Pho So 1 Restaurant
Located in the shopping center at the corner of Montwood and Estrada Drive, the former Tutti Café has closed its doors and is now Pho So 1. A small Vietnamese restaurant with a quiet atmosphere is run by husband and wife who personally tend to their customers. Enough room for about 30-40 people at capacity, Pho So or “Soup Number One” as translated by the owner, was a pleasant experience.Upon entering the restaurant you are greeted by the smells from the kitchen of food being prepared followed by the owner who welcomes you to sit where you like. As soon as you sit down everyone is brought a glass of water and menus. When you place your order make sure if you want something to drink other than water to order it since you will not be asked.
The main staple is pho, soup made with rice noodles served with a side plate of basil, bean sprouts, jalapeno peppers and a slice of lime, bun (vermicelli) and com (rice). Appetizers include spring rolls and egg rolls. Price range is between $7 and $9 on the average. higher than I expected for this type of restaurant, but the owner explained that distributors were further from El Paso than other cities like Houston and Austin which range between $5 and $8.
For the appetizer we ordered the spring rolls which are served with a peanut sauce and were excellent. I had the Pho Bo Vien, a beef ball soup with rice noodles, which has a wonderful flavor but definitely an acquired taste. I would definitely skip on the meatballs as the texture is somewhat different from a traditional ground beef meatball. My wife had the Bun Bo Xao, stir fried beef with lemongrass, rice vermicelli and vegetables. This dish would agree more with American tastes accustomed to Americanized versions of Asian cuisine. No children’s menu available, so I asked for a side plate and shared noodles with my daughter.
If you are new to Vietnamese food try the Com or the Bun for beginners. The more adventurous should try the variations of the Pho made with beef flank, tendon and tripe. If you have been to Pho Tri Bien and are expecting similar menu items, flavors or experience you have come to the wrong place. This is the Chico’s Tacos of Vietnamese food. You either like it or you don’t. On a scale of 1 to 5 stars I give it 4 stars for the excellent friendly service, reasonable prices and good fast food. I am also taking into account that this is true Vietnamese food, not Americanized Asian. The only negative remark is that I could do without the smells and smoke permeating from the kitchen. If you would like more information and a sample of their menu, visit Pho So 1 online at www.phoso1.com.
