couldn't understand, and then climbed into the chair across from me. A little less annoying than the kid at Vietnam House that stared at me my entire meal once, but still annoying. The condiments on the table are the same; hoisin sauce, Sriracha, chili paste, chili oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, salt, pepper, and sugar, but I have no plans to go back and put them to use. Nhu Y is in a strip mall with three other restaurants I like, in a neighborhood with endless good food choices, so there's no reason to go back for food I don't like in a place I don't like. Sad.
22 August 2006 @ 11:03 pm
Booze experiment: Day 2
I need a drink.
But I'm not having one, because I'm not having any until September 15th. Today is the kind of day after which one could really unwind with some beer, wine, vodka, vanilla extract, or rubbing alcohol.
I was supposed to meet my friend Greg at Pho Cyclo at 10:30am, eat lunch, pick up sandwiches there, and catch my bus at 11:45. Pho Cyclo didn't open on time because of a leak in their ceiling, and we walked to Cafe Da Lat and Than Brothers, which were both closed. We went to what I thought was called Pho Ga 900, but I noticed the sign reads Pho 900. Something to investigate later. We were the first ones there, and everything took a while, and I had to leave him for a bit to go pick up the sandwiches back at Pho Cyclo. I was cutting it close by this time, so I jumped on a 43 bus right by Broadway. As we passed over I-5, I could see what was most likely my 194 starting its route over at 9th and Howell. Since it was two blocks over, there was a chance I'd beat it to its stop at 2nd and Pike.
Until we picked up a wheelchair user.
Even though I missed my bus and got the one 15 minutes later, I could see my bus at its stop as we pulled up to the airport. It pulled away before I could get out. If we'd gotten there a minute earlier, I could have made it to work on time, because my final bus was about 10 minutes late. So I was half an hour late for work. They don't actually mind, but it meant my day was going to be even more rushed at the start than it usually is.
I won't go into details here about what specifically happened today at work, but it was the kind of day that makes me wish I had a mini-fridge of PBRs under my desk.
A couple of minor details about Pho (Ga?) 900 to add to my previous experience there:
1) Their spring rolls are really good. Nice and long, and the peanut sauce has pickled shredded vegetables in it.
2) Their pho is so-so, and they brought me the wrong kind. I ordered the Pho Bo 900, which has every kind of beef they serve, but instead they brought me well-done beef, which as it happens is my least favorite kind. There wasn't enough time to deal with it though.
3) They serve cream puffs with their pho! Normally only Than Brothers and the place that looks almost exactly like them in the U-District do that, and it's such a treat. I wish competition would force everyone to do it.
4) The tea today was awful. It tasted like bowling alley tea. I have lots of experience with bowling alley tea, I was practically born in a bowling alley.
My normal routine would have me sit down for lunch at 11am and get on a bus at 11:56. Today I tried to start lunch at 10:30 and missed an 11:45 bus. Like I said, a drink would be perfect right now.
But I'm not having one, because I'm not having any until September 15th. Today is the kind of day after which one could really unwind with some beer, wine, vodka, vanilla extract, or rubbing alcohol.
I was supposed to meet my friend Greg at Pho Cyclo at 10:30am, eat lunch, pick up sandwiches there, and catch my bus at 11:45. Pho Cyclo didn't open on time because of a leak in their ceiling, and we walked to Cafe Da Lat and Than Brothers, which were both closed. We went to what I thought was called Pho Ga 900, but I noticed the sign reads Pho 900. Something to investigate later. We were the first ones there, and everything took a while, and I had to leave him for a bit to go pick up the sandwiches back at Pho Cyclo. I was cutting it close by this time, so I jumped on a 43 bus right by Broadway. As we passed over I-5, I could see what was most likely my 194 starting its route over at 9th and Howell. Since it was two blocks over, there was a chance I'd beat it to its stop at 2nd and Pike.
Until we picked up a wheelchair user.
Even though I missed my bus and got the one 15 minutes later, I could see my bus at its stop as we pulled up to the airport. It pulled away before I could get out. If we'd gotten there a minute earlier, I could have made it to work on time, because my final bus was about 10 minutes late. So I was half an hour late for work. They don't actually mind, but it meant my day was going to be even more rushed at the start than it usually is.
I won't go into details here about what specifically happened today at work, but it was the kind of day that makes me wish I had a mini-fridge of PBRs under my desk.
A couple of minor details about Pho (Ga?) 900 to add to my previous experience there:
1) Their spring rolls are really good. Nice and long, and the peanut sauce has pickled shredded vegetables in it.
2) Their pho is so-so, and they brought me the wrong kind. I ordered the Pho Bo 900, which has every kind of beef they serve, but instead they brought me well-done beef, which as it happens is my least favorite kind. There wasn't enough time to deal with it though.
3) They serve cream puffs with their pho! Normally only Than Brothers and the place that looks almost exactly like them in the U-District do that, and it's such a treat. I wish competition would force everyone to do it.
4) The tea today was awful. It tasted like bowling alley tea. I have lots of experience with bowling alley tea, I was practically born in a bowling alley.
