Being the pho addict that I am,I'm always on the lookout for a new place to satisfy the craving.This place was called Tu Do for a long time.It was a
place that never seemed crowded,with an older Vietnamese lady as the
only cook.The place was run down and the service indifferent ( I know these traits are not uncommon in Vietnamese restaurants).Then it was
called The Ritz for a while,with a remodeled interior but with the same lady doing the cooking.Now,the restaurant has new ownership,a local Vietnamese family,and it's a whole new ball game.
I ordered my usual pho tai bo vien with goi coun (spring rolls) as an
appetizer.I'd give the soup a thumbs up.The broth was well balanced,
a bit on the oily side (that's not a bad thing for me),not the strongest nor
the weakest in town.The basil was fresh,the meat was of good quality and quantity.They didn't skimp on the noodles.On the down side,they
use those meatballs that have a more rubbery texture than most,and they only give you 3 of them (4 is the norm).Overall it was a good bowl of pho,but it's not going to unseat Maxim or Khai Hoan as my favorites in metro Phoenix.The spring rolls were above average,with no shortage of shrimp,and peanut sauce that tastes like peanuts,not hosin.
The service is much more attentive now,and these folks seem eager to
please.Also worth mention is that Phuong Dong is inexpensive.Not quite
Pho Thanh and Da Vang cheap,but pretty close.Another good thing is that
they are open very late on friday and saturday, 1:00am! Late night pho fix!
They also serve beer.
I like this place,I'm looking forward to trying the Canh Chua Tom.I hope they succeed.