When a new restaurant opens up, I generally avoid it. When they are empty, I avoid them too. Recently I broke both of my rules and sat down at Pho May in Peters Landing in Huntington Harbour. Peters Landing is right on the Pacific Coast Highway as you head south from Seal Beach. The area was home to the famous Oceans Club and Sam’s fish house.
Like most things “LA”, they a re trying to migrate south to Orange County and Peters Landing shows the influence. While I am not a fan of the super bright paint job on the buildings now, it is easier for people to find it. When West Marine closed, Golden Road Brewing moved in. But overall the center was pretty quiet other than Pelican Isle since 9/11. It has been a long time coming to get it filled back in. There is a new BBQ place we have yet to try because they keep selling out.
For those that live in the Huntington Harbour, Peter’s Landing has four “guest” parking spots for small boats. On a Friday or Saturday they could use a lot more. Last week we got lucky and found a spot. Walking up the ramp we saw a bright, shiny new restaurant, Pho May. Not a sole was sitting at any table indoors or out. For whatever reason I was feeling adventurous and went to the bar to eat. My wife and I ordered several dishes and took a few bites of each. This means we spent a lot more than a normal bill, but it let us get a better idea of the restaurant.
I am a fan of Phǒ, but this wasn’t what we got. Instead we tried a bunch of pan-asian standards like shrimp rolls and fried filled won tons. It was a different experience, but the food was fresh, hot when it should have been, cold when it should have been and most importantly no fishy smell or taste. One interesting dish was the “birds nest”. It was like a next of crunchy ramen topped with a bunch of goodies. As the ramen soaked up the hot Pho broth it became softer. Patience was rewarded.
It’s too soon to award Beach Street News Palm trees, but it was good enough to bring us back. The Wine selection wasn’t too big, but it was just right for the food being served. We will wait a few weeks and see if it can keep up when the business is there before awarding any palm trees. Until then we’ll just say, “give it a try” and let us know what you think.