My normal routine would have me sit down for lunch at 11am and get on a bus at 11:56. Today I tried to start lunch at 10:30 and missed an 11:45 bus. Like I said, a drink would be perfect right now.
21 August 2006 @ 10:33 pm
Mai Thao
Info at Citysearch is minimal, but even if they had the hours posted, they'd probably be wrong. They're supposed to open at 10am each day, which is when I was eating until my schedule changed today, but they haven't been opening on time. I was excited to be able to go once again now that my work day starts one hour later, and they're open when I can get there.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Soy sauce, chili sauce, salt, pepper, and jalapeno slices. It's refreshing to see that they aren't obsessed with keeping the condiments completely full. I mention it because at Than Brothers and a few other places, they constantly patrol the room looking for any squeeze bottle that might have been used even once, and immediately fill it. I'd rather the bottles get emptied out so the stuff inside is as fresh as possible.
BEVERAGES
The menu is huge, including the beverage section. I believe there were two full pages of drinks. Their coffee is tasty, and served over small chunks of ice like at some fast food restaurants, and sealed into a plastic cup like bubble tea, which they also have, along with beer, and choices I didn't actually recognize.
THE FOOD
I spent all weekend waiting for the chance to have their bun thit nuong chia gao today. It has a fresh, clean flavor and they're very generous with the egg rolls. You get two instead of the usual one, and they're flaky on the outside, and densely packed with delicious filling. I'd be nervous to order their pho without confirming that they have hoisin sauce to bring out.
The menu is huge, so be prepared to have a hard time deciding. It's in a binder, like a karaoke catalog, and every section has a thorough group of possible choices. They also serve seafood, which is uncommon, along with exotics like quail and rabbit. Handwritten signs hung randomly around the room announce specials, usually two or three using a featured ingredient.
Almost everything in the room is a shade of sea green, and there are large round tables with lazy-susan centers for family dining. Mai Thao is one of two restaurants in the Pacific Rim center, which is a mall with luxury condos above. Unfortunately, the mall is about 2/3 empty, but as the neighborhood continues to develop, we may find more restaurants moving in.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Soy sauce, chili sauce, salt, pepper, and jalapeno slices. It's refreshing to see that they aren't obsessed with keeping the condiments completely full. I mention it because at Than Brothers and a few other places, they constantly patrol the room looking for any squeeze bottle that might have been used even once, and immediately fill it. I'd rather the bottles get emptied out so the stuff inside is as fresh as possible.
BEVERAGES
The menu is huge, including the beverage section. I believe there were two full pages of drinks. Their coffee is tasty, and served over small chunks of ice like at some fast food restaurants, and sealed into a plastic cup like bubble tea, which they also have, along with beer, and choices I didn't actually recognize.
THE FOOD
I spent all weekend waiting for the chance to have their bun thit nuong chia gao today. It has a fresh, clean flavor and they're very generous with the egg rolls. You get two instead of the usual one, and they're flaky on the outside, and densely packed with delicious filling. I'd be nervous to order their pho without confirming that they have hoisin sauce to bring out.
The menu is huge, so be prepared to have a hard time deciding. It's in a binder, like a karaoke catalog, and every section has a thorough group of possible choices. They also serve seafood, which is uncommon, along with exotics like quail and rabbit. Handwritten signs hung randomly around the room announce specials, usually two or three using a featured ingredient.
Almost everything in the room is a shade of sea green, and there are large round tables with lazy-susan centers for family dining. Mai Thao is one of two restaurants in the Pacific Rim center, which is a mall with luxury condos above. Unfortunately, the mall is about 2/3 empty, but as the neighborhood continues to develop, we may find more restaurants moving in.
20 August 2006 @ 10:23 pm
It happens once in a while
19 August 2006 @ 12:12 pm
Pho Cyclo Cafe (Broadway)
Official Site
Pho Cyclo sprang from Huong Binh's loins, and it shows in the quality of the food. Everything I've had there is extremely good, which is why the restaurant is almost always full, even if Celine Dion is blasting from the speakers.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Soy sauce, chili sauce, Sriracha, hoisin sauce, and pepper. And they have the loveliest green plastic spoons and chopsticks, they're so cool.
BEVERAGES
Their coffee is a nice size and really good, and they also serve bubble tea, beer, wine, and other beverages. It's a shame about bubble tea; I love it, but almost never have it any more because it's available at or near places where I've just eaten a huge meal. Tea is complimentary, and brought before you even order your food. Just as it should be. Sometimes their water tastes a little funny, but that's not a surprise on Capitol Hill, where you learn to run it a bit before holding your glass under the faucet.
THE FOOD
I just ate their bun thit cha gio, which is the same thing as bun thit nuong cha gio at other places, but they seem to like shorter names. I'm pretty sure "nuong'" just means "grilled." The bun with shrimp cake is another favorite, and if I'm starving I order bun cyclo, which has pork, shrimp, meatballs, and shrimp cake. Their pho is amazing, and they have interesting varieties you won't find elsewhere. It's the only place I've ever eaten quail egg. Their sandwiches are incredible, and i'm looking forward to having more of them again soon now that my work schedule is about to shift at least an hour later. Since it changed a few months ago, there just hasn't been time to go to Pho Cyclo and make it to my bus in time.
