Pho. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the broth and the noodles and the slurping.
This post is going to be a doozey in length. If you’ve never made pho but want to, I will describe all of the ingredients, what they look like, where to find them, and why you use what you use, and whether I took any shortcuts.
OK, first of all, I’d like to apologize for my extended absence. I’ve been moving. YES, MOVING! In this housing market I actually sold and bought a house. Well, buying wasn’t the problem. Selling is the trick. But it’s done. Let’s not talk about it. Let’s celebrate!
As you can probably tell from my Pho Hot, Pho Hien Noodle Soup Co and To Chau posts, I’m a pho pho-natic. I’ve never had pho I don’t like. And I heard the bread at My Tho makes the experience that much more pho-ing fantastic! OK, enough pho puns. I’m done. Onto the review!
I always think it’s awkward saying “pho.” Don’t ask. It’s my own issue. I’m working through it. I haven’t had a lot of pho, and to be fair, I don’t branch out a lot. But like that one dude on “Say Yes To The Dress” says, “When you find the right one, why would you keep looking?” (Loosely quoted, of course.)
Pho-nomenol
A couple of months ago I reviewed To Chau. I had some delicious pho and spring rolls. I was pleased with life. So pleased, in fact, I even took a run at making both myself. A few weeks ago I was driving around aimlessly, looking to kill time. And I drove near Pho Hot, and knew it was where I wanted to go. Disclaimer: I’ve been to Pho Hot before. And had pho. And it was delicious.
I’ll admit I was a little discouraged with myself for wanting to try something new. I mean the place has “pho” in its name. And everyone around me was eating it. Nonetheless, I had banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich). It was on my list of things I wanted, nay, needed to try. So I pummeled ahead.
Banh mi likey!
I’ve wanted to go to To Chau for a long time, but arranging dinner with a group wasn’t panning out. So I finally decided I needed pho, and headed off to quench the craving. If you’ve never had pho or are scared of it, I’ll give this review from that perspective. In fact, I think I’ll use my friends at Wikipedia for more background, if you want it. I was intimidated the first time I had it. But it’s a fun meal because they bring they base, and you season to your taste.
“Mmmmmm. Noodle soup.” -Joey Tribiani, Friends
Stuffed and Schwasted 