There's almost nothing better during the chilly winter months than a steaming hot bowl of soup. Fortunately, the time is ripe to get out and warm up with VIA CDC's 12th annual event: Phobruary, a celebration of the classic Vietnamese soup, which has grown in popularity across Southeast Asia and the world.
During the event, which runs Feb. 1 through Feb. 29, guests are encouraged to dine in at participating Silver City restaurants and enjoy specially priced $7 bowls of Pho (plus additional specials at some participating restaurants). Guests are also encouraged to share their positive experiences at those eateries on social media.
“This event is more than just an opportunity to enjoy amazing food—it’s a celebration of culture, community, and small businesses,” notes JoAnna Bautch, Executive Director at VIA CDC. “Phobruary is a chance for Milwaukeeans to come together, support local restaurants, and enjoy the rich traditions behind Southeast Asian cuisine.”
Note: Phobruary specials are available during specified hours only (see below). Restaurants may be busy during this special event, so guests should be especially kind, exercise patience and tip generously.
Participating restaurants
PK Palace
3730 W. National Ave., (414) 316-9913
pk-palace.square.site
Specials available Monday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m.
Specials include: small beef/meatball pho bowl for $7; and or 10% off entire purchase (excluding pho special)
Thai Bar-B-Que
3414 W. National Ave., (414) 647-0812
thaibarbq.com
Specials available Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Specials include: small steak pho bowl for $7; three egg rolls for $5; BBQ meat skewer (beef, pork or chicken) for $3; shrimp skewer for $5
Vientiane Noodle Shop
3422 W. National Ave., (414) 672-8440
vientianenoodleshop.com
Specials available Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Specials include: small beef/meatball pho bowl for $7
Participate & win
Every restaurant will have QR codes available at their tables. Scan the code and submit your contact information to be entered to win a $25 gift card from one of the participating restaurants.
In celebration of VIA CDC's 30th anniversary, you could also win a money tree from Feng Shui Haus Gift Shop. Get all the details online!
More about pho
Vietnamese pho is a soup that's said to have originated in Northern Vietnam. But, since the Vietnam War, it's a dish that's been shared widely by Vietnamese refugees, increasing its popularity across the globe.
The secret of pho – which is pronounced "fuh" or "feu" – lies in its long cooking time, typically at least a three or four hour steep, which extracts flavor and heft from meaty marrow bones, usually beef. The broth is then supplemented with a custom blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, coriander, star anise and cardamom.
In fact, one of the fun things about pho is that each bowl of steaming broth is distinctive thanks to both the cooking time and the specific mix of spices used. So, if you're not fond of one restaurant's pho, it's worth your while to sample another spot's broth to see if you like it better.
But, potentially the best part of eating pho is the ability for diners to customize their bowls with add-ins and garnishes like Thai basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, jalapeno slices, lime juice and condiments like fish sauce, hoisin and Sriracha. Every bowl of pho is, ultimately, a personal creation.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.