PhoNatic

Went to a dinner tasting at the PhoNatic in Southpark Meadows last week. With five spots around town, there's bound to be one near you with their fresh offerings. (And shhhhhh! Director of Operations Joe Prior told us there's an eastside location in the works!) Owners Pat and Sara Lee first opened Pho Saigon in 2006, and then went on to build the Chinatown complex in North Austin, where they own the MT Market grocery store. PhoNatic came along in 2011, with the "desire to make Vietnamese food more inviting and less intimidating, in a fast casual environment." I think they've succeeded!

Thanks to PhoNatic for the dinner; all views are my own. Here's a look at what we sampled.

Nicely wrapped spring rolls with shrimp and peanut sauce

Banh mi sliders, a nice twist on the traditional Vietnamese sandwich

Salt and pepper tofu with a sweet chile sauce

Oxtail pho; good flavor from the meat, but a bit hard to eat

The 212 Pho (eye round steak, brisket, tripe and tendon); maybe not my most favorite meat combo!

Chicken pho with super-fresh veggies (they do have one pure vegetarian pho on the menu as well)

Vermicelli (or bun) bowl with lemongrass beef

Pat's Plate, with egg roll, pork, and fried egg over jasmine rice

Grilled chicken vermicelli bowl at top, and the runny yolk from Pat's Plate on the left.

Check out PhoNatic's website for locations and menu details. Fresh and flavorful!