Warm up with PHO at Simply It in Lincoln Park -- My Daily Find Chicago

Warm up with a bowl of PHO at Simply It in Lincoln Park

BY VIVIAN DOAN

As the leaves change color and temperatures drop in Chicago, nothing beats a big bowl of Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup, pronounced “fuh”) to warm you up. And if you don’t want to make the trek to Argyle Street in Uptown for authentic Vietnamese food, we’ve found the perfect place for you!

Simply It, a restaurant tucked between bars on Lincoln Avenue (that you most likely have passed by on your bar hop through Lincoln Park) is a true hidden gem. At first glance, you will notice the extensive menu of authentic Vietnamese dishes that may seem overwhelming, from appetizers that consist of spring rolls and dumplings to rice and noodle dishes, there is bound to be something that suits your preferences – whether you want a quick lunch or dinner with multiple courses. And if you can’t decide what to order, try the most popular dish, that also happens to be one of the healthiest and most delicious – Pho, a hearty, aromatic, broth-based noodle soup full of antioxidant-packed spices.

Pho, a Vietnamese staple, is served in a big bowl with white rice noodles in a clear broth with fresh herbs and garnished with green onions, white onions, and Thai basil. You have a few choices for the type of pho at Simply It. Pho is typically served with beef (Pho Bo), which we highly recommend trying. You can choose between the eye of round beef, well done flank steak, well done brisket, meatballs and tripe. Alternatives to the traditional beef noodle soup include: Pho Ga- chicken noodle soup, or you can order the vegetarian noodle soup with tofu as your protein. All pho orders are accompanied with a plate of fresh chili peppers, lime wedges, and bean sprouts, that you can add to your bowl if you would like, as well as a small bowl of sriracha and hoison sauces (chili plum sauce). The aromatic broth is savory and flavorful, but definitely add a squeeze of lime and chili peppers for an extra kick and dip your meat into the sriracha & hoison sauces for added flavor.

Other things we love about Simply It:

It’s BYOB, yup – bring your favorite beer or a bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal.
If you are too cold to leave your home later this winter, they deliver!
Their lunch combos are totally worth your money. You can choose from over 25 items and it’s served with the soup of the day, salad, egg roll, steamed/fried rice, fresh squeezed lemonade/ginger tea AND dessert.
And on your way in or out, you will most likely be greeted by Simply It’s owner, Tuan Nguyen. He always has a smile on his face as he thanks you for coming in to explore the flavors of his Vietnamese dishes.

Simply It, 2269 North Lincoln Avenue. For more information call 773-248-0884 or visit www.simplyitrestaurant.com.