When I heard about a new Vietnamese Restaurant that opened up on Broad Street in Red Bank, I couldn't wait to go. My friend just moved within walking distance, so I ended up there with her, another good friend and two bottles of red wine, a Pinot Noir and Cabernet Savignon.
The majority of the menu is pretty cheap, so we decided that two appetizers were better than one. The Fresh Vegetarian Rolls, rice paper stuffed with tofu, sauteed mixed vegetables, noodles and lettuce, are served with peanut dipping sauce. The Vietnamese Eggrolls, crispy fried rolls stuffed with shrimp, pork and noodles, are served with special spicy sauce, and lettuce on the side to roll with.
I ordered the Spicy Lemongrass Chicken Stir Fry Noodle Bowl (offered with beef or tofu also), served in a traditional noodle bowl. It was delciiously spicy and also enough to take home for leftovers. My friend ordered from the Vegetarian section right about the Noodle Bowls, and chose just the regular Vegetarian Stir-Fry with sauteed mixed vegetables, tofu, and served over rice or noodles.
The Combo Fried Rice was also a hit, made with chicken, shrimp, beef Chinese sausage, chopped onions, peas and carrots. As the menu is quite generous, they not only have more appetizers, rice dishes, noodle bowls, and vegetarian options to choose from, but also salads, an extensive soup menu, and a "Banh Mi" sandwich menu. My friend ordered the Grilled Pork Banh Mi, with avocado, pate, arugula, red onion, jalapenos, daikon, and carrots. She was also eyeing the Grilled Tuna Steak Banh Mi with avocado, roasted red pepper, onion, arugula, daikon and carrots.
When I go back (many more times) I may try to Green Papaya Salad, shredded green papaya with carotts and topped with shrimp, mint, and a spicy vinaigrette, or the Steak Salad, grilled flank stank, mixed greens, roasted peppers and a carrott ginger dressing. A next entree to try may be the Curried Noodle Bowl with chicken, shrimp, bean sprouts, carrots and egg with a hint of curry.
For anyone within walking distance in Red Bank, this place should become a regular for you. Three people, three entrees, two appetizers and a Banh Mi sandwich for under $45.
For more information, visit www.pholeusa.com or call 732-530-1598.
