One thing my dad wanted me to do while I was here was take his convertible out for a drive, since it's been sitting lonely in the garage. Twist my arm. So I went out for a while yesterday and managed to slip into Pho Tan Tan, one of several pho places along the heavily asian stretch of Buford Highway in Chamblee. I'd looked up a few in citysearch, but ended up here because I could find it and it looked nice from the outside. As soon as I walked in though, I was a little worried -- it's a huge place, completely empty, and has more the mood of a banquet-friendly Chinese restaurant than a pho joint.

Still, I sat down and ordered a bowl of pho tai and had it in front of me in a few minutes. One thing I noticed immediately was the spicy smell coming off the bowl, and indeed the broth seemed to feature a bit more cinnamon and star anise than usual. Other than that it was a decent broth, fairly flavorful though a bit overwhelmed by the extra spice. I found it an interesting change from the pho I've been having, but I wouldn't want it to be my every-day pho. Other than that, the pho was fairly standard, good if not remarkable. Though frankly, $7 for a bowl of pho just seems outrageous compared to the usual rates.

When I got home, I looked up the place but it isn't in citysearch. I did find various reviews (here, here, here, here, here, here, and here), some pretty positive and some very negative. There are a couple of other places in the area that are better-reviewed (and maybe I'll have time to hit one), so Tan Tan probably shouldn't be your first choice. Pho Tan Tan, 4646 Buford Hwy, Chamblee 30340.