foodie

Exploring the Highlands – Seafood Landing

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Seafood Landing has a great selection of seafood, and is located right in the heart of the Highlands on 32nd Ave. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Feb 2014

Remember a few months back when we explored The Highlands and visited places like Vert Beauty & The Matador? We also visited this fantastic seafood shop located at 3457 W. 32nd Ave called Seafood Landing. Open since 1974, the staff over at Seafood Landing really know their stuff, and carry an incredible selection. With the help of Seafood Landing, we can now make a May 2014 Crawfish Boil actually happen right here in DENVER!

When speaking with the staff, we learned that the original owners of Seafood Landing actually brought seafood to Colorado about 25 years ago – we’d say that’s quite the incredible feat, and deserves to be recognized.

Seafood Landing not only sells a great variety, they also have spices, cookbooks, and other novelties to help you do it right – this is definitely a plus! Not sure what spice or recipe to follow for your purchase? Ask them! They’re happy to help make your experience enjoyable in any way possible.

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We are big fans of the spices on display in this fisheye pic! Check out their marinades and spices to keep your seafood delicious and exciting. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Feb 2014

The Omega-3 found in fish oil is fantastic for your health! Looking to lower blood pressure and help out your heart? Fish! Trying to figure out a way to burn fat faster? Pick a day or two of the week and eat fish instead of red meat as your protein. The benefits are plenty – good thing we have Seafood Landing to help us out! Stop in and say hi – check them out and support local business that supports your health.

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Colfax Ave’s Goosetown Tavern

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Watching the game at Goosetown Tavern. Click on the picture to visit their Facebook page! Make sure you like ’em! Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Jan 2014

Last Friday, we stopped into Goosetown Tavern, located in our neighborhood on Colfax. A few of the Denverspeax crew directed us here because of the relaxed atmosphere, great staff, and delicious food. We sat at the bar, watched the New Orleans Saints pound the Philadelphia Eagles, and devoured the most delicious nachos in the universe. Oh, you think I’m joking?

Seriously.

Best. Damn. Nachos. Ever.

But we’ll get to that- let’s talk about the place for a second. Like I mentioned, it’s located on Colfax, between York and Colorado Blvd. Finding parking can be like a scavenger hunt, but because the Cleaners / Laundromat located next door was closed, we decided we more than likely wouldn’t be towed if we parked in their parking lot. Across the street from Goosetown Tavern on Colfax, there’s metered parking, and better luck down the side-streets as well. This will definitely be a location we ride our bikes to once the snow clears up! Goosetown is open 7 days per week, 11 am – 2 am for your visiting pleasure.

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Nice view from in front of the bar. Click on the picture above to be redirected to their website! Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Jan 2014

In addition to a creative, daily Happy Hour, each day having a naming convention inclusive of some fantastic punk band, Goosetown also provides an eclectic menu, trivia night, and random events / parties. Sitting right across the street from the Bluebird Theater, Goosetown is a perfect place to catch a drink and meet up with friends before and after the show. Another plus: pool tables!

Everyone we came into contact with at Goosetown was friendly; it was super easy to hold a conversation with the guys and gals that worked there. We all chatted about football, traveling, music… Not for a second did anyone put off that “I’m cooler than you” vibe. You know the one I’m talking about, right? Everyone’s felt it before. Nope – not at this place!

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Try out the Southern Pork Nachos at Goosetown – click on the picture to see the menu. Credit: Steve Mercer, Jan 2014

Now, let’s get to the food. If you haven’t checked out Goosetown’s menu, please do – there are so many interesting dishes; some of which utilizing home-made sausage! From Potato Cheese Pierogis to Southern Pork Nachos, there are so many good choices that it makes it difficult to order just one thing. We opted for the Southern Pork Nachos, consisting of shredded, barbeque pork atop tri-colored tortilla chips. Add shredded, cheddarjack cheese, fresh jalapeños, and ‘slaw and you’ve got yourself mouth-watering, deliciously-crafted Southern Pork Nachos. Two of us wiped out an order in under 10 minutes, and needed another.

Make sure you visit Goosetown Tavern, a local establishment providing much love to the city of Denver. Great for watching a football game, meeting before/after a show at the Bluebird, or to relax and shoot some pool. Hope to see you there, Denver!

