Do you have a hard time convincing your significant other? I mean, the Missus and I have been married for over 20 years; but at times there are still those moments. The Missus and I joke about it all the time; if I say "white" She'll say "black", I will go "low" and She'll go "high"....my "yes", is a definite "no" from Her. I often explain it in terms of the Zodiac; I'm born under a water sign, and She, believe it or not, is born under an "earth" sign.....and what do you get when you mix the two? Well.....water + earth = mud, right?
Anyway, ever since "FOY" Elle recommended the Bun Rieu from Phuong Nga 2, I've been trying to get the Missus, who enjoys Bun Rieu to check out Phuong Nga 2 with me. The Missus however, just doesn't believe me. Even though She has stopped getting the Bun Rieu from Mien Trung. A few weeks back, I did see an opening though. The weather was fairly chilly and the Missus wanted some "soup" when She got home from work. I said "I'll figure something out" and went to Phuong Nga right when they opened.
Phuong Nga 2 is currently (as of this past weekend) still only doing take out. There's a steady flow of customers and the phone is constantly ringing. I actually need to go in person to order, since they really don't understand what I'm saying....I need to actually open the menu and point to the Bun Rieu. After that; it's usually a wait of about 15-20 minutes.
On that first visit; I was quite surprised at how heavy my two orders of Bun Rieu were. Imagine seeing this (one order) when I opened things up.
The big mistake on this first visit was to make both orders......the Missus and I can only finish about two-thirds of an order of noodles and about 1 1/3 container of broth. We'll save the rest for a second meal. I put the noodles in a colander and pour some hot water over it to heat and separate. The second container of herbs and veggies is also for that next meal.
This is one entire order of broth; in the largest bowl I have.
For the Missus; it was love at first sip. The broth is on the lighter side, but has decent acidity, a hint of sweetness and savory tones, and is quite good with a touch of the mam tom which comes with each bowl. The noodles are the correct thin bun; which the Missus appreciates....it has also always been perfectly prepared, firm and al dente. We usually split things up these days; the Missus loves the tofu and tomato; I enjoy the cha lua....we both enjoy the light, tender, pork-seafood "cakes", and the dried shrimp. The Missus usually leaves the pork ribs for me.
And look at those sparkling veggies/herbs; the Missus loves the banana blossom and shredded morning glory, which is usually MIA from other versions these days. A few torn leaves of perilla to add a touch do anise flavor and we're ready to go.
This is easily worth the nine bucks it costs these days. After all; it's almost two meals for us, with bun to spare that I use for other dishes.
So far, it's been Bun Rieu every weekend for the last three weeks.....I have a feeling the Missus will insist on having it again this weekend. Perhaps She'll "trust" my recommendations in the future? I'm not going to count on it though.
Phuong Nga 2
4016 54th St
San Diego, CA 92105
Current Hours:
Tues - Sunday 9am - 6pm
Closed on Mondays
And as I always do with posts on Phuong Nga 2; I need to thank "FOY" Elle!
I'm glad the Missus enjoyed it! :) Great for leftovers. Nice tip on separating the noodles. I'll have to try that some time.
Posted by: Elle | Tuesday, 20 April 2021 at 08:50 PM
That is an absolutely beautiful bowl of garnish! Would kill for access to some of those herbs too...maybe I need to go out to Spokane soon. The markets out there are all pretty sad, but it's the closest we got...at least the farmer's market is coming up soon.
Posted by: sawyer | Tuesday, 20 April 2021 at 10:03 PM
Looks delicious! You and your wife sound awfully familiar 😀
Posted by: RedDevil | Tuesday, 20 April 2021 at 10:31 PM
Looking good. I will definitely give that a try. I've ordered their cha before(right at the counter). They're pretty good. They carry them at Vien Dong next door, too.
Posted by: TFD | Tuesday, 20 April 2021 at 11:17 PM
nice that she enjoyed it :)
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, 21 April 2021 at 06:07 AM
It's Her "current" favorite Elle!
That was soooo fresh and beautiful Sawyer! Hope you can get your fix soon!
Lol RD!
Their Bun Rieu is good by San Diego standards TFD - don't forget the mam tom though!
It gives us another option Kat!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 21 April 2021 at 06:44 AM