The fam snuck out for a Sunday early dinner at Phô Cali, which is one of several Vietnamese joints in Egg Harbor Township that we like, and we like Pho Cali the best. It’s been a really long while since we had phô.

I started my phô journey when I was working in Camden County, stopping off at a place in Berlin for my first sip. I used to dump all manner of sauces into the bowl, thinking that was the way to do it: it seemed like a suggestion. I had the presence of mind to ask once how to eat the meal, and the kindly owner said that I should do whatever I wanted to do. I don’t really sauce the broth anymore if it’s really good; it’s supposed to be the star of the show. But I will squeeze some on a bite of meat or put some chili sauce and plum sauce in little dipping bowls, if they offer them, and dredge parts of my meal through it. I do load the soup up with the crunchy sprouts and basil, though. I love the contrast.

Last night, we started off with spring rolls, bao buns with pork, and some summer rolls. It was great. Rhonda and I split a bottle of Josh Buttery Chardonnay.