1701 Willow Pass Rd
Concord, CA 94520
(925) 827-1231
Category: Vietnamese
4 star rating
After finding R&J Noddles in WC, I was content till I heard rumblings of something newly opened and gasp! BETTER.
So the first rainy day, I drove down to Frys. Next door Saigon Bistro is a large space, with modern furniture and Panel Tv set to the sports channel. The extensive menu- includes all kinds of Pho, rice noodles and banh mi.
I ordered the medium Pho Bo w/ the steak on the side & egg noodles (dine in) and the Banh Mi Thit Nguoi- Ham, Pate & Headcheese (to go)
The guy bussing the food asked me if I was vietnamese, "coz" he said "You only need the drip iced coffee and this is the perfect order"
What can I say folks? my research and copious note taking has resulted in a compliment of the highest form. Well here's mine bakatchew- I heart Saigon Bistro.
The Pho Bo came piping hot- the noodles were delicious and al dente, the broth was flavored with the essential star anise, cinnamon, beef bones, ginger, onions
but I'm also guessing some cardamom, fennel, coriander, bay leaves, black peppercorn, and of course fish sauce.
The meat cooked quickly to a succulent pink. My glasses steamed up and I had to stop doing my sudoku in order to concentrate fully on the Pho.
The BanhMi came stuffed in a crispy french roll, with delicious veggies (carrots, daikon, peppers, cilantro, onion). Wow total bliss
Good a crunch on the crust (compares well to R&J) but bigger and more fillings-cheaper too! (Sorry R&J- here's the writing on the wall- you have to redeem favor by maxing out on the banh mi next time- but you only get one more chance)
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Update:11/6/06
I never went back to R&J. Sorry guys! I guess I'm just that fickle.
Have tried all the sandwiches now- favorites are the #1 Ham, Pate & Headcheese and the #3 grilled beef.
ps the avocado smoothie is delicious
ps2 the bobba are delicious in the decadent iced coffee