The Pho Files: Pho with Medium Rare Beef at Basil Leaf

Pho with Medium Rare Beef, a photo by raise my voice on Flickr.

Nothing helps drain the sinuses when getting over a cold like a steaming bowl of pho. So, when I was attending the Chinatown Festival this afternoon, I headed into Basil Leaf as the festivities were taking place literally right outside its door at 100 Street and 107 Avenue.

Judging by the symphony of people sniffing and coughing inside the restaurant, it sounded like other people had the same idea. And for good reason - the soup was piping hot, filled with noodles and tender beef. I love it when the meat is tender, rather than tough. It sets the bar higher when it comes to the soup, rather than using second-rate cuts of meat.

Besides the meat, for me, an excellent bowl of pho is in the broth. The broth in this serving was a little on the greasy side, and a bit one-dimensional as far as seasoning went. The tasty meat and huge portion almost made up for this, however.

All in all, this was a respectable bowl of pho. It even got me to join the sniffle choir.