Getting "Them Bones" to go From Pho Duyen Mai

During my recent visits to Golden City; I couldn't help but notice that Pho Duyen Mai was closed. I was somewhat concerned....in my opinion Pho Duyen Mai made one of the better bowls of pho in the Kearny/Clairemont Mesa area.....I know, that's really not saying much as I think the pho in the area ain't that great. But then again; they have "'Dem Bones" (Xí Quách Suon Bò), simmered beef rib bones that does double duty....helps to make the pho broth, then served as a side item. Though other places, like PT Eatery has tried to do this (it wasn't very good), none in San Diego compare. So, while driving past a couple of weeks ago, I saw the "We are now open" sign.

A couple of days later I called before opening (they are currently open at 10) for a takeout order, asking if they had "Dem Bones"......and yes, they did have them. I also ordered a #27......the pho with the well done steak, flank, brisket, etc..... Ready in 15 minutes was what I was told.....and yes, it was ready to go when I arrived. I did notice a couple of curbside pick-up customers as well.

So...….how was it? Well, things were nicely packed, the portion size seemed larger than I recalled, especially the broth.

And holy smokes....how did they know I enjoy bean sprouts....sheeesh…..

And of course "Dem Bones"...…..

Holy smokes....this was more food than I could finish.

There was way too much broth so I saved almost half of it. While not as "sweet" as on my previous visit; it was still quite salty....though I could really make out beefiness in the broth.

All the proteins were fine; but of course I mainly focused on all that rib meat; while still not quite as tender as on the first couple of times I had it; it was more tender then the last time I had it. It was nice and beefy as well.

The noodles were terrible; just plain hard and brittle......I think they need to pack that separately.

So, the Missus ended up having a nice little appetizer of sorts when She got home that evening. I scrapped off about half the rib meat, and soaked, then simmered it in the pho broth. Man, She scarfed the whole thing down in a minute....not even once mentioning anything being too salty..... so maybe I'm the one being too picky here?

In fact, She said She might be wanting this sometime during the week....go figure?

I'm glad to see Duyen Mai back in action....I'll probably order some Nem Nuong Cuon and such for the skeleton crew at work one of these days.

Pho Duyen Mai
5375 Kearny Villa Rd
San Diego, CA 92123
Current Covid-19 Hours:
Daily - 10am - 7pm

Hope everyone had a safe weekend. What places are you happy to see opened again?

Comments

[Sandy]

I was going to get takeout from Pho Lucky, but I didn't realize that the restaurant was closed. I ended up going to Pho Cow Cali; they asked if I wanted the noodles cooked or uncooked, and packaged them separately from the toppings and proteins. They were very generous with everything (broth, noodles, veggies) except the proteins.

[Kirk]

I haven't been in that area for a bit Sandy - I think the last time was when I visited Mama Cinia....and Pho Cow Cali as doing some major business, so I didn't want to get in with the crowd. It's too bad that Pho Lucky is still closed....I'm wondering if they are ever going to reopen.

[Soo Hom]

Good looking bones.

[Elle]

I also noticed Pho Van and other restaurants gave bigger portions for takeout. I can only eat half too. My friend said he got an extra bucket of KFC than what he ordered one time haha.

[Kirk]

It was pretty good Soo.

I've been noticing that with a couple of places Elle.....I think they want to fatten us up during the pandemic.....that extra bucket of KFC is quite funny!

[kat]

looked great & glad the missus enjoyed it too.

[Janfrederick]

Oooh, something new to try!!! Awesome. :)

But what I want to know is, how are they going to hover over you while you decide what to order if you are ordering by phone? I guess next time you could have the Missus stand next to you with her arms akimbo while you call. ;)

[Kirk]

Me too Kat! That was a bit of surprise.

This isn't one of those "old school" places Jan....so it's not quite like that. Though how about..."please hold", said in Vietnamese of course....followed by at least 10 minutes of weird elevator music, and every thirty seconds a repeat of "your call is important to us...."...in Vietnamese of course.....how would that do? ;o)

[Caninecologne]

Those meaty ribs sure look good! Too bad there isn't a decent place like that down here in CV.

[Kirk]

I think Duyen Mai is the only place that does this ok CC.....which is kind of sad.