A Pho Lament
Oh, Pho Green Papaya, how I will miss thee! You with your heaping side plates of sprouts and basil and lime, your generous slices of jalapenos. Your perfectly balanced broth that wanted only for a touch of sirracha and little soy sauce. The fact that you actually had soy sauce on the tables. The rad Asian dude who knew what I loved to order before I even had to ask for it. You were the only place I’ve ever been where I could be asked “The usual?” and say “Absolutely!” without a moment’s hesitation.
Anticipating a delicious meal, we made a rendezvous in your familiar parking lot only to be met with a giant “UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT” sign. Despair was first, then a tiny glimmer of hope. Hope that whatever we encountered inside would hold a candle to the many many delicious meals we once enjoyed under your roof. But alas, disappointment soon followed as tiny mismatched plates, skimpy servings and absent Asian beers drove home the final nails in the coffin of one of my favorite places to eat in Portland. Oh, Pho Green Papaya, how you and your perfect bowl of Vietnamese noodle soup will be missed!
Hillory
Morgen
haha, reading this made me feel like I actually made a difference in the world. So, thanks! Ha! Don’t be too bummed though, good pho will always prevail, I’ll keep you updated!