Pho | Page 7 of 7 | Mass Food & Wine

Sizzling Mongolian Beef from Pho Dakao on Park Avenue in Worcester, MA

Pho Dakao is one my go-to places for client lunch meetings in Worcester. I have never had a bad experience and really enjoy the bright open atmosphere, prompt service, and interesting menu. It’s perfect for a business lunch–informal, yet very clean and professional. Since I’ve only been there for lunch and already knew the food was excellent, I was excited to learn that our Foodies group was headed there for dinner.

For apps, three of us at our of the end table ordered 2 servings of Beef Teriyaki and a bowl of Seafood and Pork Noodle Soup to share. It wasn’t long before the bowl was empty and the server was removing empty plates — it all disappeared, leaving only three very satisfied and happy customers. Now for the main course: Sizzling Mongolian Beef, “Tender sliced sirloin mixed in a flavoring sauce with onions, scallions, and ginger on a hot pan.”

This dish makes a great presentation. It comes out steaming, sizzling, and spewing tons of pure deliciousness. The flavor is great, the meat tender, and the onions perfectly sweet and translucent. And even if you are not that proficient with chopsticks you will find the small bite-sized pieces easy to handle. I have nothing negative to say about the meal, the restaurant, the service, or the parking. All I can say is, it’s all good–go there and enjoy!

Thai food for me, is a recent discovery. I had always been partial to Chinese food, and had no other experience with any other type of Asian cuisine. Last year, a few Thai restaurants opened in the Worcester area, and my husband and I became fast fans. Racha Thai is so close to home it may become a dangerous indulgence, especially on busy evenings when my desire to make a home-cooked meal is wavering.

I am familiar with many Thai dishes, my favorites being lemon grass chicken and pad thai. I decided, on this fateful Foodies outing, to think outside my comfort zone. I decided on one of the evening’s specials, PHO – described as a comforting seasoned broth over rice noodles and chicken. The evening had a brisk fall chill in the year, and soup seemed like the right choice. Fearing the portion may not satisfy my hunger, my husband and I shared the Thai Place Platter, a smorgasbord of delectable fried Thai appetizers – all very delicious! When my soup arrived, it caught the attention of all of my fellow foodies…Why? Because it was absolutely gigantic. The waitress placed an over sized bowl of steaming broth mounded with noodles, bean sprouts, and steamed chicken. The broth itself lived up to its reputation…it was comforting and well-seasoned with a hint of lime zest. The noodles were perfectly cooked and were a meal on their own. The chicken was plentiful as were the sprouts. My only regret…was that I ate too many satay skewers and Thai rolls, and was beyond full without even making a visible dent in the dish. Not to fear, my brother (or as I like to refer to as the bottomless pit) happily devoured my left overs! Racha Thai will be my new Thai take out go-to! -AV