My only associations with deep Reseda are Boogie Nights and The Karate Kid. But I've been kind of intrigued by the array of restaurants I've noticed along Reseda Boulevard en route to our doula's house. Based on a quick scanning of business signs, there doesn't appear to be any one predominant ethnic group out there. And some signs make for fun roadside reading; It's All Good Kabob House definitely wins the prize for best restaurant name.
It's All Good appeared to be closed last night so instead I had a late dinner at Pho 999. I then remembered that I've been to the Van Nuys location eons ago, and haven't been back.
I can't say the bun with cha gio merits a special return trip to the Reseda outpost either. The texture of beef was nearing jerky-like toughness, and the fried cha gio are closer to average dull spring rolls than funky, thick blistering ones. But I like the scallions, sweet pickled carrots and radish, and the generous amount of noodles and lettuce. The room's spaciousness and heavy-on-the-redness pleases, even if I could've done without the Larry King blaring on the TV sets.
To be fair, I also might have ordered badly; pho's usually a better litmus test anyway. But for this level of Vietnamese food I'll save the gas and, alas, just resign myself to the local Silver Lake Vietnamese hipster spots.
Pho 999
7255 Reseda Blvd.
Reseda, CA 91335
818.705.1899
True dat. I prefer Pho 2000 and 4000 on Western to Pho Cafe or def Gingergrass. LOVE the wallpaper description.
Posted by: Jess | September 14, 2006 at 05:41 PM
deependdining@yahoo.com
IP: 69.234.1.157
URL: http://www.deependdining.com
DATE: 09/14/2006 04:38:26 PM
Hi Jessica,
Yes, you should've ordered the standard bowl of pho. It's very good. Although not worth the drive from Silverlake. Koreatown's pho houses are probably just as good a value while being just as authentic without the major trek. And while you can't beat the "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" bamboo forest wall paper, it would behoove 999 to chill, chill, chill on the CNN and FOX News. These channels seem to be always on (and LOUD) when there isn't a local sporting event happening.
Posted by: Eddie Lin | February 07, 2008 at 03:05 PM
http://oishiieats.blogspot.com/
DATE: 09/18/2006 03:02:44 AM
Hey LA Ritz...my mom and I come here ALL the time for a standard bowl of pho. It's our favorite valley pho spot...even after over 10 years of loyal love to Pho So 1 a couple doors down. (^o^)
Posted by: Oishii Eats | February 07, 2008 at 03:05 PM