PHO AND BEYOND

One cold, wintry, windy evening One and Two ventured out to have Vietnamese food. Someone recommended the new restaurant Pho and Beyond in Willow Grove. In all honesty, Two was looking forward to food arriving at home in little greasy bags to be eaten cross legged on the floor in front of the TV (please don’t tell her kids.) But One really seemed to have his heart set on a hot bowl of Pho. The only problem is that the hopelessly hyper critical and by now freezing cold Two was somewhat reticent and perhaps therefore predisposed to be hyper critical.

The door of Pho and Beyond opened into a smallish new restaurant. The decor was nouveau Asianish with fresh flowers placed on each table. Two hates dropped accoustic tile ceilings...One told her to calm down and get over it. Two wondered why the cascade of water in the front window hadn’t frozen over given the cold blasts of air that filled the room each time the door opened as she slid into a chair at the table for two and was greeted by a blanket of cold air blowing firmly across her lap. One asked to move and was cordially accommodated by being moved to the table that time, and the wait staff forgot. Eventually an order was taken and food began arriving in a timely manner. One had the fried pork belly spring roll. One and Two both agreed that it was very good, well presented, and filled with fresh ingredients. No complaints. Two had shrimp rolls on lemongrass skewers with peanuts and a delightfully light orange dipping sauce. Had the rolls been hot and crispy rather than warm and soft they would have been excellent. Given that the restaurant is new, Two would reorder them because the issue seemed more one of timing than quality. The appetizer plates sat on the table until One moved them out of the way for the waiter to set down the main courses. One had a Pho that he declared excellent. The broth was well seasoned and traditional, filled with meatballs, brisket, and flank steak. Bean sprouts, jalapeno, basil. and various herbs were set for him to add to the soup. All of the vegetables and herbs were exceptionally fresh and flavorful. One was happy. Two ordered a chicken curry with peanuts, coconut, and cilantro. Despite the addition of chili and then hoisin sauce, the dish simply lacked flavor. Two finally resorted to tearing up bits on One’s basil into the dish. The chicken was tender. The rice was properly cooked. The sauce had potential, but lacked depth. It took so long for the dishes to be cleared and for anyone to ask that we lost interest in dessert. Overall, we recommend the restaurant in a see for yourself, somewhat guarded fashion. They are new and in many ways our complaints are not uncommon for a new restaurant. We really couldn’t figure out why the table of eight right next to us had such wonderful service and ours was so poor. If eating is to be a holistic experience then perhaps go here for takeout and create the ambiance at home on the coffee table in front of the TV.