No Pho'olin Around

The Sacramento theme continues. Pho Bac Hoa Viet is a small restaurant with two locations in California's capital city, and they serve up their own version of the 4 lb pho challenge.

Meet the Pho King Challenge (try saying it quickly). 2 lbs of noodles, 2 lbs of non-orthodox beef cuts, and a whole lotta hot soupy liquid. You get one hour to eat the solids. No broth drinking necessary to win. Winners get a $30 refund, a free t-shirt proclaiming "Pho King" status, and a picture on the Wall of Fame. Losers pick up the tab and join the Wall of Shame.

You get a plate of roots, shoots, and leaves if you want to vary the flavor, but there's no need to use them. I liked how they set out the big spoon, fork, and chopsticks so elegantly.

They called it a win in 30 minutes. At that time (June 2010) they only had five winners, so maybe they rushed to judgment. There's still a few noodles left here. The server explained that all the previous finishers needed virtually the whole hour. I wouldn't say that 30 minutes is a record to scream off the rooftops though. It's only a matter of time before Johnnie Excel rolls in and swallows this thing whole in 12 [I'm kidding, Johnnie. We both know you could do it]. 

In case anyone wonders, the photo at the top is tilted on purpose. Let's see if anyone paid attention. And, honestly, I won't pick favorites between this and Pho Garden. They each brought their own aroma and palatibility.

You'll definitely get your pho fix if you come to this place. It was a small establishment, but everyone was incredibly friendly. They're thrilled if you want to try their challenge... even more so if you succeed. 

This "Pho King" challenge is not to be confused with the 12 lb version you'll find at Pho King Way in Texas! I guess everything really is bigger in the Lone Star State. Even the pho challenges.