I know, rather strange bedfellows, but here goes.
Pho Cali:
A recent weekend morning found me in Mission Valley. It's kind of interesting, when we first moved to San Diego, our condo was in MV, but these days, other than the Missus enjoying a shopping day, we almost try to avoid Mission Valley!
The last time I'd been to Pho Cali was back in March of 2006. They've survived the test of time, though their shop in Kearny Mesa didn't last, eventually becoming Pho Nhu Y. Still, 10 am on a Saturday morning....... I thought it would be interesting to drop by Pho Cali.
Funny thing, the service is totally like any pho shop on University....as in, "what you want"........
Haven't not been here in 10 years, I took the #49, regular, which was $7.69. Basically the proteins minus the rare steak, which I didn't think was going to be too good. What was really interesting was the plate of herbs and sprouts, which has got to be, the most stingy plate I've seen to date.
It was so amazingly stingy....I enjoy bean sprouts in my pho and have requested more on occasion, but this seemed a bit absurd. So, while waiting, I decided to count the bean sprouts.....which barely filled the palm of my hand. There were exactly 27 bean sprouts on that plate. Perhaps I could have requested more.....but really, should I have to beg for my sprouts?
So, lets get to the pho. The broth had nice hints of anise, but was lacking in richness and had way too much msg, the tendon and all the other proteins, including a decent amount of tripe was good. The noodles were a bit over cooked and mushy, but overall, it was hard to over come the amount of msg.
The service is typically perfunctory.....
Such is the state of pho in Mission Valley.
Pho Cali
1400 Camino De La Reina
San Diego, CA 92108
Coastal Crave:
So, I did Mike's BBQ, where I mentioned the beer offerings were much better than Coastal Crave's, which meant I had to return. I try to do a bit of due diligence when possible. This time, I avoided any of the dishes I had before and went with a simple burger.
But first, I can still say; there's not much craft beer here....they count Shock Top as a craft beer....
The Coastal Crave Burger?
Well, this was interesting. The burger was made to a nice medium, but the exterior was almost burnt and quite tough. Really sad, because this could have been a decent burger. Instead, it came across as being a bit bitter. The brioche style bun was good, the fried onion rings ditto....so close.
The young lady working on this evening was a joy; I believe her name is Kristin, or something like that. So maybe, maybe, since it's up the street......though they've got to step up their beers....
Coastal Crave
3065 Clairemont Dr
San Diego, CA 92117
:(
Posted by: kat | Tuesday, 15 March 2016 at 03:49 AM
REally? Shock Top on a craft board? "Why I spit in your Shock Top!" I'll stick with West Coast BBQ b/c they at least have an excellent beer list.
Posted by: ken | Tuesday, 15 March 2016 at 06:04 AM
Yet again Kat!
Lol Ken.....you have to consider the location I think....
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 15 March 2016 at 06:59 AM
Oh come on Kirk, you didn't ask for more? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4iEdMMjqdA
Posted by: Janfrederick | Tuesday, 15 March 2016 at 08:28 AM
Maybe you will have better luck with the burger next time. It was close...
Posted by: Soo @ hungryones | Tuesday, 15 March 2016 at 08:49 AM
Too bad. The inside of the burger looks quite juicy. I think the last meal from Mission Valley for me was when Capriotti's opened! Heard so much about the Thanksgiving sandwich but it was just OK.
Posted by: Junichi | Tuesday, 15 March 2016 at 12:08 PM
Good lord Jan.......
It was pretty close to being decent Soo.
Haven't eaten in MV in years too Junichi....and probably won't for a few more now!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 15 March 2016 at 06:11 PM