I'll start out by saying that the food was exemplary. The Spring Rolls were extra crispy and the Spicy Beef Noodle Stew arrived at the table with all the color and depth of a bowl of glowing lava.

The stew had great noodle lift, a nice little bite, layers of flavor, and there were plenty of basil leaves and sprouts to toss in. It was in fact one of the better bowls of broth that I have had in Portland, which is seriously saying something as I haunt the Pho shops like a lost ghost haunts crazy old cat ladies.

I mean, the broth itself was even exceptionally beautiful, such a deep red and orange and yellow Well, sprinkled liberally with chopped green onion and hiding a treasure of tender beef and perfect noodles. So why only 4 stars out of 5? Am I one of those people who will only leave a 5 star rating if Jesus himself comes down out of the clouds to serve my table? No, I take a joy in dropping 5 stars on those who can wow me like this place wowed me. The problem is something else.

The problem is the staff and it might not even be their fault. The place had a distinct cafeteria feel. It was busy of course and though it seemed the staff was banging, it did not look like they were understaffed, it was just, impersonal. Every interaction seemed rushed and distracted. I got none of that welcoming ethos that I find in so many Vietnamese Restaurants. If I lived down the street, I'd probably drop in pretty regularly, but I wouldn't go out of my way... I wouldn't take friends there or make it a destination, there are simply too many great places where the staff makes more of an effort to be friendly.

I mean the meal came quickly, the staff seemed to be keeping the place clean and everything, but I just didn't feel welcome. I mean, man! When I went to the pho place where no one spoke much english, I still felt more welcomed than Pho Hung on Powell. The clientele was certainly different than most Pho places around, not one Asian Family that I could see. Lots of what looked like students from the area.

I suppose I might be asking too much. Asking that I be greeted with some small semblance of friendliness, asking that the server pause for just a moment while taking my order , that someone smile for god's sake. There seems to be a disconnect there. I feel the passion, or at least the patience in the food, but not in the servers. I won't avoid the place, but it will never be a Destination. Four out of five isn't all that bad... really. I mean it's kind of good... right? But like I said, it might not be the staffs problem (other than youth). It might be a management issue. PS... Looking back over past reviews it becomes apparent that service is their weak point. Management generally replies with a standard "come try us again", but does not seem to address the issue. Before the place fulfills its true potential, they will need to deal with this.