Blue Palate

A bowl of pho a day may keep the doctor away. (Image by androog)

Pho was one of those dishes I was always a little afraid to try. Mostly because I didn’t know anything about it. I knew it was soup and many versions contained tripe. Not a fan of animal intestines, I steered clear.

Given my fear of pho, I wasn’t sure what compelled me one afternoon to walk into Pho Hung, a popular and oddly located restaurant off SE Powell and 47th. (Pho Hung is a small chain and has a few locations in the Portland area and a couple in Texas, strangely enough). As soon as I opened the menu, my apprehension subsided. Pho Hung makes things very easy for the pho phobic. Options are categorized into Adventurer’s Choice (think lots of tripe and tendons), Everyday Favorites (still somewhat tripe-y) and For Beginners (completely tripeless).

Just to be on the very safe side I ordered the chicken noodle soup. The waiter brought a little dish of bean sprouts, basil, lime wedges, and hot peppers, which I had watched other patrons add to their steaming bowls. The broth was salty, rich, tart from the lime and slightly sweet. It had an exotic herbal flavor and aroma I couldn’t pinpoint. The noodles were soft and plentiful, the fresh garnished added texture and bright flavors, and the chicken was tender breast meat. No intestines in sight.

The pho at Pho Hung is a fantastic deal at $6.50 for a large, definitely enough soup and noodles to feel satisfied if not stuffed. Those not in the mood for soup can choose from other entrees like bun (vermicelli noodle bowls), rice dishes and other specialties. Even the most expensive dish is under $10.

Since my first bowl at Pho Hung, pho has become one of my favorite budget meals. Pho phobic? Pho Hung is a perfect place to break yourself in.

A Yuctatan breakfast (photo credit: joiseyshowaa)

I’m definitely a savory breakfast person.  I’ll take hashbrowns over pancakes any day, and biscuits call out to me more than any version of danish or muffin. When I traveled to England and Ireland and ate my first fry up, I discovered the joys of beans for breakfast, and have been trying to conjure ways to serve them with eggs ever since.

With a big pot of leftover black beans needing inspiration this morning, I decided to make the “full breakfast” of the Americas: huevos rancheros. However, after a little research, I discovered my version of this popular Mexican breakfast is actually a closer cousin to huevos motulenos, the classic breakfast of the Yucatan Peninsula. While rancheros call for tortillas, eggs and the eponymous ranchero sauce, motulenos always incorporate black beans, the star of my Saturday morning.

I decided to use some bagged spinach for extra nutrients. The result: a healthy, inexpensive savory breakfast and enough protein to sustain my frosty morning run.

Saturday Morning Quick Huevos Motulenos
Heat 2-4 servings of leftover or canned beans in a large skillet. Add veggies, such as chopped spinach, frozen corn, diced bell pepper, etc, if desired. Crack desired number of eggs onto beans and cover. Turn heat to medium-low and cook until eggs poach to desired firmness. Serve beans on or aside heated tortillas. Serve with optional toppings, such as salsa (I used Trader Joe’s chipotle salsa) or picante, grated cheese, cilantro, sour cream, avocado, etc.