get a fierce craving for Pho about once every two weeks and writing about Saigon Pearl is making my stomach grumble with hunger, so I apologize if any drooling occurs during our time here.

Saigon Pearl is nothing out of the ordinary. They do straight up Vietnamese with all the pho, bun, spring roll and vermicelli anyone could want. The food is cheap and you’re bound to fill up on their relatively healthy fare. The beef pho ($7) is a tasty rendition that out-does most but not all other bowls I’ve had before. It is thick with beef balls and sliced meat with an aromatic cilantro kick. The deep-fried quail dish ($8.50) is the menu’s treat. If you can stomach picking apart the delicate little birdie bones to get at the succulent meat, your palette will be pleasantly surprised.

Wash it all down with a bubble tea, an Asian beer or a martini and a fried banana and you will have enjoyed the best Saigon has to offer. Now, you’ll have to excuse me, I need to go get some pho before I chew my arm off. –J.T.