re: Little Saigon II is open on campus

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So what was the restaurant before it became Little Saigon? Also where is it exactly?

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It was some chinese takeout place like you see all over town. I can't remember the name but the old sign is actually still up, they just have a banner hanging over it for now with Little Saigon II on it. It is on West Chimes near The Library bar and Inga's subs.

We went tonight and I was a little underwhelmed, to be honest. No fried rice on the menu kind of threw me off. I love pho but I always want something to go with it. Egg rolls were OK, did not like the dipping sauce, tasted like straight up fish sauce. I enjoy fish sauce in my pho but not by itself, way too pungent.

The pho was good (I got the brisket) and the meat very tender. But I have had tastier and richer broths at other places such as Viet Garden.

One thing I hated was they didn't serve it with any cilantro, I had to ask. I've never had pho without cilantro on the plate. Also, all the spoons are sitting out on the tables. I hated that. I don't know who has touched those spoons or sneezed or coughed on them. I asked if they could bring me one from the back and they told me they didn't have any back there. In other words, they haven't cleaned any dishes all day/night long. I was forced to grab one that was touched by who knows what. That was a big turn off.

I would still swing in for some pho but campus is still a bit of a drive for me so I would rather just continue driving out to Florida for Viet Garden.

You sound needy as shite

Went earlier today for lunch and had the pork and egg roll vermicelli bowl.

Pros:
The place is very nice and clean.
Location is great for people on the LSU side of town.
Great setup for a single diner with the bar stools and high wall table around the restaurant.
The pork and egg rolls were very good. Pork especially.
Sauce needed some red pepper in it but still deserves to be on the pro side.
Didnt wait too long for food even though they had a good crowd and 4 people ordered right before me.
Patio seating. The chairs werent setup but the patio will be a nice touch when it is situated.
Serving size. I left stuffed slowly walking back to my car like ugh I just demolished the whole bowl.
Rest of ingredients were all fresh and I liked the addition of scallions which plenty of places dont use.

Cons:

Parking during the week with LSU right there sucks.
If the place gets packed, they could have a problem with people and seating. You dont have a waitress. You walk in and go straight to a counter and put in your order. They give you a number marker and you pick your table/seat. This works fine for a day like today but if the crowd ever gets larger than the tables/seats, it could be a problem. Who knows maybe they sit you if the place starts to fill up. Kinda nit picky here I guess.
There was a lack of greens in the vermicelli bowl. Could have used cilantro in it and added some more lettuce. I dont know if there was mint in it or not. I would guess no.
Its a little pricey. $14 for a pork/egg roll vermicelli bowl and a coke without tip is on the higher end. I guess its justified because I would have to drive out to Florida Blvd to get the same.


Will be back

nothing imo

my bowl today had grilled pork fried egg rolls as the meat/topping

noodles
carrots
cucumbers
romain lettuce
green onions
nuoc cham sauce
peanuts (i dont get peanuts)
bean sprouts