eatvancouver.net

Target 4: Co Do Restaurant
Address: Approximately 950 Kingsway (map)
Phone: 604-876-7115
Menu: Page 1; Page 2
Price: $6.50 largish pho
Condiments Photo

Visit date: December 8th, 2006
Visit time: 8:30 PM

–ratings–

Jason’s ratings (#15 rare beef) –

Broth: 7/10
Beef: 7.5/10
Noodle: 8/10
Condiments: 8.5/10
Other factors (service, atmosphere, etc): 9/10

Jason’s total: 8/10

Dan’s ratings (#16 rare beef) –

Broth: 6/10
Beef: 6/10
Noodle: 7/10
Condiments: 8/10
Other factors: 9/10

Dan’s total: 7.2/10

Total Score (averaged across both raters, all variables) = 7.6/10
Quality per dollar (based on large pho) = 1.17/$
—

Description from Jason:

Co Do is a new little Vietnamese restaurant on Kingsway, a couple of blocks from the highly rated Hai Phong. The Fishman and I ended up visiting this joint for a very simple reason: it had a sign up advertising a grand opening – 15% off. Never being two to shy away from a deal when a deal is to be had, we decided to take Co Do up on the offer.

Of the places we have visited so far, Co Do emphasized pho the least on its menu, only offering seven variations of the beef soup on its menu. It also only offers one size, which happens to be pretty close to a large at most pho institutions. Generally this would be a cause for concern with me, but in the context of a great phodown, why not?

To cut straight to the point, the pho here is perfectly acceptable: slightly aromatic, medium meatiness, properly served noodles, and fresh meat. It’s not exceptional pho but it’s solid, “B” pho. And I don’t mean B as in B-list stars like Eric Roberts and Dolph Lundgren, but more like John C. Reilly or Val Kilmer level pho. We were also very pleased with the condiments, including fresh basil and bean sprouts, sliced jalapeños, chili paste, chili oil, and nuoc mam. Of course it can be argued that choice in condiments can be a double-edged sword. It’s nice to have the chance to experiment a little, but who hasn’t had the nagging feeling that you haven’t quite tried all of the combinations that you might want? I guess that’s what keeps them coming back for more.

The Fishman and I were also impressed by the service and atmosphere. The restaurant is exceedingly clean (it’s also a new restaurant – draw your own conclusions), featuring a pristine fish tank with some very impressive tropical fish. Service matched the order of the room as our server proved efficient and affable.