machine614

My favorite pho shop in the VA area- Pho Ha Tay. It's in the guitar center plaza between 50 and Wilson Blvd, behind the Benigans, across the street from the Eden Center. Me and my special lady friend go there whenever we hit up the Target. It's right next to the Quiznos. If you aren't looking for it, you will miss it- which is a shame, because it has some great Pho. The owner makes it all himself with his family, and they use no MSG. They only make Pho, and they have six vats of it in the back cooking at any time. Instead of using a mix, they actually use the meat bones and spice it themselves. The Broth is very tasty, and the meat is pretty good. Nice chunks of tendon, plenty of fat on the fatty brisket, and the skirt flank has a nice crunch. The price is like Pho at other Pho joints and they bring it out in rapid fashion. If you are looking for lots of fancy stuff, then pass on this place. But if you want some great Pho, stop here and give it a try.

I went to Kotobuki for the first time on Friday, and let me say that it was phenomenal for the value, and very good overall. We got a couple of rolls- I think Yellowtail and Spicy Tuna- along with some nigiri and sashimi- toro, tuna, salmon, yellowtail, flounder, and lobster. The rolls were good. I like to usually get one or two. I guess my only complaint is that there weren't many "fancy rolls" that combined different fishes. But when you pay less than $3 a roll, you can't really complain about that. As for the nigiri and sashimi, that was phenomenal. Everything was really fresh. The yellowtail was so buttery, as was the toro. The salmon was also excellent. The lobster was ok, so I probably won't get that again. We ate lots of sushi, each had some sake, got a bowl of rice and some miso soup. This was all $40, plus a tip. What a deal. Another small complaint- the place was crowded on a Friday night at 8 pm- some people even had to wait. I know word is travelling about Kotobuki and 8 pm Friday is a crowded time, so maybe going on a weeknight would be better.