They also have rice dishes, and appetizers such as spring rolls. There are four tofu choices on the menu for vegetarians, which I think is three more than at Huong Binh. I do wish they had some more exotic dishes, like at Huong Binh, because I'd like to experiment more with the unfamiliar dishes, but not when I'm in a hurry. Pho Cyclo is a good place to wind down and enjoy your food, whereas Huong Binh is efficient and a bit harried. The decor is also really cool. The walls are life-sized murals of street scenes, and one wall has color-changing fiber optic lights. There's also an actual cyclo (bicycle cab) in the entry.
I haven't actually eaten at their original location on First Avenue South, mainly because it's across the street from the Starbucks headquarters, whose 3,000 employees mob the few restaurants in the area for most of the afternoon. I did pick up a to-go order there once, and noticed that they also sell little models of cyclos made from beer cans. A gentleman I met once said that the First Avenune location doesn't offer vegetarian pho, though.
A few people complained that Pho Cyclo was somehow treading on turf owned by the Than Brothers, but I say you can't compare the two. Than Brothers only serves soup, and they do it well, and for very little money. They have their fan base (including me) but there will also be people who want to eat other dishes (also me). Since Pho Cyclo opened, Cafe Da Lat, Pho Bac, and Pho Ga 900 have all moved onto Broadway as well, so they've all got their work cut out if they want to ensure a loyal following.
Pho Cyclo sprang from Huong Binh's loins, and it shows in the quality of the food. Everything I've had there is extremely good, which is why the restaurant is almost always full, even if Celine Dion is blasting from the speakers.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Soy sauce, chili sauce, Sriracha, hoisin sauce, and pepper. And they have the loveliest green plastic spoons and chopsticks, they're so cool.
BEVERAGES
Their coffee is a nice size and really good, and they also serve bubble tea, beer, wine, and other beverages. It's a shame about bubble tea; I love it, but almost never have it any more because it's available at or near places where I've just eaten a huge meal. Tea is complimentary, and brought before you even order your food. Just as it should be. Sometimes their water tastes a little funny, but that's not a surprise on Capitol Hill, where you learn to run it a bit before holding your glass under the faucet.
THE FOOD
I just ate their bun thit cha gio, which is the same thing as bun thit nuong cha gio at other places, but they seem to like shorter names. I'm pretty sure "nuong'" just means "grilled." The bun with shrimp cake is another favorite, and if I'm starving I order bun cyclo, which has pork, shrimp, meatballs, and shrimp cake. Their pho is amazing, and they have interesting varieties you won't find elsewhere. It's the only place I've ever eaten quail egg. Their sandwiches are incredible, and i'm looking forward to having more of them again soon now that my work schedule is about to shift at least an hour later. Since it changed a few months ago, there just hasn't been time to go to Pho Cyclo and make it to my bus in time.
They also have rice dishes, and appetizers such as spring rolls. There are four tofu choices on the menu for vegetarians, which I think is three more than at Huong Binh. I do wish they had some more exotic dishes, like at Huong Binh, because I'd like to experiment more with the unfamiliar dishes, but not when I'm in a hurry. Pho Cyclo is a good place to wind down and enjoy your food, whereas Huong Binh is efficient and a bit harried. The decor is also really cool. The walls are life-sized murals of street scenes, and one wall has color-changing fiber optic lights. There's also an actual cyclo (bicycle cab) in the entry.
I haven't actually eaten at their original location on First Avenue South, mainly because it's across the street from the Starbucks headquarters, whose 3,000 employees mob the few restaurants in the area for most of the afternoon. I did pick up a to-go order there once, and noticed that they also sell little models of cyclos made from beer cans. A gentleman I met once said that the First Avenune location doesn't offer vegetarian pho, though.
A few people complained that Pho Cyclo was somehow treading on turf owned by the Than Brothers, but I say you can't compare the two. Than Brothers only serves soup, and they do it well, and for very little money. They have their fan base (including me) but there will also be people who want to eat other dishes (also me). Since Pho Cyclo opened, Cafe Da Lat, Pho Bac, and Pho Ga 900 have all moved onto Broadway as well, so they've all got their work cut out if they want to ensure a loyal following.
18 August 2006 @ 09:55 pm
Pho Bac (Downtown)
I can't find any info on the usual sites about this place, but it's pretty easy to find because it's in the Greyhound station downtown. I've been wanting to check the place out, but have been afraid for all of the obvious reasons. The space opens onto 8th avenue and has another entrance in the bus terminal. I don't remember what used to be there, but they've done a pretty nice job reupholstering the booths, painting, and decorating. The space itself is quite fascinating, broken up into a bunch of smaller areas--kind of like a series of caves. It's an adventure! Place your order at the counter when you walk in, because you can be sure nobody will notice if you're hidden at one of the tables.
