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| - I was told tonight that every person from Vietnam has a story. Justina's is all about personalized service, oh, and a rough journey from North Vietnam to Los Angeles, by way of Hong Kong. Some people may not like her or her style. I thought she was funny and worked hard to live up to her claim that her food has a secret ingredient, love. I tasted another ingredient, fun.
I'm not Vietnamese, but I have a story about tonight. I met a good friend of mine while here on business who had worked with a lady in Tucson who recommended her cousin Justina's restaurant in Phoenix. When we told our server of this recommendation, the menu was snatched away and we were given "owner's choice". Not bad.
The Green Papaya salad was excellent, the heat tempered nicely with the Thai Iced Tea. The shrimp on the side of the salad was also very tasty.
The Pork Short Ribs were next. They were very tender with a subtle BBQ sauce, slightly sweet and all good.
A beef or pork (not sure) and rice dish came next and it was also very good. The meat was tender and again, subtly spiced. Not hot though.
The main dish, a mix of vegetables, scallop, shrimp and beef was less impressive.
Finally, the dessert (not something I usually do) was excellent. As another reviewer pointed out, they are a little known sensation. I had the creme brulee (jasmine? not sure, but very, very good) and the mango with sticky rice (covered with coconut milk). The Vietnamese coffee was also very good. It is allowed to drip at the table, mixed with the sweetened cream in the bottom of the glass, then poured over ice. It's strong and full of flavor. I may be up all night.
Oh, and as for price, this all came in at $58 for both of us. I don't know if this is reasonable, high or cheap. It ain't bad in general. Those of you who do Vietnamese often will have make the call.
I'm not in Phoenix often, but I will return to try some of the other menu items (Pho and other noodles for sure).
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