The oxtail soup was different. It was a broth rather than stew. The broth was very good. The meat fell right off the bone. If your looking for something you would get from The Californian, your not going to find it here. The one at the casino is stew and this is made with broth. Both are very good. It's whatever you prefer...
The pork friend rice was also good.
I don't know what the bad reviews are about the service but our server was very nice. She even told us some history about when the basil leaves and bean sprouts were introduced to pho. I highly recommend this place. I like that they don't give you tap water.