It’s the meatloaf and mashed potatoes of Asia.
That’s how Ladda Salter, co-owner of Pho A Noodle Bar, describes the restaurant’s menu of rice noodles simmered in broth and combined with fresh vegetables and meat or tofu.
“It’s not fancy, it’s comfort food. It’s mom’s kitchen, but there are so many variations,” she said.
Salter and her husband, Mark, have expanded beyond their successful Indochine Thai restaurant along East Adams Street to offer Downtown a new casual lunch and dinner option at 117 W. Adams St., the former Chew restaurant space.
The entrée menu begins with basic noodles simmered in beef broth with brisket, onions, cilantro, fresh bean sprouts, Thai basil and lime.
Other meat choices include duck, oxtail, shrimp, tripe and meatballs.
Pho’s sukiyaki combines tofu, beef, shrimp and squid with cabbage, watercress, Asian spinach, celery, onions, cilantro, scallions and a cracked egg.
“The Wok” section includes fried rice, stir fried noodles and curry as well as a banh mi sandwich with pickled daikon and carrots on the menu.
Vegan choices and gluten-free kelp noodles also are available.
The restaurant debuted during September’s First Wednesday Art Walk and Salter said the cuisine has quickly been accepted by diners.
“Being completely different is an advantage. This is not fine dining, but it’s a lot more upscale than a sandwich shop,” she said.
Pho A Noodle Bar is open 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 5-9:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday. Call 353-0320 for carryout and catering.
@drmaxdowntown
356-2466