What's Pho Lunch: 777

I had my mind set on Tank, but forgot they were closed on Wed. So it was on to choice #2. Despite living in the heart of Photopia, this was my first trip to 777. (I was just getting around to it when its infamous downhill slide began. Since the tide - at least the tide of public opinion - had turned a bit, I was resolved to try yet again.)

All in all a very nice visit. Feeling sicky and congested, I took a half day at work and headed in near to 3:00 to be restored by broth. There was only one other table occupied, but the servers were bright and energetic and not at all in that sluggish haze that often overtakes restaurant staff during the slow hours. (At least it used to overtake me when I was serving.)

The first nice sign was the very clean table - including the condiment tray, which can (understandably) often be very sticky and rather unappealing.

Ordered eggroll and a small #12: eye of round and flank with an a la carte meatball thrown in. (With the exception of mushrooms, I have textural problems with rubbery food, e.g. tendon, tripe, Twizzlers, etc. Or, now that I look at it, perhaps it's just foods beginning with "t" that bother me.)

The eggroll were very nicely fried and tightly wrapped. Feeling all stuffy, I embarked on a series of experiments to try to blow my head off with condiments using eggroll as the conduit. I found that in combination with the slightly sweet sauce provided, the bright red/green chili rounds worked very nicely, as did the roasted pepper seeds in oil.

The soup arrived, about a half gallon. (I was actually relieved to find at the end that they had brought me a large. The idea that this was a small was disturbing to contemplate.)

The aroma was nicely balanced without any one element jumping out. I sometimes find that the broth can be too overtly cinammon-y. However, I wouldn't say that it had enormous depth. Still, it was very nice, though a bit too salty for my taste. Not so noticeable at the start, but as one proceeded, one become more and more aware of the salt. Not inedibly salty, but less would have been better.

Garnish was standard: basil, sprouts, lime, and that long, saw-toothed leaf that I forget the name of. I asked for an extra lime wedge and added a dollop of the hot red condiment that looks almost exactly like Sriracha, but comes in its own jar with a spoon.

In addition to the ingredients listed on the menu, there was also a good deal of brisket - fine by me. The round was sukiyaki-thin, there was an abundance of meat overall and the meatball was very nicely seasoned.

All in all a very pleasant meal with a green bubble tea as the perfectly refreshing bev.

In addition, i was cordially thanked and bid "goodbye" by 3 different people on my way out. I will happily return.

mrbarolo wrote:Still, it was very nice, though a bit too salty for my taste. Not so noticeable at the start, but as one proceeded, one become more and more aware of the salt. Not inedibly salty, but less would have been better.

Tell me about it.

I still visit Pho 777 on occasion, but I am there for the bun bo hue.

E.M.