You know the drill. Semi-fatty discs of medium-rare beef stewed with chicken broth, pork bits and glass noodles in a steaming bowl as big as your head. You’re eating pho — the incomparable Vietnamese soup that’ll make you wonder aloud why those cartoon kids on the Campbell’s cans look so friggin’ happy. For real bite, throw in a few of the fresh jalapenos that come with the pho at Van Loc. Soup is good food, to be sure. Adventurous eaters choose to add tripe.
This article appears in Sep 29 – Oct 5, 2005.