The menu, if I remember correctly, is the same as their other new location on Broadway, and features pho, sandwiches, bun, rice dishes, and spring rolls. I wanted to try the spring rolls, but was feeling a bit of a pinch because I'd be spending extra money on today's sandwiches. They're $3.50, which is twice as much as my normal sandwich. And for the record, they're ok, but not as good as my regular ones.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Soy sauce, Sri-Racha, chili sauce in ketchup bottles, and hoisin sauce in mustard bottles. Not all of the bottles are labeled, either, so there are bound to be some surprises.
BEVERAGES
They have a soda fountain, which is unusual for a vietnamese restaurant. They don't bring tea to the table, which is also unusual.
I had bun thit nuong today, and was mostly impressed by the preparation and ingredients, even though a few bites of the pork were pretty bland. I noticed as I was ordering that they were grilling up a HUGE amount of pork. About nine square feet. So they're probably doing pretty well. The space might be bigger than they'll ever need, but the architect who designed the bus station back in the day probably believed more people would be taking the bus. Going to these places as early as I do usually gives me my choice of seats, and today I was able to score one of the two tables by the window. The intersection outside was great for people-watching, and I bet the ones closer to the terminal entrance are as well.
I ended up there today because my normal routine relies on a very tight schedule. I get on one bus to Little Saigon, eat, buy my sandwiches, walk to my bus stop, and go to work. If anything starts taking too long, I worry that I'll be late to work. After I sat down on the first bus today, a wheelchair user got on. This normally doesn't take very long, and I don't worry, but the guy was having a lot of trouble pushing himself off of the lift and into the bus. He actually asked for help, and the bus driver told him they aren't allowed to. Who knew? The bus had been a little late getting there, and I decided I didn't want to risk it. My plan was to walk to New Vietnamese Restaurant (to be reviewed later, of course) but I don't like to go there on weekdays because their sandwiches are $4.00. (Really good sandwiches, though.) I remembered that I'd been avoiding the scary bus station place and decided to give it a whirl. Because it was so close, and so fast, I got to work 30 minutes early today, so my meal and sandwich were paid for with the overtime I earned because I ate there.
Sometimes things work out so nicely.
The menu, if I remember correctly, is the same as their other new location on Broadway, and features pho, sandwiches, bun, rice dishes, and spring rolls. I wanted to try the spring rolls, but was feeling a bit of a pinch because I'd be spending extra money on today's sandwiches. They're $3.50, which is twice as much as my normal sandwich. And for the record, they're ok, but not as good as my regular ones.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Soy sauce, Sri-Racha, chili sauce in ketchup bottles, and hoisin sauce in mustard bottles. Not all of the bottles are labeled, either, so there are bound to be some surprises.
BEVERAGES
They have a soda fountain, which is unusual for a vietnamese restaurant. They don't bring tea to the table, which is also unusual.
I had bun thit nuong today, and was mostly impressed by the preparation and ingredients, even though a few bites of the pork were pretty bland. I noticed as I was ordering that they were grilling up a HUGE amount of pork. About nine square feet. So they're probably doing pretty well. The space might be bigger than they'll ever need, but the architect who designed the bus station back in the day probably believed more people would be taking the bus. Going to these places as early as I do usually gives me my choice of seats, and today I was able to score one of the two tables by the window. The intersection outside was great for people-watching, and I bet the ones closer to the terminal entrance are as well.
I ended up there today because my normal routine relies on a very tight schedule. I get on one bus to Little Saigon, eat, buy my sandwiches, walk to my bus stop, and go to work. If anything starts taking too long, I worry that I'll be late to work. After I sat down on the first bus today, a wheelchair user got on. This normally doesn't take very long, and I don't worry, but the guy was having a lot of trouble pushing himself off of the lift and into the bus. He actually asked for help, and the bus driver told him they aren't allowed to. Who knew? The bus had been a little late getting there, and I decided I didn't want to risk it. My plan was to walk to New Vietnamese Restaurant (to be reviewed later, of course) but I don't like to go there on weekdays because their sandwiches are $4.00. (Really good sandwiches, though.) I remembered that I'd been avoiding the scary bus station place and decided to give it a whirl. Because it was so close, and so fast, I got to work 30 minutes early today, so my meal and sandwich were paid for with the overtime I earned because I ate there.
Sometimes things work out so nicely.
