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| - So, it's a Saturday night and you are really aching for some Vietnamese food. You head on over to the tried-and-tested, everyone's favorite--Cyclo. But alas, there is a line, a LONG line. And no matter how much you beg and plead with owner in stilettos, Justina, she ain't budging. She sticks one finger at you and says, "You just have to wait."
Your stomach growls. What do you do?
Well you just drive a little to the north and try Anise Restaurant.
Located across from Lee Lee's, this little-known Vietnamese place serves pretty good Vietnamese pho (the chicken kind), which my dining partner ordered. The flavors were simple, almost true to what pho should really taste like (some I've tasted try too hard by overdoing spices and seasonings, and some also have this unexplainable greasy taste). I tried the Anise noodles as recommended by our waitress and it was pretty darn yummy! I had that with the summer rolls with peanut sauce on the side, and it was addicting. I was a pig, even for just an hour...I was a pig! And I loved every minute of it.
Oh, and just for kicks, my dining partner ordered the shrimp burschetta simply because that's his favorite item to order at Cyclo. And, the decision is: he still loves Cyclo's shrimp bruschetta. But this comes as a close second.
The service was excellent, the place...neat and tidy, which is great and pleasant. However, I must say that here is something about a small restaurant in frenzy, like what happens to Cyclo on a weekend. I think the bustle and demand for tables at Cyclo makes me appreciate the food over there more. It's like like acquiring a hot commodity and you kinda wanna go "neener-neener" to those who stand by the door and wait their turn while they salivate.
At any rate, Anise is a good alternative. Definitely something that should always be considered when craving for Vietnamese food. The price is very reasonable, and it's an inviting place to take everyone on the family.
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