I know it's been a while since you've heard from the Cong Khi but lo and behold here I am! With the commander occupied on other missions it was assigned to me the undertaking of reconnaisance in to the unknown territory of lil Saigon. Affectionately called that because it's south of our usual stomp up in Mira Mesa (closer to Hanoi).
First I'll start by saying there was word that new strategic strongholds had begun to spring up near the lil Saigon section of town. Two grand openings this weekend both walking distance, heck in the same building practically with each other. I had seen the situation unfolding and it looks like at some point there will be border skirmishes but amazingly this area supports a thousand pho restaurants already so the likelihood that two more will break the bank doesn't seem that high.
The first coordinates of my mission lead me to Vien Dong, not to be confused with Dong Vein. On El Cajon Blvd near 47th on the north side of the street. This place was excellent although they had some kinks to work out still. Could be because they are still new at serving pho but I had to actually ask for basil leaves (what the pho?). That seemed really odd to me but again, they're new and I'm sure it won't happen twice.
This place touts an excellent Ga broth. Seriously, hearty, aromatic, rich stock made almost as good as my clan at Lucky Seafood (corner of black mountain and Mira Mesa blvd.). Vien Dong is the very first place I've ever been to outside my clan's territory that even came close. I'm not sure what makes the Ga broth at some places clear and at others full of herbaceous goodness but this one was great. I think some places may make the broth for their Ga still using pork and beef bones while others don't. What ever it is, this place does it well, very well. I took it straight to the bowl with out looking back.
I would definitely visit this place again and with any luck they will be much more smooth with the service. The only thing I didn't like is they brought the caffe sou da already mixed with ice in it, in a plastic cup. I like when it steeps at the table and you have to mix it yourself then pour it over the ice right before drinking so not too much ice melts in before it all gone. This turned out to be a standard though as the next place I went to in the Saigon region did the same. Also, down in lil Saigon they serve a different type of chili with the pho. It's a smaller green chili that I'm not really accustomed to. I'm used to the jalapenos they serve in Mira Masia and the big crunchy bites of peppery goodness that comes along with them. The small chilies don't seem to pack the same essence in to each bite but they were good, the ratio is off a lil bit and I had to get used to it.
Second stop the next night, yes I'm an addict I eat pho Ga daily...it truly is life, love and all things important to me...could be I should get a life, a love, or at least something important to me but until then, I have PHO.
This place is called Thien Thanh also on El Cajon near 47th. An excellent restaurant with many traditional dishes, some I've never seen before and I believe this place to be a stop for someone looking for something new. I however am a die hard Ga fan and rarely if ever order anything else...daily... But that's just me and I know, I'm insane.
Thien Thanh has an excellent staff very friendly and ready to serve you well, not to mention some of them were pretty damn cute. Loved the real china spoons too, no plastic here, seems a very nice touch. The Ga might not be what you want to order but I'm certain from the smell of what the table next to me was having they definitely have some great dishes. They were eating something that was brought out with a pot still cooking on it's own portable burner! It looked so good and the people definitely cleaned it up so it had to be great, or I guess they could have been hungry, one of the two.
But back to the pho Ga, this is not like my family makes it closer to Hanoi. It was a lucid almost flavorless broth and the chicken kind of rubbery. Definitely would take the few steps to go round the corner to Vien Dong if you're in the market for Ga. But don't pass this place up if you want some other good meal. I'm sure they have secrets yet to be discovered by the Cong Khi. Best of all they are open till 12am 7 days a week so that late night pho craving may not have to go unanswered.
If you haven't been to this area of town, it would be worth the trip, there are many restaurants to discover but to my surprise they don't all support the Cong Khi's love of Ga. I've been to many restaurants down there and had to leave because they don't serve pho Ga.
xin chào tạm biệt my friends, may the phoce be with you.... Cong Khi