17 August 2006 @ 09:30 pm
Pho So 1
Info at Lost in Seattle
Pho So 1 serves beef noodle soup and some beverages, and nothing else. They keep it simple, and do it well. Ask for a large or small, and you'll get rare beef, well-done beef, brisket, tendon, and tripe. If you're a bit weary of cow stomach, you can order whichever specific ingredients you want. I go in at least once a week, and they know my order: small pho tai gan. That's rare beef and tendon. Delicious tendon. Their broth is light, flavorful, and very consistent, and they add a lot of onions, greens, and pepper as they assemble each bowl. They are also extremely generous with their side plate. Today, mine overflowed with about three large handfuls of sprouts, three giant basil...um...sprigs? Branches? What is a branch of basil called? I had a gaggle of basil, and seven or so slices of jalapeno, which I never use. They also give a good-sized lime wedge, except for when they're out of season, when they use lemon.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Salt, pepper, fish sauce, sugar, hoisin, Sri-Racha, another bottled chili sauce, chili paste, and vinegar. The vinegar on the table is the real reason I love them so. I have always been a vinegar freak. When I was a toddler, if my mom couldn't hear me playing and then couldn't find me, she knew to look in the kitchen, where I would be drinking vinegar out of the pickle jar. Thankfully she didn't believe the old wive's tale that my dad's mom told her, that too much vinegar would dry out your blood. Eventually, I discovered Long John Silver's malt vinegar, and it was all over. It would be great if Pho So 1 had soy sauce on the table, but the vinegar more than makes up for the lack of it.
BEVERAGES
Their coffee is really good, but pretty small. They always bring tea to the table, and water if you ask. They also serve canned sodas, soybean drink, and lemonade.
The people who show up are a testament to this place's broad appeal. I often see large groups of construction workers filling the big round table at the center of the room, groups of students gossiping, business people flitting in for to-go orders, and strange hustler types who are always trying to unload some cheap electronics and find remodeling work. One thing they all have in common is that they aren't vegetarians. This place, like many others, has no vegetarian options, so keep that in mind if you're going as a group.
Pho So 1 serves beef noodle soup and some beverages, and nothing else. They keep it simple, and do it well. Ask for a large or small, and you'll get rare beef, well-done beef, brisket, tendon, and tripe. If you're a bit weary of cow stomach, you can order whichever specific ingredients you want. I go in at least once a week, and they know my order: small pho tai gan. That's rare beef and tendon. Delicious tendon. Their broth is light, flavorful, and very consistent, and they add a lot of onions, greens, and pepper as they assemble each bowl. They are also extremely generous with their side plate. Today, mine overflowed with about three large handfuls of sprouts, three giant basil...um...sprigs? Branches? What is a branch of basil called? I had a gaggle of basil, and seven or so slices of jalapeno, which I never use. They also give a good-sized lime wedge, except for when they're out of season, when they use lemon.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Salt, pepper, fish sauce, sugar, hoisin, Sri-Racha, another bottled chili sauce, chili paste, and vinegar. The vinegar on the table is the real reason I love them so. I have always been a vinegar freak. When I was a toddler, if my mom couldn't hear me playing and then couldn't find me, she knew to look in the kitchen, where I would be drinking vinegar out of the pickle jar. Thankfully she didn't believe the old wive's tale that my dad's mom told her, that too much vinegar would dry out your blood. Eventually, I discovered Long John Silver's malt vinegar, and it was all over. It would be great if Pho So 1 had soy sauce on the table, but the vinegar more than makes up for the lack of it.
BEVERAGES
Their coffee is really good, but pretty small. They always bring tea to the table, and water if you ask. They also serve canned sodas, soybean drink, and lemonade.
The people who show up are a testament to this place's broad appeal. I often see large groups of construction workers filling the big round table at the center of the room, groups of students gossiping, business people flitting in for to-go orders, and strange hustler types who are always trying to unload some cheap electronics and find remodeling work. One thing they all have in common is that they aren't vegetarians. This place, like many others, has no vegetarian options, so keep that in mind if you're going as a group.
16 August 2006 @ 09:33 pm
Green Leaf
Citysearch info (though the hours can't be right because I got there at about 10:15 today)
Green leaf is smartly tucked into a small, narrow space across from House of Hong and Four Seas. I almost never noticed its tall, skinny sign, but luckily would have found it because of the praise from the critics. Reviews from the Stranger, Times, and P-I are in lovely wood frames in the entry. I feel obligated to mention these lovely wood frames, as well as the ceramic bowls and tea mugs, and wooden chopsticks, because almost everything else in the room is bamboo. Bamboo walls. Bamboo dividers. Bamboo chairs. Bamboo cash register stand. I haven't used their restroom, but would not be surprised to find a bamboo toilet. Grean Leaf: the Bamboo Lover's Dream.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Chili sauce. That's all. I've seen places with a few choices, a lot of them, or nothing at all, but they're the only one I've seen that just has one. Weird. I didn't use any today because they never brought the water I ordered. Except for places I go a lot, I'd say there's a 20% chance I won't get my water.
BEVERAGES
Again, I should look more at the choices, but mostly stick to tea and water on weekdays. I did have their coffee once, and it was good. The tea comes out in a huge mug with no handle, and I was worried it would never cool down enough to drink. I finally had to use my napkin to hold the mug, and was fine.
THE FOOD
Oh my. Today I had bun bo nuong sa, which is the same thing as bun bo xao as far as I can tell. Though maybe it translates to mean "bun bo xao with an incredible marinade and some killer-good vegetables you won't be able to identify, thus forcing you to return to our restaurant." So good.
I've only been there a few times, but in trying to hit a different place every day for review purposes, I decided to go to the ones I've been neglecting. After today, I'll definitely be putting Green Leaf into the rotation more often. I kinda wish I was there right now.
