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Reviews
Glorifications & Executions of San Joaquin Eateries. |
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:: Reviews ::
My assignment is simple - breakfast, lunch or dinner for two, for no more than $20. This must include beverages (non-alcoholic), but not taxes or tip. I’m searching for true value for money in four categories:
Taste: 1(inedible) - 5 (finger-licking)
Fill Factor: 1 (feed me!) - 5 (shoot me!),
Service and Atmosphere: (+) good, (/) indifferent, (-) see comments
To keep things uncomplicated, the first two factors count for 50% of the total rating. Yes, you read it right. Service and ‘decor’ are pure fluff for this column, which makes sense if you think about it; if you’re not getting a decent portion of good food, does anything else matter? I will, however, subtract points if either adversely hinders one’s ability to enjoy said meal, whether rude, obnoxious behavior from service personnel, dubious (or worse!) standards of cleanliness, or something outrageous like fearing for one’s safety. No points are given or taken for presentation, but I’m happy to provide such details to meet my word count requirement. |
Viet Hoa, Vietnamese and Chinese Restaurant
Reviewed by the KLM
My find this week is lunch at Viet Hoa on Laguna Blvd in Elk Grove. Proprietress Ms.Van worked for Viet Ha on Florin Road in Sacramento for 14 years before opening Viet Hoa with her family in June, 2003. With her sister and brother-in-law running the kitchen, and a few young relatives helping on the floor, service is prompt, attentive and courteous. The sparse, clean and well lit interior is the second thing you notice when you walk in the door. First is the smell. I’ve visited twice in the past 2 weeks; with a group of 8 (including four very fussy and food savvy kids) one Friday night, and with a business acquaintance for lunch mid-week. Both times, their comments (including those from the kids) were along the lines of “Wow, it smells great in here!”. No one outstanding ingredient, food group or cooking method jumps out; there’s an enticing blend of subtle aromas that are reflected in each dish.
If you’re unfamiliar with Vietnamese food, Ms. Van will skillfully lead you through the menu’s Pho’s (beef noodle soups $5.50-5.95), Khai Vi (appetizers $4-9.95), Com (rice plates $6.95-8.85) and Gia Khat’s (beverages $1.25-3.25). Allergies or food aversions? Point them out and she’ll steer you in the right direction. During lunch, we went with two orders of Mon An Co Truyen ($5.25-6.95). A meal in a bowl, it’s a traditional Vietnamese dish served with warm rice noodles atop cucumbers, lettuce and bean sprouts, topped with shredded carrots, peanuts and chopped cilantro, and your choice of char-broiled shrimp, sliced egg roll, pork or beef. (They’ll gladly substitute chicken if asked.) It’s accompanied by their special sauce; a mix of fish sauce, sugar, water, carrots and red pepper flakes. Fresh salad fixings, noodles with the right amount of bite, and a good portion of well seasoned meats make this a great value, perfect for lunch. (For dinner, you need only add some Khai Vi and you’re good to go.)
While there’s plenty of seating, the place fills up fast during busy periods. Seated, you can easily get in and out within 30-40 minutes. There’s also take-out.
Our total: $15.40 w/out tax or tip. #22 Char-broiled shrimp $6.96, #23 Char-broiled chicken (substituted for shrimp) with egg roll $5.95, two sodas @ $1.50
T: 4.5 FF: 4.0 S(+) A(/)
Viet Hoa
9a.m.-9p.m. daily
Vietnamese & Chinese Restaurant
4805 Laguna Blvd., Elk Grove (Corner Franklin Blvd, near Walgreen’s)
(916) 428-4295
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