Pho Bang - 2006.06.18 -- ****

It is so darn hard to find decent pho in south bay! Well the quest was fulfilled today, aptly in the vietnamese neighborhood of San Jose. Under a large canopy outside surrounded by shrubbery, we slurped on pho as well as snail soup noodle and grilled-meat rice noodles. In the latter, the unusually thin slices of grilled pork leaned on the dry side. The snail soup was quite yummy, its savoriness laced with the tang of tomatos. However the snails themselves were tough little buggers, having given up all their essence to the soup I suppose. The star attraction, my large bowl of luxurious pho, did not disappoint its eager audience. Everyone scooped and slurped some of the rich meaty pho, I even traded bowls with Steph. The differences between this soup and that of California Noodle may not be great, but now at least I know where to go when I'm craving for the best (so far).

$34 + tax/tip for 4, with drinks.