Pho Asian Star ~ Corinth, Texas

Time to blow the cobwebs of this blog, and let's see if we can get the engine cranked again! The holidays are coming, which should give me much more time, and I have a raftful of information for everyone. Which would make sense, since my last post was in January (Mr. Music had one in August for us). But we didn't stop eating out! OK - speaking of Mr. Music, he has once again given us a new review to see if this blog still works.

Take it away Mr. Music!

---

Mr and Mrs Music have resided in the Denton area for over 10 years and have been dreaming for a really good Vietnamese restaurant. A few places have come and gone, but none have really been that great. Recently, I was in Corinth and happened to drive by a place that used to hold a takeout Chinese food spot and noticed a new sign, Asian Star. What really got my attention is that when I got closer, I noticed pictures of Pho and Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls) on the window! And although the big sign just says Asian Star, on the door the sign reads Pho Asian Star!

I was getting a little giddy by then at the prospect of a good Pho shop 5 minutes from us! We decided to go there a few days later to celebrate Music Junior's birthday. Yes, at the tender age of 10, it was her idea! All of the Music clan enjoys Vietnamese food. The place is very typical of a Vietnamese restaurant - sparse decor with a few pictures on the wall. The place was clean, and tables each full of the ubiquitous condiments: Srirachi, Soy Sauce, ground chili paste, hoisen, dried ground chilies in oil, and fish sauce! Makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

We started off with some spring rolls and we all really enjoyed them. They were fresh and filled with all the goods: vermicelli, cilantro, bean sprouts, shrimp and pork. Mrs. Music usually doesn't care for the pork in the roll, but she said this pork was great and was glad it was there.

Music Junior had the wide stir fired noodles with chicken (a little like chicken chow fun) and loved it. I tasted and agree that it was yummy. Baby Music had Pho Ga (chicken pho). The broth was light and had a rich chicken flavor and the chicken itself was very moist - not always the case with Pho Ga! Mrs. Music had the Hieu Hu Tieu My Tho (seafood pho with glass noodles) with pork broth. I had a similar dish, my new favorite combination Hieu Hu Tieu (fixed per comment) which is the same thing but has pork in the soup as well as seafood. Both bowls were delicious. The broth was very tasty and light; no sugar and surprisingly not too salty. The glass noodles were toothsome with a nice chew. LOTS of hunks of pork and seafood (shrimp, fish balls and squid). The prices were on par with most Pho shops i.e. very reasonable. A few days later we decided to go again although Mrs. Music was not able to go. Music Junior and Baby Music had Pho Ga and I had Pho Bo (beef) with well done flank and brisket. Once again the food was great. The beef broth followed suit - rich with flavor and had plenty of meat. I will say that I didn't order the brisket and flank as they are really not my thing nor is well done meat of any kind, but it was still good. Once the owner realized they made me the wrong item, they offered to bring me a new bowl, but I didn't need them to.

The service is exemplary. The owner, a Vietnamese woman, takes care of all her customers and is very attentive and friendly. Her husband and son, man the back (so to speak)! Both times we visited, the owner offered Music Junior a free desert: Her favorite slush made with flavored gelatine, crushed ice, and coconut cream!

Pho Asian Star is on my return and "bring friends" list. The Music family is looking forward to checking out more of the menu! 

- Mr. Music