GRiLLed PORk SPRiNG ROLLS sample each one. The sandwiches are not currently on PHOnomenal’s menu, having been added after the menus were created. However, as previously mentioned, large, colorful photographs of the sandwiches are displayed on the restaurant wall, enticing patrons to order them. i especially enjoy Vietnamese sandwiches because of the daikon radish and pickled carrots which add distinct flavor, so i was excited to try the sandwiches at PHOnomenal. Both were very good, though both my guest and i preferred the pork sandwich over the chicken. each was served on long, toasted rolls, and were filled with fresh tomato, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeno pepper slices and a special recipe mayonnaise created in-house. Of all the many samples we tried that day, it is difficult to say which i liked best; however, i believe that the sandwiches offer a nice alternative to the larger meals on the menu. And compared to sandwiches offered in traditional delicatessens, the Vietnamese sandwiches offer a lighter, fresher flavor—perfect to take out for an afternoon picnic by the bay or to enjoy at home while watching a late afternoon or evening movie. Suffice to say that Sonnie, together with her family and staff, were very generous and gracious hosts, and are excited to get the word out about PHOnomenal. Although the business is still young, Sonnie said that they get extremely busy during the peak of the lunch hour (12 – 1) and the busiest dinner hours are 7 – 8:30. They have already amassed a following of regular customers, and are 36 MARKETPLACEcontracosta.com october 2015 steadily attracting new business. Sonnie is eager to please her customers, and in response to requests, is gradually increasing her menu offerings. For example, she now offers Bun Rieu, a tomato-based soup with crab, tofu, and vermicelli, although you won’t find it on the menu just yet. Won Ton Soup is another item that will soon be available as a result of customer requests. Sonnie is keeping the menu “fluid” for now, assessing what customers prefer from the existing offerings, and adding new items that are in demand. She is also considering other new options, such as introducing Happy Hour to attract more business during the slower afternoons and early evenings. it seems that Old Town Pinole’s newest restaurant has already become a hit, and promises more new and exciting things to come to please their customers. don’t forget that in addition to the wonderful food i’ve described herein, you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee, as well as Thai iced Tea, freshly made lemonade, sodas, bottled water, and most notably—a large glass of freshly-squeezed orange juice with ice. Sonnie also plans to introduce smoothies to the drink menu in the near future. Stop in soon and try PHOnomenal for lunch, dinner or take-out and support your local Old Town merchants. Sonnie and her staff eagerly await the opportunity to serve you and share the deliciousness packed into each item they prepare! enjoy! VieTNAMeSe PORk SANdWiCH SHRiMP SPRiNG ROLLS
Contra Costa Marketplace - Oct 2015
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