142049 Sun Mar 31 09:22:40 -0800 2002 4 12 Boston Area 0 759309 Took my wife there for her birthday and were very bummed by the meal. Not only was it very mediocre and bland, we could not tell what its nationallity was. Sun Mar 31 09:22:40 -0800 2002 0 chuck s 1 759310 Oh! I forgot. Its location is Coolidge Corner. Sun Mar 31 09:23:32 -0800 2002 759309 0 chuck s 1 759329 I agree with your question of the food's nation of origin - the place is clearly Vietnamese but has a very large amount of Thai and Thai-fusion food on its menu. That is the stuff they do the least well. However, if you stick to the Vietnamese side (Pho, Bun, etc) I think Pho Lemongrass is fantastic. I think they should just stick to what they do best, but as long as they continue to do most of their food well, they have my business (that and I live a block away and it's quick for take out.....) Mon Apr 01 10:03:49 -0800 2002 759309 0 JBM 1 759358 Went to Pho Lemongrass with two Vietnamese friends to sample the fare (after Boston Mag dubbed it best Veitnamese in Boston). Once they saw the slick, almost chain hotel dining room decor I had to beg them to go in. Turns out their radar was right, this is not the best Viet fare or even close to it. (Try Pho 2000, Adams St. Fields Corner, Dorchester, where former co-owner/founder/chef of Pho Pasteur now plies his trade. Not to be confused with Pho So 1 around the corner.) We had the bo nhung dam beef fondue-roll-your-own spring rolls as an appetizer. They tasted fine and the veggie fixings were generous, but for the price there was little beef. Sauces were lackluster. Also, we had to ask for individual plates and the fondue pot was on an ugly hot plate. Whole crispy fried fish was alright, but again overpriced and the sauce too sweet. My guess is they fear using nuoc mam fish sauce for their mostly non-Vietnamese clientele. A mixed veggie dish was dull. We did have one dish, sauteed watercress or spinach (it's been awhile) that I liked. The greens were just barely wilted and lightly seasoned--nice. For the most part my friends just shook their heads through the meal--kind a says it all if you want authenticity. But not everyone does. What seemed to be very happy diners were at all the other tables. This may well be the best Vietnamese for well-heeled folks who need a familar decor, English menues, and flavors that don't challenge. Tue Apr 02 09:55:39 -0800 2002 759309 0 munchabunch 2 759410 I totally agree with your take on Pho Lemongrass, and agree about Pho 2000; my absolute favorite! Do you or your friends have any favorite Vietnamese in Chinatown? One that I liked seems to be closed for renovations; hopefully not for good... Wed Apr 03 20:49:54 -0800 2002 759358 0 galleygirl