Finally: an upscale(ish) restaurant that has LEGIT pho!!!
My sister and I stumbled upon Mainland while wandering around the new section of the Palazzo shops. It is basically a noodle house with other Asian type dishes on the menu as well. The decor is very sleek and modern-clean lines and long bench seating. We went on a Friday afternoon and it was close to empty-I think there was one other couple eating in there along with us. There was an army of employees ready and eager to serve us-almost too many, I'd say...it was a little nerve wrecking having them stand around and stare at us while we ate.
Once I saw that they had beef Pho on the menu I was sold. I really wanted to see if an upscale place could to Pho right. And, I'd say that they really did. It was surprisingly good...I was impressed and pleased. I almost want to say that I liked it better than the ghetto hole in the wall place I go to get Pho in San Francisco called Vietnam, because at Mainland we got quality cuts of meat. At Vietnam, I sometimes I cant even tell if it actually is beef and not rubber bands that are floating around in my bowl of soup. Mainland's pho was true to what pho should taste like, and the ingredients were top quality and the establishment is clean and trustworthy- not what I'm used to when eating pho.
I should mention that my sister hated the soup she ordered at first-some sort of grilled chicken soup that she thought was going to be chicken pho but ended up having charbroiled chicken and corn in it...we sent it back and she got the soup I ordered and was enjoying.
All in all-I cant wait to come back and bring my pho connoisseur boyfriend and best friend show them that good pho can be done in a nice restaurant. Also, I'm eager to try some of the other Asian-style appetizers on the menu that looked tasty as well!