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Exploring the Highlands – The Matador

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The Highlands of Denver is a place we haven’t ventured to very much as of yet; but last Friday, we changed that! Denverspeax decided it was time to go on our first, dedicated Highlands adventure. This is where we found a quaint, down-to-Earth part of town chocked full of thriving, small businesses. Our first stop was for lunch at The Matador, located at 32nd Ave in the Highlands.

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Warm and Inviting, the Matador in the Highlands. Fisheye lens. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013

The Matador was one of the places we visited, and, boy, we’re glad we did! Like we were regulars, the bartender greeted us immediately as we walked in. Sitting at the bar, he helped us with drinks, suggested chips and salsa for a starter, and grabbed menus for us to peruse as soon as we sat down.

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Homemade chips and salsa at Matador. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013

In addition to the appetizer, Steven and I purchased a Carnitas Taco Plate to split; the meal included two tacos on flour tortillas with shredded pork, shredded romaine, garlic sour cream, and Guajillo chili sauce along with large portions of black beans, rice, and spicy pico de gallo for added spice and flavor. We were told that their tortillas are one of the only products that are not made in house, from scratch.

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Carnitas taco plate from the Matador – check out other mouth-watering, Tex-Mex cuisine by clicking on the picture above to be taken to their menu! Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013.

True to the Tex-Mex style of cuisine, both American and Mexican influence is present within their Carnitas. The burst of garlic in the sour cream compliments the sweet and tangy shredded pork; the chili sauce grouped with the pico adds that Mexican kick, welcoming a cold, limed and salted Pacifico on draft. Steve and I split the above plate, and were completely stuffed. We cleared the entire thing, and honestly, could have stopped there…but we found ceviche listed in the appetizers section of the menu. Please note, if ceviche is on the menu, we will order it. We gravitate to ceviche, and have to try any and everyone’s!

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Delicious ceviche by Matador. Click on the picture to be brought to their menu! Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013

The ingredients are so incredibly fresh, and grouped with the saltiness of the homemade chips makes for a fantastic pairing. We finished every tart, chunky bite while draining another bowl of chips.

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Check out the tequila bar – there are so many different premium bottles! Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013.

Aside from great food, Matador offers a large variety of tequilas. Many of which are on display behind the bar, reflecting light from the sunshine outside. Sounds like a place for tequila connoisseurs, carrying over 120 superior tequilas.

Be sure to stop by and check the Matador. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a full meal, a tequila sampler, or just grabbing a beer in the neighborhood, The Matador will satisfy your craving. Check them out on Facebook to learn more.

Osteria Marco – An Italian Staple within the LoDo Community

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Not sure if it’s the cozy ambience accompanied with the hardwood floors, or the simply-dressed tables sporadically placed within wine-bottled lined walls, but Osteria Marco was the perfect place to check out before seeing Tuba Christmas today; the restaurant provided the perfect setting to get us all into the spirit.

Friends had made reservations a week prior for brunch at Osteria Marco, a quaint, Italian-inspired restaurant situated on 15th and Larimer in downtown Denver. We parked near Larimer & 17th, taking a brisk, sunny walk down to the restaurant.

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Dining at Osteria Marco before Tuba Christmas. Click on the pic to be brought to their website. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013.

We were greeted by friendly, knowledgable staff as we settled in and removed our layered clothing. Our server patiently waited to take our drink orders, suggesting a few of their specialty cocktails. Each drink has its touch of Italian flair, which made it difficult to choose!

The good old classic Bloody Mary decided on was impressive; spicy, hearty, and seemingly not easily recreated. It is evident that even the most basic of cocktail classics,  Osteria Marco goes above and beyond to deliver for their customers.

They cure many meats in house, as well as make a variety of cheeses. After hearing this, of course we had to order the Chefs’ Assortment of both.

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House-made cheeses and cured meats at Osteria Marco. Click the pic to check out their menu online. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013

The menu has a variety of Italian-inspired appetizers, small plates, pizzas, paninis, and beyond. It took the table a while to read through all of the delicious-sounding options. Steven and I opted for their paninis, even though Osteria Marco is well known for their pizzas. With so many reviews raving about their pizzas, we will definitely have to visit again to try them out. Or, take advantage of their take out option!

