Phoenix Pho--Casual Vietnamese in the new center on Judge Ely north of ACU

 

Nice view

I finally made it to Phoenix Pho last night. It has been open for about six months. There is a reason it has taken so long for me to get there so let me be upfront, I am not a pho fan...not really a soup person in general (chili is not soup) and those that I do like tend to have cheese in them. So this review will not be talking about the pho since no one I was with ordered it. We also did not get the boba (bubble) tea on offer, though they were doing a brisk business with the beverage sales.

In fact, when we walked in it was not apparent that they were even serving food since the menu behind the counter was all drinks. However, once we figured out the process--put you name down on a list if you want a table--we were shown the food menus and then stood in line to order at the counter. The food was then brought out as it was cooked (not all at the same time for everyone in the group). 

The space itself is nice and has outdoor seating with a view of the pond and the walking track around it. This is a new center in Abilene north of the Abilene Christian University campus and will eventually house several restaurants. It is a landscaped space with places to enjoy outdoors, walking paths, and water features. Even a playground for kids. It is already popular and is not even half occupied at this time (likely due to the pandemic). So far a Fuzzy's Tacos, Phoenix Pho, and a nail salon are all that are in operation with a Biscuit Bar and Twisted Root Burgers to join them in the future.

Back to the food. I ordered the fried rice with tofu. My two friends both ordered the combination fried rice with chicken, steak and shrimp ($12). We also got crispy egg rolls ($5) to share which were served on the cold noodle salad. Since none of us got the pho (soup), the bun (noodle salad), or the banh mi sandwich which were the the Vietnamese items on the menu, it isn't very fair to review them based on the more generic Asian dishes we ordered but I will anyway.

My tofu fried rice came out first, so while it was still warm (not hot mind you) my friends told me to go ahead and eat while they waited for their orders. I liked the variety of vegetables in the rice but I did have to use quite a bit of soy sauce to add some flavor. It was a bit too subtle for my taste buds. The portion was generous but at $11 it should be that way. Eventually the egg rolls (which were more like spring rolls in texture but did have meat in them) arrived and then my friends got their entrees. The shrimp was tasty though not plentiful but both of them found the beef and chicken to be too dry. One of my friends ordered a kiwi soda which she enjoyed a lot.

Combination fried rice

We sat outside to enjoy a very mild spring evening so the setting was great but we just found the food a bit underwhelming for the price point. Perhaps those that love Vietnamese food can comment and give feedback on those dishes?

Go there for the unique drinks and smoothies and to enjoy sitting outside. It will not be making my Asian food rotation though.

2449 N. Judge Ely Blvd

Suite 2501

Abilene, TX 79601

325-721-3631

https://www.facebook.com/Phoenix-Pho-104711701287433

The Tavern in Fort Worth--an Armenta's restaurant

On a recent visit to Fort Worth, my youngest sister and I went for brunch/lunch to The Tavern on Hulen. There was both indoor and outdoor seating. It was busy but not crowded but to avoid a wait (we were hungry), we decided to sit at the bar and were seated immediately. The atmosphere was classy but relaxed.

Margarita (no salt)

The bartender was our server and he was attentive and very helpful answering questions. The menu was quite broad and brunch is served on weekends. There were several different price points and dishes. Everyone should be able to find something to their taste. As I was perusing the menu, I noticed that the Mexico City Enchilada ($15) had Armenta's sauce. Now, Armenta's is one of my favorite family-owned Mexican food restaurants (located in San Angelo, Texas). I knew that a member of the family had gone on to become a well-known chef with several restaurants in the metroplex. A quick "google" later and I knew I was now sitting in one of them! I had been wanting to try one of his places for a really long time but had never purposefully made a plan to eat at one of them. Lucky!

Once I saw those enchiladas on the menu I knew I had to order them. They were shredded chicken topped with the sauce and cojita cheese. Sides were fresh guacamole and black beans and rice. My sister ordered the Mexican Migas ($14) off the brunch menu. Side note: she raved about the margarita ($9) and pronounced it was a perfect creation! House-made mixers do indeed make the difference. Not too sweet with just enough bite to it.

Mexico City Enchiladas

The enchiladas were delicious. The chicken was well-seasoned and not dry but the star of the show was the Armenta's sauce. Smokey and full of flavor. The guacamole was yummy and didn't have too many onions which can be an issue. I can take or leave black beans and rice but the were perfectly good. 

My sister's migas were presented very well (sorry, no pic) and she was happy with them. They did have diced avocado along with the usual migas ingredients.

We both left full, though not stuffed, and happy. I will return, there are so many other things to try! Maybe the pastrami sandwich or the crab cake salad next time.

Info

817.923.6200

2755 S. Hulen

Fort Worth, Texas 76109

https://www.thetavernftworth.com/

 

Hours

MON - FRI 11am - 10pm

SAT 9am - 10pm

SUN 9am - 9pm

Curbside To Go: Available All Day