Mark Thomas I cant eat at the Belgian Monk every time Im in Punta Gorda. So I decided to go next door, to Pho Saigon.
A big menu with appetizers, pho, vermicelli & rice dishes grouped separately. I like that.
And a first for me: different sizes.
I ordered the Pho Hai San, small, because I really wanted seafood. It come with shrimp (2), fish balls (not what your thinking), octopus, squid & supposedly scallops of which I didnt see any. I do wish the tails were removed from the shrimp so I dont have to dig around in my hot soup with bare fingers. A side plate had bean sprouts and a huge slice of jalapeño. Everybody in the pool!
The broth was a bit blah but with Sriracha, fish sauce, soy sauce and hoisin on the table, doctoring it to taste is easy-peasy.
The staff was friendly at noon on a Wednesday in season and speedy. I was eating 5 minutes after I sat down.
The restaurant is very roomy with tons of space to navigate a wheelchair. One wall has booths, the rest of the seating is tables and chairs plus there is room at the bar for 5-6.
A side note: the chopsticks are not the disposable kind (usually bamboo), they are reusable, washable plastic. A bit harder for me to grab with but not thrown out after the meal.
Ill gladly come back.
