. . "1"^^ . "3"^^ . "1"^^ . "1"^^ . "This restaurant used to be a Pho 88 and you can find another Pho 88 downtown along Spadina in Chinatown (I've been there once, maybe 3-4 years ago and I can't say I recommend it though maybe time has made it better). This location was and still is more run-down and the Pho 88 here was, for so many years, a family favourite. I guess as time passed, quality started to fade and crowds changed... and then the restaurant itself changed.\n\nWith the same decor, Pho Vuon Lai Jasmine Garden serves Vietnamese cuisine but with a slightly different menu (and therefore, different branding). I've been here twice - once during its opening week and another time about a week ago. \n\nThe first time I went was with a large group of people (around 10) - we ordered pho, deep fried spring rolls, and a variety of vermicelli and rice dishes. The place was full and we were greeted by a host that explained that it was his family's business - a business he bought for his wife - the chef behind the dishes. That day, I got the impression that it's a good family-run business by a great Viet family. \n\nThe second time I went, it was on a weekday afternoon, an hour before the dinner rush. It was a lot quieter, no host, a couple of waitresses, and one other customer. I missed the host's energy - I think it made a difference to their service. I went with two other people and we ordered: \n\nPork chop on rice ($7.50): It was yummy - tangy, zesty, and juicy, not too tough. It was similar to a recipe my mom would make at home. \n\nDeep fried spring rolls (2 cut in half, $5.95): Great presentation, fried for the right amount of time, the rolls where delicious. \n\nPho - well done flank and beef tripe, XL ($9.95; S - 7.25; M - 8.25): The pho was okay - while the soup base was nice and clear in taste, it was still bland. It had a more fragrant taste than the restaurant here before but lacked flavour. The meat was nicely cooked however and added to the taste. \n\nI'd probably come here again - the flavours are good, the people are friendly, and service is quick... though I do find myself wanting more from their pho."^^ . . "2015-10-30T00:00:00"^^ .