How many times can you walk by a restaurant without noticing it? Pho Basil on Mass. Ave in Boston has been open for more than a year, and we must have passed it dozens of times before finally discovering it.
Anyone can miss an... Orange Awning
We actually had our first bite last month, after deciding we had to try this special spot for Thai & Vietnamese dishes– the Boston Chowhounds are seldom wrong.
Our first test was to order two of our favorites starting with a small bowl of Pho Ga.
Imagine, it also comes in Large and Extra-Large!
It was fresh and filling. And that broth– just amazing!
Next, I had to get my chopsticks around the Bun Thit Nuong with grilled lemongrass chicken.
Hold it, I'm having another one of my flashbacks
The chicken had some crisp. The noodles were done perfectly. All the ingredients worked together without losing any of their individuality.
Penny and I were so impressed, we made 3-visits that week, expanding our favorites list to include: scallion pancakes (Pho Basil calls it Roti'n Curry Dip) and a spicy Eggplant dish from the specials board.
This place manages excellence in both Vietnamese & Thai cuisines with service that rivals some 5-star eateries. In his Phoenix review, our favorite trailblazing food critic, MC Slim JB describes Pho Basil's service best as "sweet."
The flavors are phenomenal, portions are generous and that makes for good value. Pho Basil is a gem just waiting for you to discover it.
If wonderful food from places like Pho Basil have you interested in making Thai or Vietnamese food, we've selected a quick & easy and a more in-depth cookbook for each cuisine.
Details:
Pho Basil
177A Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 (Map & Reviews)
617.262.5377
www.phobasil.com
Writer: Ed Cherubino
Photos: © 2010 Penny Cherubino
