Ngoc Thanh - New Vietnamese in North Petaluma

[Andrew H]

The old Jerome's BBQ location (North McDowell and Old Redwood Hwy) now holds a Vietnamese restaurant less than a month old. I stopped in this afternoon and gave it a shot. It's very nice and clean inside with orchids along the entryway. The menu is fairly small with your usual Pho and Bun bowls, but they also had banh mi. I got a pork banh mi and a five spice chicken rice plate. I hate to say it but I wasn't really impressed with either one. They weren't bad but they weren't great either. I want to try more on the menu. Cheesy V pop videos play on the flat screens. Hoping it will get better but nothing beats Mai in Cotati.

http://www.phongocthanh.com/

[The Librarian]

How would you say it compares with Thang Long in Petaluma? I've never been to Mai, but I can see I need to go!

[Andrew H]

I have to admit, I'm not a fan of Thang Long either but I remember it being better than NT. I have not been to TL for several years though so take it with a cup of fish sauce. Let me know what you think if you go.

[The Librarian]

I've been to Thang Long several times. The food is good, but not great. On the other hand, I don't have much to compare it to. I did try the new Pho Viet in San Rafael last week, and the food seemed more delicate and lighter than at TH. I'm not very knowledgeable about Vietnamese food - I just like to eat it, especially bun.

[Andrew H]

You will love Mai, it is the gold standard. But keep trying new places and you never know what you will discover.

[Melanie Wong]

Spoken like a true 'hound! Thanks for your continued explorations.