15 August 2006 @ 09:57 pm
A face from the past
My daily stop for bahn mi (vietnamese sandwiches) is Bahn Mi Saigon aka New Saigon Deli. More on the subject of bahn mi later, but the short version is that I go there the most. And by the most, I mean that in 20 work days a month I probably go there 19.
While my sandwiches (one for me, and one for a co-worker who pre-pays me for two weeks at a time) were being made, I heard a familiar voice. I looked back at the sandwich area and was surprised to see one of the women who used to make sandwiches for me at Saigon Gourmet, which I didn't link because it's now closed. And that's a damn shame. I only ate in their restaurant once. The pho was good, but the space was pretty tight and a little filmy. Their sandwich and to-go counter, however, did a brisk business. It wasn't uncommon to see a line of 8 people waiting to order sandwiches, and they were so efficient that it never took long. The slowpokes at Bambuza could learn a lesson or two from them.
I walked over and asked, "Didn't you work at Saigon Gourmet?" and explained to my current sandwich gal that the woman next to her was my ex. I'm not sure if she recognized me, because I hadn't shaved my beard yet when they closed, but she said to make sure to come back to Banh Mi Saigon as I walked out.
Right before I went out the door I heard the other girl say, "He's here every day."
15 August 2006 @ 09:33 pm
Huong Binh
Citysearch info
Huong Binh is a standout in the dense competition in Little Saigon, one of 4 vietnamese restaurants in the same strip mall at the Southeast corner of 12th and Jackson. It's small, clean, and efficient, which ensures a lot of regulars will be in. Sometimes I go twice a week.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
I think their emphasis on central vietnamese cuisine and simplicity in presentation are what lead to their selection of condiments. Each table only has pepper, chili sauce, chili oil, soy sauce, and the brown fish sauce (which I confirmed with them today is fish sauce, I wasn't sure before). They don't serve pho, so I don't mind that they don't have hoisin sauce, but as always, I'd love to see salt.
THE MEAL
Today I had what I order most often, the bun thit nuong (noodles with charbroiled pork). Theirs is just about perfect. In fact, the only reason I often went to An Thin (in the same shopping center, but now closed) is that they offered it with the egg roll, and there are no egg rolls at Huong Binh at all. The bun bo xao (beef) is also very good. The kitchen is so efficient, I was honestly surprised when my food arrived today. The chef rang the bell and I thought, that can't be mine. But there it was, about 3 minutes after I ordered it.
Huong Binh also has something I've never seen anywhere else: a large assortment of candies, cooking ingredients, desserts, preserves, pastries, nuts, and other snacks. It just has to be seen to be believed. There are two coolers out front for cold items, the front window is lined with large glass jars (like the ones in The Man with Two Brains) and the cash register is surrounded by piles of plastic containers stacked in neat rows. It's a neat idea, and obviously works well for them.
The best time to go is when I do, weekdays at 10am. There are usually a few other people there, but it's pretty quiet. Before my schedule changed, and I was going in at noon, it was often a madhouse. I tried to go on a Saturday once, only to find it full of huge families with a couple more waiting to eat. One thing I've noticed, even when there are lots of kids, they're so much quieter than american kids.
Huong Binh is a standout in the dense competition in Little Saigon, one of 4 vietnamese restaurants in the same strip mall at the Southeast corner of 12th and Jackson. It's small, clean, and efficient, which ensures a lot of regulars will be in. Sometimes I go twice a week.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
I think their emphasis on central vietnamese cuisine and simplicity in presentation are what lead to their selection of condiments. Each table only has pepper, chili sauce, chili oil, soy sauce, and the brown fish sauce (which I confirmed with them today is fish sauce, I wasn't sure before). They don't serve pho, so I don't mind that they don't have hoisin sauce, but as always, I'd love to see salt.
THE MEAL
Today I had what I order most often, the bun thit nuong (noodles with charbroiled pork). Theirs is just about perfect. In fact, the only reason I often went to An Thin (in the same shopping center, but now closed) is that they offered it with the egg roll, and there are no egg rolls at Huong Binh at all. The bun bo xao (beef) is also very good. The kitchen is so efficient, I was honestly surprised when my food arrived today. The chef rang the bell and I thought, that can't be mine. But there it was, about 3 minutes after I ordered it.
Huong Binh also has something I've never seen anywhere else: a large assortment of candies, cooking ingredients, desserts, preserves, pastries, nuts, and other snacks. It just has to be seen to be believed. There are two coolers out front for cold items, the front window is lined with large glass jars (like the ones in The Man with Two Brains) and the cash register is surrounded by piles of plastic containers stacked in neat rows. It's a neat idea, and obviously works well for them.
The best time to go is when I do, weekdays at 10am. There are usually a few other people there, but it's pretty quiet. Before my schedule changed, and I was going in at noon, it was often a madhouse. I tried to go on a Saturday once, only to find it full of huge families with a couple more waiting to eat. One thing I've noticed, even when there are lots of kids, they're so much quieter than american kids.