Pictured below is the Italian Dip, a tasty twist on a classic favorite; the juicy beef is paired with sautéed-style onions and peppers, smothered in melted provolone, all atop of a crispy bread. The au jus was light and served perfectly tempered alongside a heaping pile of slightly salted and dressed arugula salad. The portion size was perfect; actually, the panini was so hearty that I was unable to finish it all! Luckily, my friends were able to help finish it off – I would’ve felt terrible if such a fantastic experience was left on the table. No panini left behind!

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The Italian Dip, a hearty and simple twist on an old favorite. Click on the pic to check out their full menu. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013

Osteria Marco puts on the Italian charm without being forceful; while the wine list boasts nearly one-hundred solely Italian wines, the prices steer clear of pretentious, producing a more casual, fine-dining experience. Definitely aimed at the social eater, the menu is one that you can play Russian Roulette with – close your eyes and point; whatever you land on will be delightfully satisfying. Definitely a restaurant we will be visiting again, as we’re excited to continue to check out the items that make Osteria Marco a staple in the LoDo community.

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Colorado Gifts to Send Afar

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We’ve done our research by being put through the Colorado Gift Basket wringer, and are here to save you from having to do the same. Here are our two favorite companies we’ve come across that pride themselves on creating beautiful and thoughtful gifts, utilizing Colorado chefs, artists, and companies. 

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Completely Colorado, LLC – Click on the link to be taken directly to their website to check out their great products! Credit: Completely Colorado LLC (Facebook), Dec 2013

Completely Colorado brings local vendors together in an online venue setting. Not only can you purchase single items, but they also combine different products of different local businesses to create outstanding gift baskets at more than reasonable prices.

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Pictured: The Taste of Colorado Gift Basket by Completely Colorado. Click on the image above to be taken to their collection of Taste of Colorado gift baskets. Credit: Completely Colorado LLC website, Dec 2013

The website is very user friendly, and has a variety of products from food, to jewelry, to yoga mats! We purchased two of the Taste of Colorado Gift Baskets to send back home to Michigan, and can’t wait to hear the feedback!

 

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Look at the beautiful boxes on Colorado Crafted by clicking on their logo above! Credit: Colorado Crafted Official Website, Dec 2013

 

 

 

Colorado Crafted presents carefully and creatively crafted boxes containing local artisan specialities. They scoured Colorado for delicacies so you don’t have to, grouping these delicious morsels into a variety of gift boxes for purchase. Quantities of items are limited due to the small supply created by each local artisan, creating even more of a crave for these extravagant boxed gifts. I know someone who will be impressing their boss this New Years!

 

 

 

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The Bijou Creek Box, available on the Colorado Crafted website. Click the picture to be taken to their complete collection. Credit: Colorado Crafted website, Dec 2013

 

There you have it – two exceptional websites offering amazing products that can be shipped to family and friends (or bosses) afar. They don’t have gifts solely for the purpose of Christmas – think of them for a friend’s birthday, or an anniversary….. or for yourself because you’re so awesome. Stop by and check them out!

Completely Colorado on Facebook
Colorado Crafted on Facebook

Smokin Yard’s BBQ – High Fives All Around

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Our friend Thomas started talking about Smokin Yard’s at approximately 7 am Saturday morning, and didn’t stop until we visited the place on the way home from Keystone. He continuously described what sounded like the best BBQ in Colorado, not leaving out a single, juicy detail. Because of my family ties and our time spent in the South, he needed to know what we (Steven and I) thought about it.

After a fun day skiboarding (some of us ski and some of us board – “skiboard”, pronounced “skuh-board”, originated in the Michigander from some silly friends, and just stuck), we drove through Idaho Springs to find Smokin Yard’s BBQ.

[Thomas]: Yeah, yeah… just keep driving through town until you feel like you’ve gone too far… Then, when you feel like you must’ve missed it, it’ll be on the left hand side of the street.

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Steve (left) and Thomas (right) showing the Smokin Yard’s pig some lovin’. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013

He was right – there it was!

Located at 2736 Colorado Blvd, Idaho Springs, Colorado 80452, Smokin Yard’s is right off of i70 – perfectly situated on the way home from a day out on the mountain. As soon as you walk in, you notice the friendly environment and the low-key, easy-going staff. The inside wasn’t crowded, but you could immediately tell that they have their base of loyal, repeat customers. The menu is posted on the wall right when you enter, consisting of faves like different cuts of brisket, styles of pulled pork, and other smoked meats.

