Revisits: Pho Hut and Hinotez

Man, work has been busy. And there were a couple of cool/rainy days, where I just wanted a bowl of noodle soup, and some quiet. Here's where I went. 

Pho Hut and Grill:

I didn't expect much based on my previous visits. I wasn't sure what to order and ended up going with the Mi Sui Cao, dumpling egg noodle soup, not cheap at $8.50, but based on those earlier visits, I really didn't want pho.

The bowl was generous and it was better than I thought it would be.

While the broth was a bit heavy with regards to the MSG, it wasn't bad, decent flavor. The egg noodles were done well.....the dumplings were typical, a bit on an under-performer because all of them were torn open and falling apart. Not bad....but perhaps a bit over-priced in my mind.

Pho Hut & Grill
5252 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92117

Hinotez:

When I want a quiet lunch, I'll sometimes hit up Hinotez. There's usually no one sitting at the bar when I at there if it's early enough. And like other visits, the place was empty. Instead of the usual item I order; the Shio Ramen, I went with the Shoyo Ramen.

This was actually a bit better than the last couple of shio versions I'd had here in the recent past. It was piping hot, had a mild, but not too salty flavor. The egg was decent, but the chashu was again cold and dry. The standard issue noodles were prepared decently....could have been more firm, but was a tad better than average. It won't win any awards, but I wanted a quiet and peaceful meal and I did get that.....

Hinotez
7947 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111

Comments

[kat]

could be better but at least you got some quiet.

[Junichi]

I usually alternate between the shio and the shoyu at Honotez. Nothing special but satisfying on a cold night.

[Kirk]

Quite true Kat.

I agree Junichi.