Pho 78 in Pembroke Pines

Not far from the Green Papaya in Miami Lakes, we found Pho 78 in Pembroke Pines.  Pho 78 is a “cafeteria-like” restaurant in a small shopping center.  It lacks the charm of Green Papaya but still draws you in with its promise of delicate soups and vietnamese cuisine.

I tried the summer rolls filled with tofu and vegetables.  I wasn’t extremely impressed as the wraps were not exactly what I was expecting though the sauce was good.  My mother had the fried egg rolls  and she did enjoy them.

The Boba tea smoothie here is a little different.  They serve it with whipped cream which makes the smoothie quite decadent.  I would probably have preferred it without the whip cream.

All in all, I found it to be just on the “ok” side.  There aren’t many options for vegetarians but it will do the job if you’re in for a Boba smoothie fix (just ask for no whip).  Meat eaters may find this place fits them better as I’ve heard several of their “meat” dishes are quite good.  Maybe this is just not a place for veggies to roost.

For more information on Pho 78, go to: http://www.pho78florida.com/

Bread

My mom is in town and she is the queen of baking.  Ashley and I were so excited about learning how to bake some bread, so this weekend was our time to do it!  Unfortunately, we didn’t get to do it all together but mom and I baked away on Sunday (and ate away).

My husband made a special request for some coconut bread and this is the first one we attempted.  Apparently this recipe is very similar to the Liberian version he had growing up so he was very happy!  The only difference in his bread is that there is a little less sugar and a little less coconut.  The issue that we had was that we couldn’t find unsweetened coconut at the local grocery store so that added to the sweetness (I am not complaining, it’s soooooo good!).
The bread reminds me of a cross between banana bread and german chocolate cake!  Here is the link to the recipe (warning- it has tons of ingredients): http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/miscellaneous/fetch-recipe.php?rid=misc-liberian-coconut-bread

The Village Mediterranean Restaurant & Pastries in Pembroke Pines

Want to indulge in a little “Middle East” decadence?  Check out The Village in Pembroke Pines for some delectable baklava and spicy Mediterranean fair.

The great benefit to Middle Eastern or “Mediterranean” food is that there are so many vegetarian options.  I love falafel sandwiches but have been going without because the place I normally get them from  makes them a little too greasy or maybe the oil they cook them in just doesn’t agree with me (I don’t really expect Gyroville to be perfect though, it is a fast food restaurant chain).  The Village makes them just perfect: fresh crunchy veggies, ungreasy falafel balls and tzatziki sauce.  My husband was in love with their b**f schwarma (for those of you who have meat-eating spouses or friends).

They also have opened up a new restaurant on University Drive that has a mini-store inside.  I will be going soon so we can make some fava bean and baba ghanouj dishes.

And…. of course, you can’t leave the restaurant without buying one or TEN baklava’s.  I literally could eat a hundred of them but unfortunately with Gestational Diabetes, I’m going to have to wait on that.  One little triangle of the chocolate baklava satisfied the craving for now!

Please go out to visit them and keep them in business because they are a little piece of food heaven!

12502 Pines Blvd
Pembroke Pines, FL 33027

Yellow Green Farmers Market, Hidden in Hollywood

I’m sure many people already know about the YGFM but I have never had the chance to actually visit the market until this past weekend.  They are hidden away on a back alley off Taft and 30th Avenue right off of 95.  In a huge warehouse building sit mini-stores that sell everything from handmade jewelry to produce.   I even found one store selling killer plants!

This place is definitely worth a visit on a weekend morning/afternoon.  They open at 8am and close at 4pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Be prepared:

Bring your own bags- not only will you help the environment but it might be the only thing you get to carry your wares home (I did see some YGFM bags but not at every stall). ** Update- YGFM has assured us that there are free bags for everyone at the information booth!  Yay!
Bring cash- yes, most of the stalls take credit cards but if you want to buy something under $10, it’s likely you’ll have to add things you don’t need in order to make the $10 minimum most require.
Bring walking shoes- this place is huge!
Last but not least- Bring your appetite- there are many food stalls here which means you are  bound to find something you like!  From farm fresh to gyros (not vegetarian) and smoothies to coffee, there is something for everyone.

For more information on the YGFM go to: http://www.ygfarmersmarket.com/