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Catfish Po’ Boy at Smokin Yard’s in Idaho Springs – click on the link to check out the full menu! Credit: Steve Mercer, Dec 2013

Right away, Steven noticed they had a Catfish Po Boy, and had to try it out. Thomas ordered up the pulled chicken on bun while I opted for pulled pork without a bun (in order to have enough room for the important part!).

Also featured on the Smokin Yard’s menu is a list of comfort sides, like french fries, cole slaw, baked beans, and mashed potatoes with gravy. We each picked a different side to go along with our respective meals, and a beer to wash it all down.

Our friend definitely wasn’t lying; the smell of the food made my mouth water, and the taste brought back memories of my home down south. There was nothing fancy about any of the meals served- just genuine, authentic Southern BBQ, cooked with the customer’s happiness in mind. When our server (and other staff) came by and asked how it was, we provided a round of high-fives to show our appreciation and admiration for the incredible job well done. We may or may not have gotten a little creepy with our gushing compliments.

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Pulled pork, mashed potatoes, and Smokin Yard’s three original sauces. Check out their menu by clicking on the picture. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013

Three sauces are placed on each table: a sweet, a bold, and a spicy, all of which created by the geniuses at Smokin Yard’s. I doused all of my tender, pulled pork I had ordered in the bold sauce and enjoyed every minute of it. I would have totally licked the paper tray it came in, but wanted to keep some sort of composure in the restaurant.

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Pulled chicken and fries, pre-doused in sauce. Click on the picture to check out Smokin Yard’s website. Credit: Steve Mercer, Dec 2013

To be honest, we had a brief conversation regarding not posting about Smokin Yard’s strictly because it is so awesome. Of course, the conversation, like I said, was brief; the whole point of DenverSpeax is to get the word out about these fantastic places and celebrate the great job they do.

Smokin Yard’s is a place we will drive for. Check out the reviews on their website as well as their Facebook page if you don’t believe us – not only do they understand how to do BBQ right, they understand how to treat their customers by showing they truly care. Stop in next time you’re on the way home from shredding the mountain, or hop in the car and take a quick road trip to Idaho Springs. You won’t be sorry!

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Sushi Bay 17 – Creating raving fans, one Denverite at a time.

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Over the past few months, an overwhelmingly amount of Denver friends have asked, “Have you been to the new sushi place on 17th?” and “Hey, have you been to Sushi Bay 17?”.

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Five girls, one giant wheel of fortune, er sushi.  Thanks, Shawna, for letting me borrow this awesome picture! Credit: Shawna Jones, Dec 2013

All questions were accompanied by positive feedback, “Dude, you HAVE to go…” With this many people talking about it, in such a positive light, we had to go check it out! A band of 5 awesome women gathered at Sushi Bay 17 last Thursday for their group-formed, monthly Ladies Night to see what all the talk was about.

Sushi Bay 17 is located at 1728 E 17Ave
Denver, CO 80218 within the City Park neighborhood. They have a parking lot as well as plenty of on-street parking. Weather permitting, we always suggest riding a bike, especially through this great neighborhood.

Together, we ordered edamame for an appetizer, 9 sushi rolls, a few miso soups and one ginger salad. All of the food was very fresh, and beautifully presented. The ginger salad is a heaping portion, which was surprising at $3; even better, the ginger dressing is incredible! The amount of tangy and spice was just right, which has been hard to find in the past. The edamame were warm with the perfect amount of sea-salt – they also offer edamame with different seasonings on them, which we will have to check out next time! Take a look at the full menu from Sushi Bay 17.

Out of all of the rolls we ordered, house specials and old classics included, the Spiderman definitely received the most raving fans. Each roll was presented beautifully, with fresh ingredients that all worked well together; after this experience, I feel Sushi Bay 17 is one of those restaurants that you can close your eyes and choose sushi at random, never getting a bad roll.

