PhoKng's Profile
Pho Hoa 4?
Pho Hoa Quincy is going to take about 2 months to get running somewhat smoothly. Pho should be pretty good. I would stay away from the stir-fry items. Decor will also get there as the restaurant opening was fairly rushed. There should be a minor remodelling in about 3-4 months (mostly storefront). I'd definately give this place a couple months if first impressions are big. =)
Best spots to try in Orlando's Vietnamese neighborhood?
I may/or may not have owned a Vietnamese Restaurant in Orlando...with that being said here is my take on some of the Vietnamese Restaurants in Orlando =)
Pho Hoa: Hands down the best Pho when they are on their game, which is not all the time. The Bun Bo Hue, Roasted Quail, and Summer roll samplers are some notable dishes. The current owner has been in the business for the past 8 years. Located at Colonial and Primrose. Spotty service.
Tay Do: Used to be Thanh Thanh, now completely renovated with new management. Has authentic and excellent family style Vietnamese Cuisine. Some dishes include the clay pot fish, and hot and sour soup. Located on East Colonial accross from the Dollar store.
Pho 89 (or 79): Newest kid on the block. This owner/chef worked for me for a couple months and is very talented. Brings 10 years experience and vietnamese style cuisine over from Orange County California. This place is located on Mills a couple blocks down from Pho 88 (Used to be Mai's Place, and before that Hien's).
Lac Viet: Best in terms of atmosphere, decor, and service. The food has gotten better since they got a new head chef who is very talented and has been in many kitchens (Pho Hoa, Pho 88, Pho Saigon). They offer a servicable Bun Rieu which is not offered at many of the other restaurants. Also their Banh Cuon Lac Viec Dac Biet reminds of how mom used to do it. Located next to Tay Do.
The Rest:
Pho 88 is consitently ok, nothing too notable, but service is usually ok.
Viet Garden is/ or will be under new management soon, but before the owner sold it it was weak in terms of their Vietnamese cuisine and I cannot comment on their Thai menu.
Anh Hong was dirty, the food was ok, and service was lacking my two visits there.
Vietnamtown is a case of the menu being too big and not being able to do anything especially well.
Little Saigon did well with their remodelling, service is probably the best out of all of the Vietnamese restaurants, but their food has been geared for American palettes.
Pho Saigon: Bad pho, spotty service.
Vinh's I have not been to.
Pho Hoa Report
The location for Pho Hoa Quincy was originally a bank then a laundromat but was only a relay station (dry cleaning etc was not done in house).
Pho Hoa Report
Pho Hoa Dorchester and Pho Hoa Chinatown are owned by two separate people. The owner of Pho Hoa Dorchester has owned his restaurant for 12 years, and was one of the original partners in the Chinatown restaurant, but sold his share about two years ago. Pho Hoa Dorchester has just opened up a new location in Quincy on Hancock Street. I'm in Orlando, so I won't have a chance to check it out for a while....if anyone goes let me know how the new joint is =) .....about the broken rice, it isn't to save money, it is a style that is authentic to Vietnam (while I'm sure they'd subsitute regular long jasmine rice upon request).
Bun Bo Hue?
Which Pho Hoa location was this, the Dorchester or Chinatown? And what exactly was the problem with the soup? Was it the flavor of the broth, the meat, the noodles? You've been eating at Pho Hoa for years, and I definately respect your opinion.
Bun Bo Hue?
I am somewhat biased, but the Bun Bo Hue at Pho Hoa in Dorchester is really good, and about as authentic as it gets. My parents are from Hue and my mom helped create the recipe. I have yet to try the other Bun Bo Hue at the other restaurants in the Boston area, so I can't give a detailed comparison. Hope this helps!
