Saigon (and other Pho) in Tinley Park

Was talking to a Vietnemese friend and co worker about never having pho or any Vietnmese food. He then told me about Saigon, 9530 W 179th St Tinley Park, IL 60487.

Went there two nights ago and had my first expereince with pho. My wife and college daughter had chicken. I had beef. All served with large platter of asian basil, jalapeno, and bean spouts. The owner is named Hong and he was just a nice man. He knew we had never been there before and guided us through the menu and he recommended the beef pho with tendons, shaved beef, little meatballs, and beef liver. The broth was clear, with a hint of garlic, allspice, and was very beefy. The owner figured out I liked heat and brought me a special container of chilli oil. I have to say, it was awesome!

My 12 year old had orange chicken. I typically dislike the too sweet and too orange color of orange chicken. Have to say this version was fantastic and quite addicting; especially after adding the addictive chilli oil.

The owner was the nicest man. Told us he used to be a sous chef at Le Colonial and Pasteur. He had an oppurtunity to open up and Tinley and has been there for about 3 years. When we were leaving, he prepared a quart to go package of beef pho for me, no charge. My wife commented to him that she thought his glassware was fun and cute. Would you know, in the to go package were a couple of the restaurant's pastel colered glassware.

Have a feeling this will be a very regular stop for me. Really nice to go to a new place and have the owner be so thoughtful, helpful, and courteous.