I have waited almost two years for my chance to pick a Foodies location…sigh…It was with GREAT pleasure and no hesitation that I selected Pho Dakao on Park Ave. My husband and I were introduced to this establishment by dear friends a little over a year ago and have returned at least a dozen times. The food is always delightful…and on a brisk, autumn evening, nothing soothes the soul (or a lingering cold) better than a piping hot bowl of traditional Vietnamese pho…pronounced “pha” as I was quickly and adamantly corrected by one of my Vietnamese students. Upon being seated, I glanced at the menu, and knew, almost instantaneously, which pho dish my taste buds craved…number 21 – Phở Rau Cải – vegetable noodle soup. While I adore Pho, I am very particular with how I order the soup…and how I prepare it once it is served. I start with the chicken broth because I have found it to be more flavorful than the beef broth. I always order the white noodles because I like their consistency and find that they absorb the flavors of the dish without being to heavy. I also order extra broccoli and no cilantro. The cilantro is KEY to my ordering because to me, it is an herb that can be overpowering and take over the dish. I would rather enjoy each individual flavor mixed together in every spoonful. Like always, my soup arrived hot and was served with a heaping side of bean sprouts, fresh basil, lime, chili peppers and ALL of the delightful Vietnamese sauces. Having learned my lesson from past visits, I knew that the small would satiate even my most intense hunger and I was not disappointed. The bowl was filled with perfectly cooked al dente broccoli florets, squash, zucchini, carrots and peppers, mixed with a generous portion of noodles. To the bowl, I added a handful of sprouts, and 2-3 tablespoons of Sriracha sauce for some heat for my palate, and…my secret ingredient…a splash of fish sauce…yes fish sauce…don’t be afraid..it makes the dish, I PROMISE! At Pho Dakao, the fish sauce is sneakily placed on the table in a clear container that resembles your stereotypical soy sauce…don’t be tricked! Take it from me, in order to have a TRULY delicious bowl of pho, the secret is really in the incredibly flavorful fish sauce. Mixed together = perfection. I ate every noodle, every vegetable, and every ounce of broth! I clearly enjoyed my soup and will be back for more!
Tag: Pho Dakao
Outdoor Dining: Enjoy this weather!
In a city often known for brutal winter weather, we like to enjoy our summer weather while we can. One of the true summer joys in Worcester is dining outside at one of the great sidewalk cafes, patios or outdoor bars in the city. Meals always taste better al fresco and drinks always quench your thirst better in the open air. The Worcester dining scene is ripe with places to wine and dine while enjoying the best of what summer has to offer and, in true, lazy-days-of-summer style, we are making it as easy a possible for you to find great places in the city to eat outside!
Some of our favorites include: Armsby Abbey, BABA Sushi, Biagio’s Grill, Brew City Grill & Brew House, Ceres Bistro, Patsie Dugan’s, Flying Rhino, Grille 57 Steakhouse, In House Coffee, La Scala Restaurant, Luciano’s Cafe At Maxwell, Mezcal Tequila Cantina, Museum Café, NU Café, Nuovo Restaurant, Perfect Game, Pho Dakao, Red Lantern, Smokestack Urban Barbecue, Banner Bar and Grille, The Citizen Wine Bar, Via, Westside Steak & BBQ