Pho La Jolla owner Tammy Hoang took a gamble to do what she loves — cook and make people happy. Three years ago, Hoang closed her real estate and mortgage company and took a chance on opening a Vietnamese restaurant in La Jolla. On Nov. 11, Hoang will celebrate the restaurant’s milestone third anniversary. “As more people obtained their real estate licenses in the past decade, I realized that continuing to operate my real estate and mortgage company would not be profitable,” she said. “So, I took a huge risk by combining my love for customer relations and cooking abilities to open a restaurant.” Pho is a traditional Vietnamese beef and rice noodle soup made by slowly boiling beef bones with spices and other savory ingredients to create a flavorful broth. From there, the broth is adorned with thinly sliced meats, vegetables and sauces, such as a spicy Srirachi chili sauce, a sweet brown hoisin sauce, or a squeeze of tangy lime to fit any guest’s taste buds. From meat lovers to vegetarians, health-fanatics to those with a sweet tooth, Pho La Jolla has something for everyone. The most popular menu items are No. 1 Special Combination Pho, a meat-lovers’ soup with rare steak, brisket, flank, tendon and tripe, and No. 2 Pho Ga with chicken. The tofu and vegetable pho, or Pho Chay, is quickly becoming a crowd-pleaser as well. “We are well known for our soups because they are delicious, healthy and great for the soul,” she said. The atmosphere at Pho La Jolla is conducive for big family get-togethers, friends enjoying each other’s company, or students simply grabbing a quick bite between classes. “No matter what background each person has, one thing is true — food always brings everyone together,” she said. Pho La Jolla also offers steamed rice platters, vermicelli noodle dishes and grab-and-go Vietnamese-style sandwiches, which are easy on the wallet, but served in generous portions that are sure to fill up any patron. Pho La Jolla also serves up fruity desserts and smoothies for a slightly sweet conclusion or addition to any meal. For more information visit www.pholajolla.com, call (858) 587-4688 or stop in to Pho La Jolla, 3211 Holiday Court, any day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
