Pho 11 - State College, PA

Date of dining experience: September 22, 2017

Place: Pho 11 Vietnamese Restaurant

Location: 146 N. Atherton St. in State College, PA

Appetizers: Audry and I split an order of Spring Rolls with Shrimp and Pork ($5.50) and an order of Vegatable Rolls ($5.25). Both were delicious, especially with the dipping sauce! They were slightly different from others I've had before because they contained basil instead of cilantro. It's different, but still good!

Entree: Satay Chicken Noodle Soup ($9.95) - Perfect noodles and shredded chicken served in a homemade satay sauce with the flavor of peanuts and sesame, served with a side of bean sprouts and a sprig of fresh basil. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu here. This dish just happens to be the one our server recommended. As I was discussing authenticity with him, he said that all of the dishes on the menu are authentic in Vietnam. However, he also said that due to some ingredients being unavailable (or less plentiful) in this country, they have had to make close substitutions and even leave a few things out. Obviously, this changes the flavor. I really want to go to Vietnam and just tour all the local food places!

Drink: Fresh Lime Soda ($3.50) - This was amazing! Just the right amount of lime flavor and not a lot of carbonation. However they made it, it was great!

As far as I have been able to find, Pho 11 is the only Vietnamese restaurant in State College, making it the best one in State College. I will definitely be returning to Pho 11 in the future, especially if I have a craving for spring rolls or fresh lime soda! Try this place out and let me know what you think. Enjoy!

100 Degrees Hot Pot - State College, PA

Date of dining experience: September 22, 2017

Place: 100 Degrees Hot Pot Chinese Restaurant

Location: 428 Westerly Parkway in State College, PA

Dim Sum - Those of you who know me, know I love some good dim sum. This is the only place in State College where the dim sum is fantastic. Well, it's really the only place that offers real dim sum at all. A couple other places have a tiny dim sum bar, but never very many options.

1. Shrimp Dumplings (L - $4.25) - You can never go wrong with the standard shrimp dumpling. They are always amazing.
2. Dumplings in Chaozhou Style (M - $3.75) - I had never eaten this type of dumpling before. Since I like trying new things, I obviously had to try it! Basically, this type of dumpling contains meat and peanuts. It's pretty good and has a slight crunch to it.
3. Shark Fin Dumplings (L - $4.25) - This is my absolute favorite dumpling! So, of course, I had to have it! Let me tell you, the seasoning they use on the meat in this dumpling is superb! These dumplings were absolutely perfect!
4. Fried Stuffed Taro (S - $3.25) - I chose to go the taro route instead of the typical rice route this time, mostly because I had never tried taro before. This was interesting. It tastes a little like bland mashed potatoes, but there was some filling to it. Being fried, it was a little dry. However, dipping it in some oyster sauce solved that problem immediately!
5. Jasmine Tea ($2) - You simply cannot have dim sum without a pot of tea! Jasmine tea is my favorite hot tea. Even if the dumplings weren't very good, I would return just for the tea! 

Obviously, I get really excited about dim sum. 100 Degrees Hot Pot serves dim sum via menu Tuesday-Friday and with traditional cart service on Saturday and Sunday, but they stop serving it at 4:30, so plan your dim sum trip accordingly! Once you try it, let me know what you think! Enjoy!