If you don’t love Phu, then you either 1) haven’t heard of it, 2) are allergic, or 3) need to get your freakin’ priorities in order.  Phu (pronounced “Fuh,” rhyming with “Uhh…this is goddamn delicious!”) is a vietnamese beef broth soup served piping hot, which contains thinly sliced meat and rice noodles.   The meat selection (not necessarily always beef) usually includes your choice of brisket, flank steak, eye-round steak, and tripe, as well as knuckle, cartilage, and other interesting cow bits. The Phu in the photos here included flank steak and brisket, and came with a giant basket of fresh basil, lime, jalapeno peppers, and sprouts (the big ones you often find in pad thai).  Oh yeah – and fish sauce and Sriracha – choose your destiny.

Sriracha and Jalapenos, oh my!

One note – this is the REGULAR size bowl.  I miserably failed previous attempts to take out the big bowl.

Defeated. Tears for two more days.

However, in my own defense – I watched two big fat business men also fail to demolish the biggun – and they didn’t even add the heat!  Made me feel better. Make sure to observe all those Jalapenos and note that I put half a bottle of sriracha.  The remaining Phu was good for another tear-filled lunch and a half.  Did I mention all of this was $5.50?

Long live the micro/craft-brew! Huzzah!

I’ve long been a big fan of expanding my beer horizons (‘beerizons’).  Tasting a new beer that leaves an impression always seems to make my night.  Living in North Carolina, I’ve grown accustomed to the Beer Flite – a sampler of selected brews that 1) always seems to be served on some sort of paddle, and 2) are usually served in little pint glasses that make me feel like a giant!

Paddle? Check. Tiny glasses? Check. Urge to chug a porter? Check... Beautiful flite constructed by yours truly at Crane Alley in Urbana, IL

Flites done right! A glorious menu from Tyler's in Durham, NC

...and when it's all done - you can start in on the big boys. That giant feeling goes away pretty quick, though!

Tyler’s Restaurant & Taproom
324 Blackwell St # 400
Durham, NC 27701
919.433.0345

Crane Alley
115 W Main St
Urbana, IL 61801
217.384.7526