By Jim Walker
Pho Sure opened in The Tesoro Village Shopping Plaza in June of 2011 – to immediate and continuing popularity. As owner Nina Tran explains it, Pho Sure was the first authentic Vietnamese (Vietnamese-owned) restaurant in the Santa Clarita Valley. “I wanted to introduce SCV residents to the wonders of Vietnamese food and to create a restaurant where a customer can relax in a nice environment – with good food and a friendly staff,” she said. “We wanted them to become friends and to keep coming back, which, thankfully, they have done.”
Tran explained that Vietnamese food is “very healthy, with lots of vegetables, and uses less oil than other types of cooking.” And she said her love of cooking family recipes goes into everything.
Just in case you did not know, Pho (pronounced “fuh”) is a delicious Vietnamese soup with white rice noodles, served in a clear beef broth that has simmered for eight to 10 hours. To that you can add onions, brisket, tripe, tendon, round steak, filet mignon, flank, meatballs, shrimp, chicken and more.
Tran noted, “We now offer a completely vegan Pho with only vegetables.”
Of course you can have your Pho broth-only, but you can also go the other way and add many accessories, such as basil, lime, bean sprouts and jalapeno slices. And on your table will be containers of Hoisin and spicy Sriracha sauces to include, as you prefer.
Now, if eating hot soup in hot weather isn’t your passion, be assured that Pho (and other soups) comprise only one category of Vietnamese delights on the menu. There are familiar appetizers, including egg rolls and pot stickers, plus amazing shrimp spring rolls, Vietnamese vermicelli dishes of all kinds and even baguette sandwiches. There are rice dishes featuring a variety of meats, including grilled pork chops and sweet and sour chicken. The add-on menu is extensive (meats, meatballs, noodles, rice, tofu, vegetables, etc.) and economical, and there are desserts and non-alcoholic drinks, such as various flavors of Boba, and a sweet iced tea with orange and mint called Tra Da Cam Duong. There is even a kids’ menu, featuring more basic, kid-friendly flavors and smaller portions, and priced accordingly.
The adult dish portions are quite generous, possibly enough for two, and main dish and appetizer prices range from $6.25 to $15.95, with most coming in the $6.50 to $9.95 range.
For example, you might try item C3, Com Bo Xao Luc Lac. This is filet mignon marinated in herbs and spices, cubed and sautéed and served with your choice of white or red rice and vegetables ($10.95).
You might also try item S4, Pho Ap Chao, also known as “Vietnamese Pizza.” This includes mixed meats and vegetables stir-fried and served, with a brown sauce, over a bed of pan-grilled, flattened Pho noodles ($12.95).
Pho Sure is located at 23876 Copper Hill Drive, Valencia, CA 91354. Call 661-257-3888 or visit www.phosurevalencia.com. The restaurant is open seven days a week. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and the rest of the week the hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
