a bite of brownie

after picking up a package from the post office, i took a look at available food restos next door and found this place but I was a few minutes early. three other parties were also waiting for the restaurant to open so i thought this must be a good sign that this resto is good. I checked the other stores close by. there's Starbucks and nothing bundt cakes. I stepped in the latter and I was greeted with a friendly crew saying if I would be interested in trying their raspberry chiffon cake. it was delicious and not so sweet so I thought I can't leave that bakery without getting something. my eyes were set on buying the chocolate-chocolate chip bundtlet. I asked the cashier what's their best seller and guess what? it's the same as my choice!

I proceeded back to pho wagon and by the time I came back, they turned the closed sign to open. their daily special is grilled pork or chicken sandwich with chips and Thai iced tea. I asked the waitress if I could change the sandwich to meat with rice. she thinks no so I opted to get the special combo pho, an unexpected order from me since I don't like noodles or pasta. surprisingly, I enjoyed it! the broth was tasty. the rice noodles were perfectly cooked, not over cooked nor soggy. special combo pho has steak, well-done flank, brisket, tendon and tripe. I like best the latter three. small order was still too much for much. I wasn't able to finish the noodles but drank all the soup.

there are not many options for rice plates though. this place seemed popular considering almost 10 parties came within thirty minutes after the resto opened.

the chocolate-chocolate chip bundlet was delicious! the sweetness was just right, not so sweet and not so bland.

Verdict for Pho Wagon: 3/5 (-2 for few rice plate options)
Verdict for Nothing Bundt Cakes: 4/5 (it's a little expensive)

Pho Wagon
1712 Meridian Ave
San Jose, CA 95125

Nothing Bundt Cakes
1702 Meridian Avenue Suite B.
San Jose, CA 95125

Still part of the Abaca group of companies, Phat Pho specializes in Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, served with a modern twist for the contemporary diner. We visited the restaurant twice and both visits I could say that I was not disappointed. Situated near its siblings at Crossroads, this restaurant opens its doors to its patrons at dusk and goodness me, due to the limited amount of space, it is suggested that people should arrive early before their patrons flood in by the throng.

They have very little on the menu, most of it were made up of different flavored pho bowls while the others were appetizers and pica-pica. Here are some of the things we ordered:

Goi Cuon (vegetable, grilled pork, chilled shrimp)
Pho bowl
Pork in Lettuce cups
Spring Rolls
Chicken wings
Grilled pork tenders

What I really liked most about this restaurant is that the chefs listen to customer feedback and alter the menu to their taste. The proof of this is when we visited the first time and found that the peanut sauce was too sweet and too smooth, we brought this up to the chef and suggested that it would be nicer if it was a little more textured and less sweet. Lo and behold, the next day, we were able to enjoy a new an improved dish, to our proposition.

If I were to choose between which of the three Goi Cuons was the most delicious, I would probably vote for the grilled pork, in favor of the meat being cooked and seasoned as opposed to bland but refreshing hint the shrimp offered. Pho here is delicious, and you could probably share a bowl with a friend because the regular serving is good enough for two. The pork in lettuce cups was one of the ever changing dishes on the daily specials, which, although messy to eat, was delicious. Pork tenders were well cooked and juicy, perfectly cooked if you ask me. Their chicken wings shine with just the right amount of sweetness and sourness and saltiness, plus the serving size was plenty enough too.


 Phat Pho
Crossroads Banilad



Verdict:
A: 4.75/5
One of the few deserving modern restaurants in the market that serves good food. It would be nice if they expanded the menu.

my friend was craving for some pho and found this place on yelp. the 25% off on weekdays from 3 to 6pm all the more encouraged us to try this place. we had spring rolls as starter. my friends loved the spring rolls. for our entrees, they each got pho of different kind and both of them liked their phos. i ordered the fried soft shell crab and oyster and i really enjoyed it. it's not the best soft shell crab i've tried though. the one in joy yee evanston illinois was tastier. we also ordered an extra steak meal. the steak was just fine but it was tasty and well-cooked. we unanimously had a great dining experience at this restaurant and it comes with free private parking.


Pho Cong Ly
460 E William St
San Jose, CA 95112

Verdict:  4/5 (adding pictures to the menu would be great.)

We visited Lemon Grass Restaurant yesterday on the way to an office mate's house party for a quick bite of food while they were still out of their apartment. This restaurant offers a curious twist of vietnamese and thai cuisine that's definitely a fresh way to view things when you're tired of the repetitive japanese, chinese or korean meals you'd get if you're hungry and craving for something Asian.

Level 1, The Terraces
Ayala Center Cebu
Cebu Business Park
Cebu City, Philippines
(+63 32) 233.8601




Verdict:

4.5/5

This is a good place to eat, contrary to popular belief.