New in Downtown: Viet Kitchen

I wish for something long enough, and then it comes true. So far, I haven't made it to Spain, and nobody's come to my door with a million-dollar check from Publisher's Clearinghouse, but at least there's a brand-new Vietnamese restaurant in Downtown -- the first of its kind in the area, as far as I know.

Viet Kitchen just opened its doors today at 114 W. Adams, and is the sister eatery to the original spot in North Phoenix (20235 N. Cave Creek Rd., at Beardsley).

Along with half a dozen kinds of pho, the menu features vermicelli noodle dishes (bun), Vietnamese sandwiches (banh mi) on freshly baked bread, salads, stir-fries, and house special hot pots filled with beef, seafood, or both.

A year ago, my Christmas wish list included a banh mi joint close to my office. Santa was a littler late in delivering, I suppose -- or else he's just early for this year. Either way, I can't wait to try Viet Kitchen.

Business hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Call 602-262-5535 for details.