Mint, Pho Orchid Will Both Open Uptown in December

Pho mania continues to spread Uptown, as Ian McNulty reports on two upcoming additions to the Vietnamese new wave. First up on Freret is Mint Modern Vietnamese Bistro & Bar from first-time restaurateur Jimmy Tran. Located across the street from Dat Dog, Mint is taking over a two-story corner building at 5100 Freret (pictured to da right) and should open by December. Expect pho and banh mi and also:

Burgers with kimchi and "chicken and green waffles," flavored with coconut milk and tropical pandan leaves to merge a soul food classic with a typical Vietnamese sweet treat. Mint will have a full bar.

Also set to open in December is the Uptown expansion of Pho Orchid, taking over the space formerly occupied by rather shortlived Le Viet Café. This will be owner David Nguyen's second expansion this year? he also just opened Orchid Express on Airline this summer? The new Pho Orchid will do tradition Vietnamese fare like the original Clearview location, but they'll stay open until "midnight or later."

· What's Cooking: Pho for Freret and Spring Rolls By The Streetcar [Advocate]
· All Coming Attractions [-ENOLA-]
Future home of Mint [Photo: LACDB]