The cursed space that once was inhabited by the likes of Pung Mie (more like fuck me), Ocean Villa (sleeps with da fishes), New Saigon (dead Saigon), and L&T Vietnamese Cuisine Hot Pot (kicked the pot) has suckered in another victim to play with... This time it's a player that's been in the game for awhile. So, can this veteran of Viet grub and pho specialties make it happen in this haunted location where so many pho joints come to die... Let's grab our proton packs and take a peek. Hopefully, we won't get slimed. And remember, whatever you do.. Don't cross the streams, especially, in the urinal after sucking down that gallon size extra large bowl.
Pho Dac Biet and Cha Gio. Looked pretty decent overall but looks can be deceiving. The Cha Gio were cold... Yes, colder than a JAP (Jewish American Princess if you rednecks don't know) on her honeymoon night. One bite into this flaccid skin flute and I knew that no amount of nuoc cham could get me excited for the next bite without chasing it with a little blue pill and some more nuoc mam (not knocking on your mama). The pho all the way had plenty of meats (except tripe which I luv) and meat balls which was nice to see because so many places charge extra for them manly balls. The broth was not as hot (temp) as it should be but that's not a deal breaker. The test- spoonful of the unmolested broth. While it was a clean broth (not oily), it lacked the Vietnamese bouquet garni that makes the pho broth... The star anise, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, rock sugar, lemon grass, bone marrow were barely noticeable... It lacked that savory stickiness from a well made prized broth. In the end it was only a watered down beef broth. Also, the pho and cha gio came out within seconds of ordering it. I like efficient but when it comes to good food, I don't mind waiting for it. This showed off their experience as high volume resto owners. It's not always a good thing... As evidence by their weak pho broth.
Bun with Grilled Pork and Shrimp. This is a dish that is nearly impossible to fuck up unless you're a 3 toed-sloth. Dump a ton of nuoc cham in it and you're all set to go to becoming a glutton. Decent flavors all around... A little gristly on the pork bits.
Banh Mi. Bread looks good, pretty much standard issue these days. A bit too much on the garnish filler. A bit chintzy on the grilled pork but that might be a good thing as this pork was super salty. I mean super salty to the point it was unbearable. It pretty much killed my banh mi craving which it usually takes a lot to do when it comes to the pouch's demands.
Their experience as restaurant owners may give them a better shot of sustaining their newest location where so many others have tried and failed miserably. They all got some traffic in the beginning but in the end it's the food that counts and keeps people coming back. The classic dishes I have sampled were mediocre at best and if they improve in the very near future, like today, they might get exactly that... A future.
5145 Buford Hwy
Doraville, GA 30340
770-696-1662
http://www.iluvpho.net/
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