Thursday, November 19, 2009

PHO WEATHER: Pho Saigon


Info: Pho Saigon Noodle House
2808 Milam St
Houston, TX 77006

Must Tries: Spring rolls, Pho, Pho Ga!
Healthy Options: Choose from chicken or lean beef soup dishes.
Price: Under $6 for a large bowl.

What to Expect: So what is Pho? Pho is a Vietnamese soup made from boiling beef bones and spices. The investment of time and patience renders a clear beef broth which is served with rice noodles and thin cuts of meat. The broth itself is the star, with every spoon you have a stream of flavors such as cinnamon, ginger, clove, etc, all blending together to form the ultimate cold day cure all.

My Experience: I have been waiting for the weather to cool off that way I can declare PHO WEATHER! Many people claim that Pho has healing powers! Once you have a bowl of this rich flavor filled broth you will understand.

The spring rolls are a perfect way to start off at Pho Saigon. The peanut sauce is not too sweet and complements the shrimp rolls. 



Pho is served with basil, bean sprouts, sliced jalapeƱo peppers, and lime. 



The colorful presentation of the Pho is only the beginning. The broth had a rich flavor of beef which was accented with the fresh basil and lime juice.




Pho Saigon sells fresh rolls which I assume come from the French Bakery next door. The bread is a perfect addition to an already great dish. 



This dish was so goods I had to take my tie off.
All I can say with a smile is, "es bueno!"


Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Dim Sum: Fung's Kitchen, Houston, Tx


Info:
Fung’s Kitchen
7320 SW Freeway (59)
Ste 115
Houston, TX 77074
www.fungskitchen.com

Must Tries: Dim Sum!
Healthy Options: Several steamed vegetable and chicken dishes.
Price: Dim Sum prices vary from the amount of plates you choose.
What to Expect: Fung’s is very busy during Sunday Dim Sum. The building itself is huge and has many large round tables. As you walk take a minute to notice the wall of famous visitors which includes Former President George H. Bush, a crowd of current and former Houston Rocket players and overseas royalty.

My Experience: I have been waiting to try the weekend brunch experience known as DIM SUM! For those of you that have never had Dim Sum, it is similar to the Spanish concept of Tapas. You are served small plates of food which allow you to choose a variety of flavors and textures. It makes for a fun and flavorful eating experience. At Fung's Kitchen the wait staff pushes carts around the room which have small signs on the front signifying the Dim Sum items each hot cart carries. I suggest you come hungry and be adventurous! You never know what great flavors the next cart might bring!

As I approached the doors of Fung's Kitchen I told myself I would try everything I could! It was this type of mentality that allowed me to truly enjoy Dim Sum.



Carts filled with appetizers, sides, main dishes and dessert are pushed throughout the main ballroom. Servers might not speak much English, its best to read the cart signs and point at what attracts your attention. 



I was told Dim Sum began with a staple of 3-4 dishes. Here at Fung's the menu has grown to incorporate other dishes which are not solely Chinese. Most orders come in sets of 4. The website has a menu of all Dim Sum Items.



The steamed pork dumplings had great flavor and were very hearty. 



The shrimp dumplings were soft and a bit chewy.



One of my favorites was a steamed bun stuffed with bbq pork. The steamed bun was light and fluffy, the bbq pork was warm and had the distinct sweet Chinese barbeque taste.  



I indulged in an array of dishes ranging from shark fin dumplings, chicken feet, a rice patty, steamed custard buns, but the most intriguing was this noodle stuffed with shrimp dish. 



The egg custard tarts were lukewarm and had a strong egg taste. This was not one of my favorite selections.



I really enjoyed my first Dim Sum experience at Fung's Kitchen. As much as I ate, I know there are some dishes out there that I did not try, I look forward to my future Dim Sum adventures.