The Boiling Bowl — Restaurant in Portland

I've lived in the area for a while and although disappointed when Toast & Pho disappeared, I was excited to try this new restaurant. The atmosphere is definitely more upscale, but this reflects in the somewhat overpriced dishes. I got the combo vermicelli bowl and everything was decent, besides the raw la lot beef (grilled ground beef rolled in a leaf). This was initially difficult to discern as raw since I've never had this before and it was wrapped in a leaf.

After eating part of one, I became concerned about the texture and opened it up to find raw beef. I am guessing these must have been pre-made, frozen, and then cooked upon ordering since it came out warmed and looked cooked on the outside. However, it was clearly not cooked thoroughly, although the rest of the meat was fine (grilled pork, chicken, and shrimp).

After alerting the waiter, I was offered a new round of la lot beef, which I declined since I was a bit shocked I just ate raw ground beef. He seemed apologetic enough and let me know that eating raw beef is okay (not necessarily true for ground beef). I picked at the rest of the other cooked meat but soon asked for the check after becoming paranoid I'd fall ill, which would be particularly inconvenient since I was officiating a friend's wedding the following day.

I was presented with a full check despite the experience, so I quickly paid and left. Luckily, I did not eventually get ill, so apparently no harm done besides a very bad first impression.

Hoping that they rectify whatever led them to serve raw...

Updating my rating from a 2 to a 3 as I was informed by the restaurant that the kitchen was notified of my raw fish concern. Still upset that they were raw in the first place but they deserve one more star for responding better than I realized. Everything was great until I ate my second shrimp and each were progressively more raw. I thought that they are chefs so they must have cooked these enough. But when I got to the last shrimp, it was so raw I could not bite through it. I told the waiter who said he would give me a discount, $3 off. So my raw shrimp dish cost $14. He then said, in relation to the kitchen, " we have a new cook" and some lthing to the effect of... he is still learning... then said, " we are separate (in relation to front of house and back of house), I don't care what they do." Well you should because you are serving their food and you are a team. I told him he should tell the kitchen. He said he would tell a manager later. I again suggested that he tell the kitchen immeidtaley so that doesn't happen to anyone else. Not a great response, not great service. I was excited to try the mango mousse but was done after that experience. We are also coming back to stay within walking distance for a few nights and we're hoping to come back and eat for at least two more night with friends. That is not happening either. Bummed but they can't...

I came to Portland to visit a friend, and I found this place by chance. I did not expect much since I am a Viet come from San Jose, Ca area. The place actually surprised me with very good food. I mean really, really good food. My group ordered a few dishes and this is my review:

1- rice with pork chop - We got two large pork chop, the meat was thick, moist and flavorful. I love it.

2- Combination roll Platter - the grill pork, shrimp rolls, Shrimp on sugar cane, and ground beef with la lot leaves are very flavorful, the dipping sauce taste just right, herb and vegies are plentiful.

3- Shaking Beef - "Bo Luc Lac" was excelence. The beef was soft, the flavor just can't get any better. This is the MUST HAVE DISH.

4- Seafood with Crispy Noodle - The noodle taste fresh, the stopping is generous. The sauce is just right, not too salty or plain. I like it.

5- Wonton soup - It actually surprised me for how good it taste. It is very home make state, and I would have this soup again.

6- The fruit slush - OMG, it was so good. In a hot summer day, it would steal the show. Highly recommend this.

It is an upscale Vietnamese restaurant, with nice ambiance. I would come back if I return to Portland again. I don't have any picture to share because ... honestly I did not expect much to begin with until all food are consumed with nothing left to take...