Revisits: Pho Hung Cali and Pho Lucky

For some reason, it seems to be much colder this year....if it's old age, moisture, or what, I'm not sure, but this year feels different. Could be this nagging cold that I just can't seem to shake as well. Of course that still doesn't stop having to run errands during the weekend. Good thing pho shop usually open around 8am. So here's a couple of nice steaming bowls....

Pho Hung Cali:

Since I last visited back in April, I'd been thinking of returning. I thought the pho was decent and worth the revisit.

Man this place is huge. I wonder if they ever fill it up since the parking lot is rather small. The service here was nice; especially the guy who goes around refilling the H2O....he's so friendly. Also, they still don't charge for hot tea.

Having not enjoyed the rare steak the last time through I went with #19, all the meat except the tai. It came out bellowing steam.

Meanwhile, the lime was yellowing, the basil had starting developing spots and the bean sprouts were turning brown. Granted, not the perfect weather for produce; but this was going south.

The broth was nice and hot; it was also clear, meaning that it was kept at that nice temperature; lightly bubbling, without a roiling boil, and the impurities were removed.

It was a bit too defatted for my taste; I appreciate a bit of richness in my both. The flavor was onion/shallot forward, with a good measure of sweetness. It was also a tad too heavy in terms of MSG as well. But not terrible and I'd easily say, it's better than anything in Kearny Mesa.

As for the proteins; thing were much more tasty this time around; especially the pieces of brisket, which were nice and beefy. The tendon was decent, it looked really nice, but was still a bit too hard for my tastes...not bad though. There was one tiny strand of tripe.

The noodles were perfectly prepared. And on a nice note, weren't in a tight clump on the bottom of the bowl. Yes, this does matter to me.

I thought this was a decent bowl. I think I'll even try the Pho Filet next time.

Pho Hung Cali
1060 Broadway Chula Vista
Chula Vista, CA 91911

Pho Lucky:

It was haircut time and Pho Lucky is across the street. Last time it was Cow Cali, so Pho Lucky get equal time.

Strangely not quite as good as on previous visits. The broth was nicely flavored; anise and onion forward, but was on the cloudy side. The noodles were perfect, but the meats all tasted a bit off. The flank was really, really tough...like eating rubber, the tendon; usually a favorite of mine was MIA. So, I've been here many, many, times and I'll allow it an off day.....or perhaps I should have just gone Banh Mi Bo Kho.

Pho Lucky
9326 Mira Mesa Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92126

Comments

[kat]

:(

[Sandy]

Agree with you on the colder-than-usual weather. I was fortunate to have home-made pho recently, and it sure hit the spot.

[Nhbilly]

Prefect for today's crappy weather. Despite the protein.

[Caninecologne]

I've not tried Pho Hung Calli yet. It's wierd that their parking lot is so tiny too.

[Kirk]

Actually not too bad Kat.

That sounds great Sandy. Good to know that it's not just me with regards to the weather.

Yes Billy......perfect for inclement weather.

Hi CC - Yeah, that's kind of a strange parking lot for such a large restaurant space.