Beggars can’t be choosers but I really can’t stand having to substitute my favorite comfort foods for their less desirable alternatives.

I have my book and it’s cold outside so for me, that means it’s time for pho. If you’re not familiar with pho (the noodles in the picture are instant Neoguri noodles not bad but not the same) it’s aVietnamese noodle dish that when done properly, will knock your socks off. Fresh cilantro, basil, lemon juice, red chili paste, fish sauce and thin strips of beef that cook slowly in a steaming hot broth. You can get all kinds of things put in it: tripe, seafood, sprouts, peppers the list is almost endless.

At my local Pho Le Ho Phat, my favorite is a #17. Thank God they have numbers and pictures next to the menu items because I would feel really, really stupid trying to pronounce the names. Either way we’re like royalty there; I don’t even have to order anymore, they know exactly what I want. They have other dishes that I like to eat as well but I always have to have my go to food.

Some of you may have had pho before and can’t figure out what I’m going on about. I would suggest that you ask around and find the good places to eat at. Pho is no different than any other food: if you want the best, you have to know where to go.

Here in N.California, there is a very large Asian/Pacific Islander community so there’s never any trouble finding foods that I like. I love the foods that hail from said cultures, so it’s a good place to be from that stand point. My personal favorite pho hideaway is a small place nestled away in the back of 99 Ranch, a popular Asian market about 45 minutes from Vacaville. That may sound like a long drive just for food but trust me, your taste buds-and your wallet will thank you later. Inexpensive, healthy and quick to serve it’s one of the best ways to silence a grumbling stomach or to ease some stress as comforting dish. If you like noodles-in particular Asian noodle dishes-it’s not even a question of if you should try it but when.

When the weather is nice I like to take Cortana (that’s my trusty VW Beetle) out there with the moon roof all the way back, listening to one of my pho play lists. The Roots, Bjork and Armin Van Buuren set to shuffle often does the trick. 99 Ranch is a great place to go shopping in general. They have a great super market with fresh meats and vegetables at good prices. There are all kinds of merchants there selling their wares. From hats and wigs to karaoke and traditional Chinese herbal medicine shops. They also have some awesome anime shops that sold really hard to get figures and t-shirts and the like. It was a great place to go without having to hit San Francisco. A quick pit stop to satisfy your inner geek.

If you haven’t tried it before give it a shot. You just might find a new comfort food to enjoy. Just remember, once you’ve had good pho it’s hard to go back.