Pho Paradise

I was thinking of doing my post on Sang Deuan tonight, but the weather just seemed right for a post on the recently opened Pho Paradise, which is located in the same strip mall. I first noticed the change of business back at the end of the year. I really haven't had a good bowl of Pho in Kearny Mesa/Convoy is ages. So I was curious to see how this place would be.

As I said before; that logo looks a bit familiar, but I just can't place it.

In addition to the décor; the menu is typical of your neighborhood pho shop...pho, bun, rice......

I went with #3, rare steak, brisket, tendon, and tripe ($6.75). Man, when did pho hit the seven dollar mark? The Dac Biet here is like $7.75. Regardless, I liked the look of my bowl when it arrived.

Kind of sparse on the sprouts and herbs....but is that Ngo Gai I see? A rarity on the Mesa.....

The broth looked dark and rich, flecks of oil dotted the surface....the fragrance was quite "onion-ny". Nice first impression. The broth was mildly beefy, faint anise, onion-forward, though, as is the norm in San Diego, a bit heavy handed on the MSG. It was also super scalding hot.

The noodles were over-done and on the mushy side.

As for the proteins; the tendon was good, decent texture; the rare steak was cut too thick and dried out quickly in the broth. This was the most tripe I've seen in a bowl on the Mesa since forever.

The flank and brisket were unremarkable, both flavorless and on the dry side.

Still, it seems that these folks aren't just going thru the motions and are really trying to put out a good product.

A few days later I returned and tried the Banh Mi Bo Kho ($6.75). Man was this super dark.

This was too salty for my taste, it was also very thin, lacking in anise tones and any vestige of tomato flavor. The meat was on the tough and dry side.

I'd probably stick with the pho.

The young man and young lady who served me were very nice. I know I've been around a long time when I recognized Her from Van Hoa and K Sandwich...sheesh. The service here seemed a level above your typical pho shop. I like the hours, since my schedule often calls for an early lunch. This location seems to have some bad juju; in the course of two years it has been Viet Bakery and Pho, then V Bakery. I hope the place can break that spell. I also hope the pho is just as good, or heck, let's shoot for the moon, maybe even better next time around. You see, I'm not looking for a "pho paradise" here; just a decent bowl.

Pho Paradise
3904 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
Hours:
Mon - Sat 9am - 10pm
Sunday   10am - 9pm 

Comments

[Jason]

Yeah, that mall is tough, it's like sink or swim. I was there on the V-day Saturday night and some places like Sakura and Koubou were packed, while others like Shabu World and this new pho place were almost completely empty. Hopefully this place will survive, seems like they do a pretty decent job.

[nhbilly]

Culantro is definitely rare sighting even I can't find it in SATX everything seem to look decent.

[Kirk]

Hi Jason - Yes.....and with Sang Deuan now there as well. I do hope they continue to get better.

Hi Billy - In all the other places in the area, I have to request it....and some don't even have it on hand. I think this place is trying to do a good job; I hope they keep it up.

[kat]

:(

[Kirk]

Actually Kat - This place was pretty good!

[Faye]

I tried to enlarge the Grand Opening special but can't make out if there's an expiration date to the 20% off? I heard about this place and am hopeful to try it soon (something about a rich pho "onion-forward" broth on a cold day is comforting!). It's hard to see the previous place shut down in Convoy especially after only 6 months.

[Kirk]

Hi Faye - If I recall, I think it expires today - 02/28, but I could be wrong.