14 August 2006 @ 09:55 pm
Saigon Bistro
Citysearch info for hours, phone number, and address.
I went for the third time today, and can sum up my experience easily: just don't order the bun. They serve theirs wet and with few herbs, so there's no appeal when 7 other restaurants in the neighborhood do it better.
THE MEAL
Today I had a nice helping of bun mang vit, which is duck noodle soup with bamboo shoots served with a vinegary cabbage salad with duck and onions, topped off with a side of amazing ginger sauce. The soup doesn't actually have duck in it, so I usually add the duck from the salad, along with hoisin sauce, Sri-Racha, and the ginger sauce for flavor. Not all at once, though. I add in stages in order to try different tastes throughout the meal. All throughout my walk down Jackson to the bus stop, I could still taste the ginger. Amazing.
The last time I went, I ordered the pork and seafood pho, and was very impressed with the variety and amount of seafood as well as the presentation. Most places just give you a bowl of soup, but they arranged the ingredients in a lovely way. In the soup. It was cool. I'm always saying I need to carry my camera all the time, and stuff like that is the reason why.
With both of these meals, I had a spring roll as an appetizer. I like that you can order just one there, so even though there's plenty of other food on the way, they're quite tempting. They also serve theirs with the peanut sauce heated, which is a nice touch I haven't seen anywhere else.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Soy sauce, chili sauce, chili oil, Sri-Racha, sugar, salt, pepper, hoisin sauce, and the fishy brown sauce a lot of places keep in soy sauce bottles. Anyone know what that is? Nice selection, there's only one place I've been to that has anything more than they do.
BEVERAGES
I only had the usual complimentary tea and water today. I only drink cafe sua da on weekdays if I'm really tired or in a foul mood. They also serve beer and wine, and probably more beverages that I would have thought to jot down if I was good at this. I asked for a takeaway menu, but they don't have them.
The space looks like it has been kept very clean and well-maintained since the '80s, or at least decorated with materials from the era. I never spend much time looking at the inside because Saigon Bistro has something no other vietnamese restaurant I've been to has: an amazing view. They're in a second-floor space above the Viet-Wah grocery, and their large windows look out over Amazon's headquarters, Beacon Hill, West Seattle, the port's cargo area, the stadiums, and Chinatown.
The smaller location in the food court at Uwajimaya is a nice spot if you're down there, and they have the nicest disposable chopsticks I have ever seen. Be careful, though; the disposable plastic soup spoons have an extremely sharp edge. Their sandwiches are edible but dead last on my (extensive) list.
I went for the third time today, and can sum up my experience easily: just don't order the bun. They serve theirs wet and with few herbs, so there's no appeal when 7 other restaurants in the neighborhood do it better.
THE MEAL
Today I had a nice helping of bun mang vit, which is duck noodle soup with bamboo shoots served with a vinegary cabbage salad with duck and onions, topped off with a side of amazing ginger sauce. The soup doesn't actually have duck in it, so I usually add the duck from the salad, along with hoisin sauce, Sri-Racha, and the ginger sauce for flavor. Not all at once, though. I add in stages in order to try different tastes throughout the meal. All throughout my walk down Jackson to the bus stop, I could still taste the ginger. Amazing.
The last time I went, I ordered the pork and seafood pho, and was very impressed with the variety and amount of seafood as well as the presentation. Most places just give you a bowl of soup, but they arranged the ingredients in a lovely way. In the soup. It was cool. I'm always saying I need to carry my camera all the time, and stuff like that is the reason why.
With both of these meals, I had a spring roll as an appetizer. I like that you can order just one there, so even though there's plenty of other food on the way, they're quite tempting. They also serve theirs with the peanut sauce heated, which is a nice touch I haven't seen anywhere else.
CONDIMENTS ON THE TABLE
Soy sauce, chili sauce, chili oil, Sri-Racha, sugar, salt, pepper, hoisin sauce, and the fishy brown sauce a lot of places keep in soy sauce bottles. Anyone know what that is? Nice selection, there's only one place I've been to that has anything more than they do.
BEVERAGES
I only had the usual complimentary tea and water today. I only drink cafe sua da on weekdays if I'm really tired or in a foul mood. They also serve beer and wine, and probably more beverages that I would have thought to jot down if I was good at this. I asked for a takeaway menu, but they don't have them.
The space looks like it has been kept very clean and well-maintained since the '80s, or at least decorated with materials from the era. I never spend much time looking at the inside because Saigon Bistro has something no other vietnamese restaurant I've been to has: an amazing view. They're in a second-floor space above the Viet-Wah grocery, and their large windows look out over Amazon's headquarters, Beacon Hill, West Seattle, the port's cargo area, the stadiums, and Chinatown.
The smaller location in the food court at Uwajimaya is a nice spot if you're down there, and they have the nicest disposable chopsticks I have ever seen. Be careful, though; the disposable plastic soup spoons have an extremely sharp edge. Their sandwiches are edible but dead last on my (extensive) list.