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Sushi bar at Sushi Bay 17. Check out their Facebook (and LIKE ‘EM!) by clicking on the photo. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013

Although Sushi Bay 17 is moderately priced, they run so many great specials! Daily Happy Hour specials on sushi, appetizers, and drinks occur from 3 – 6 pm, and AGAIN at 9pm – close. While we were visiting for Ladies Night dinner, the Broncos game was on, which meant $2 short, draft beers. On Sundays, order the all-you-can-eat sushi option for $27.95 per person. For our friend Annelise, this means unlimited Spiderman rolls on Sunday for about $30 bucks – how can you beat that?

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No sushi piece left behind- that’s our motto. Check out Sushi Bay 17’s website for more info. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Dec 2013

Our bill averaged $20 per person, plus tip, and we were all fat and happy. Not one piece was left behind. Sushi  Bay 17 also has a wide variety of amazing-sounding desserts, but unfortunately all of us were too full to try them. Desserts are definitely on the list for next time! The price is inexpensive comparing the value of service, atmosphere, and attention to detail with the products that Sushi Bay 17 provides. We can’t wait to bring more people there and create additional raving fans!

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Christkindl Market – Authentic German Market – Downtown Denver

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Another event to be sure to check out this weekend is the kick off of the Authentic German Christkindl Market in downtown Denver, an all-ages holiday event. Held at Skyline Park across from the Daniels & Fisher Clock Tower on the 16th Street Pedestrian Mall, the authentic German music, flavors, lights, and sounds are sure to get you headed in the right direction… right into the holiday spirit!

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Great picture courtesy of the German American Chambers of Commerce website – check them (and the event out) out by clicking on the image!

 

The event will open this Friday, November 22nd, and runs through Saturday, December 21st, 2013, so if you’re unable to attend this weekend, just know there are plenty of other opportunities to check it out.

Dates & Hours

November 22nd – December 21st, 2013
  • • Sunday through Thursday 11am – 7pm
  • • Friday and Saturday 11am – 9pm
  • • *Thanksgiving Day 11am – 4pm

Opening weekend holds many special events, like the Grand Opening events on Saturday, November 23rd, including Bavarian-style dancing, accordion players, and a performance from the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. Take a look at the complete list of events the multiple weekends here.

Multiple vendors will be available with unique gifts ranging from modern, German lace, to ornaments, to glass art, and jewelry pieces. Check out the list of vendors here.

For full information including events, vendors, and schedule, stop by the Denver Christkindl website. See you this weekend when we start to get our holiday on in Denver!

 

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Pho Dong Huong – Great Food that WON’T Break the Bank

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On a whim a few weeks ago, my friend Norma and I tried out Pho Dong Huong in Arvada for lunch. Becoming a trend to seek out fantastic Asian food, we figured we would try out this new place that Norma drives past often.

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Situated at 9050 W 58th Ave, Arvada, CO 80002, Pho Dong Huong is fairly easy to find. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Nov 2013

Nice and easy to find, Pho Dong Huong is situated right in Arvada, Colorado, complete with plenty of free parking. Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a friendly waitstaff and large windows allowing plenty of sunlight. The menu is impressive, listing numerous options for appetizers, lunches, mains, and more.

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Crab Rangoons at Pho Dong Huong in Arvada – one of the many appetizers listed on their menu.Kirsten Ebey, Nov 2013

Norma and I settled on the Crab Rangoons and Shrimp Spring Rolls for our appetizers.

Each came with their own sauce, and were appropriately proportioned. Get this –

not only were both apps delicious, they each cost less than $5 bucks. What?

Yeah, I know – unheard of.

Trust me – it gets better. 

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Vermicelli Noodle Bowls at Pho Dong Huong. Credit: Kirsten Ebey, Nov 2013. Click on the picture to be routed to their menu.

While there are a plethora of noodle bowls to choose from (as well as other dishes), we both had our hearts set on the Vermicelli Noodle Bowls. With a choice of beef, pork, chicken, shrimp and combination, it was really tough to choose. As pictured above, the beef was excellent and the mini eggs rolls added on top were such a cool bonus! The bowls were giant, and rang up under $8 each. Incredible. They were the type of meals you come across that even though your stomach absolutely cannot hold anything additional, you keep eating because the ingredients and flavors are so delicious. How is this possible under $10 per dish? Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. You’ll just have to try it out yourself.

Pho Dong Huong is seriously a hidden gem that you must check out for some legit Chinese food. Also, as described, the prices are amazing, so you won’t break the bank visiting! Check it out and let us know what you think.

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