July 10, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Phorage: Meals That Heal:

If you live in Los Angeles, the cure for the common cold is authentic pho. The Vietnamese soup made of beef or chicken stock with rice noodles and thin slices of beef or chicken exists in the realm of gumbo or barbecue – its makers are fiercely proprietary about the craft. Like chicken noodle soup, people swear by pho’s healing powers, but there is little scientific evidence to back such claims.

To be sure to get all the medicinal properties out of pho (pronounced fah), the flavor has to have some bite. You must add plum sauce or hoisin sauce, as well as the chili sauce (Sriracha) or chili garlic paste, fish sauce, and thin sliced jalapenos to draw out your sinuses and kick-start taste buds.  

In case you’re feeling under the weather or thirsty for broth, Phorage on Overland Avenue is the doctor pho you.

The Palms-based restaurant that took over Kogi truck creator Roy Choi’s Chego in 2013 has mastered the locally sourced modern Vietnamese experience. The smooth, minimalist restaurant in a cramped strip mall near the 10 Freeway was such an instant success that months later, Phorage chef/co-owner Perry Cheung opened Phorage ASAP in Playa del Rey, now run by Ulysseus Pineda-Alfaro, the original chef of the popular Sawtelle spot Plan Check. The menu at ASAP (an acronym for Asian Sandwiches and Pho) is touted as more oceanside-driven.

At Phorage, however, the food is more influenced by the adjacent Culver City culinary scene.

Phorage’s pho is MSG free, gluten free, and made with hormone-free meats. The oxtail broth is deep and rich, with a hint of sweetness, and the bone-in natural beef oxtail falls off the bone and into the soup. The chicken pho is made with shredded Mary’s Free Range Chicken and is easy on the palette and stomach. The restaurant also serves thin-sliced rare beef pho, made with rare Washugyu (American Wagyu) steak and beef brisket.

For a weighty primer to the pho, try the $7 fresh spring rolls with shrimp, BBQ pork, rice noodle, lettuce, mint, and mayo with peanut sauce (and a vegetarian option with tofu and mushroom).

For a heartier treat, there’s a “claypot” Jidori chicken in caramel fish sauce and cilantro over broken rice. At $13, this sumptuous recipe fills you up without putting you down. You can also add a wok fried egg for $2 to any dish.

For other bites, there are $7 imperial rolls filled with shrimp and pork (and a vegetarian one made with crispy tofu), along with three types of Banh Mi made with craft pickles (again, another veg-friendly one with roasted eggplant). These Vietnamese sandwiches include Berkshire pork, Jidori chicken, and vegetarian options. Vermicelli noodles (cold rice noodle salad) use the same kind of pork and chicken and a trio of broken rice plates round out the menu.

Please, don’t order water. The $4-$3 handmade drink selection is unparalleled in Palms, ranging from Vietnamese Iced coffee to iced organic tea to soda chahn (fresh squeezed lime juice, soda water, natural sugar).

Be sure to set foot in Phorage thirsty.   

Phorage is located at 3300 Overland Ave., Los Angeles, and open Monday through Saturday 11am to 10pm and Sunday 11am to 8pm.

For more information call 310.876.0910 or visit phoragela.com. 

in News
<>Related Posts

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...