13 August 2006 @ 01:00 pm
Pho Ga 900 (Broadway)
I had lunch today at Pho Ga 900, which is a new vietnamese* restaurant on Broadway. It's in the spot across from Charlie's, where Capitol Hill Internet Cafe used to be. I suspect they'll have a tough time in that spot, because it's HUGE. I haven't been to their original location on Rainier (or any vietnamese places over there) but I hope they're doing a swift enough business to be able to help the new one float along if need be. The competition's tough, with Pho Bac, Pho Cyclo, Than Brothers, and Cafe Da Lat all within 5 blocks.
TABLE CONDIMENTS
They keep soy sauce, pepper, Sri-Racha, chili sauce, and hoisin sauce on each table. A decent selection, but I wish they had salt. I ordered bun thit nuong cha gio tom (noodles with pork, egg roll, shrimp, veggies, and fish sauce) and a little salt could have helped bring out the flavor a bit. One problem with bun is that the sauces tend to wash over the ingredients, so I usually end up not tasting them unless I eat the drippings gathered at the bottom. Salt will stick to everything.
CAFE SUA DA
Strong, flavorful, and frothy after being vigorously mixed back in the kitchen. I prefer when they bring the cup of ice and the little french* press to the table so you can watch it seep and then mix it yourself, but it's ok either way. There was a nice unmixed blob of cold condensed milk on the spoon, which was a tasty treat.
THE MEAL
There were only three varieties of bun available, the one I ordered, bun bo xao (stir fried beef), and vegetarian with tofu. The bun bo xao was $2.00 extra at $8.95, which is $2.00 more than most places charge for it. Since vietnamese food is made Henry Ford style (assembly line, interchangeable parts) there's no reason not to offer a few more choices. Take a look at Pho Cyclo's bun menu and you'll see what I mean. Another thing I like about vietnamese food is that it's almost always at the table within minutes of placing the order. I wished I had brought something to read because lunch today took a bit longer than I'm used to waiting. As for the food itself, the noodles were good, the shrimp were perfect, the egg roll was unusually soft, and the pork was decent.
The verdict? I'll go back. There are never too many vietnamese restaurants. I eat the stuff at least 5 days a week, often twice a day, so I try to find something good at every place I've been so I have more choices. The space is big and airy, and I am also grateful to new businesses in the neighborhood after seeing Broadway in such decline since I moved here. I do hate businesses that are named after a dish (Pho Ga is chicken noodle soup) or the street address (their other location is at 900 Rainier Avenue South) but I can deal.
A few words about any restaurant reviews I do.
There are lots of special characters that I won't be using when I type the names of the dishes and restaurants. It would take too long to do it, and wouldn't be worth the effort. You'll notice when dining out that most of the menus don't bother either. Plus, when people try to use special characters and use the wrong ones, it's embarrassing. Also, I don't consider myself a food critic, just an enthusiast.
* German is my second language, and I always liked how they don't capitalize adjectives. So I do it here. I don't like how they capitalize nouns, though.
They keep soy sauce, pepper, Sri-Racha, chili sauce, and hoisin sauce on each table. A decent selection, but I wish they had salt. I ordered bun thit nuong cha gio tom (noodles with pork, egg roll, shrimp, veggies, and fish sauce) and a little salt could have helped bring out the flavor a bit. One problem with bun is that the sauces tend to wash over the ingredients, so I usually end up not tasting them unless I eat the drippings gathered at the bottom. Salt will stick to everything.
Strong, flavorful, and frothy after being vigorously mixed back in the kitchen. I prefer when they bring the cup of ice and the little french* press to the table so you can watch it seep and then mix it yourself, but it's ok either way. There was a nice unmixed blob of cold condensed milk on the spoon, which was a tasty treat.
There were only three varieties of bun available, the one I ordered, bun bo xao (stir fried beef), and vegetarian with tofu. The bun bo xao was $2.00 extra at $8.95, which is $2.00 more than most places charge for it. Since vietnamese food is made Henry Ford style (assembly line, interchangeable parts) there's no reason not to offer a few more choices. Take a look at Pho Cyclo's bun menu and you'll see what I mean. Another thing I like about vietnamese food is that it's almost always at the table within minutes of placing the order. I wished I had brought something to read because lunch today took a bit longer than I'm used to waiting. As for the food itself, the noodles were good, the shrimp were perfect, the egg roll was unusually soft, and the pork was decent.
The verdict? I'll go back. There are never too many vietnamese restaurants. I eat the stuff at least 5 days a week, often twice a day, so I try to find something good at every place I've been so I have more choices. The space is big and airy, and I am also grateful to new businesses in the neighborhood after seeing Broadway in such decline since I moved here. I do hate businesses that are named after a dish (Pho Ga is chicken noodle soup) or the street address (their other location is at 900 Rainier Avenue South) but I can deal.
There are lots of special characters that I won't be using when I type the names of the dishes and restaurants. It would take too long to do it, and wouldn't be worth the effort. You'll notice when dining out that most of the menus don't bother either. Plus, when people try to use special characters and use the wrong ones, it's embarrassing. Also, I don't consider myself a food critic, just an enthusiast.
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