Yet, as packed as the restaurant usually is, there always seems to be a couple of tables opening up for new customers.

     We seated ourselves at one of the open tables and didn't have to wait for a menu, because it was beneath the glass table top -- really quite convenient. A quick scan of the menu told me this place was a deal, and that is something this gal values! The most expensive item on the menu was $6! I could hardly believe my eyes.

Little Saigon, Harrisburg

     My friend and I each ordered a glass of water--Betty's new way of being frugal and healthy. We also both ordered spring rolls ($1.25 each) that arrived three minutes later (Betty times it, you know?). The translucent rice wrappers were like a window to the beautiful ingredients inside: fresh herbs, roasted pork, shrimp and rice noodles. But the best part of the spring rolls is the yummy dipping sauce that comes on the side. It's dark brown and sweet with a hint of spice--just the way I like my men. We happily ate our spring rolls and chatted in the busy restaurant while ignoring ESPN playing on the television in the background.

     We each ordered a bowl of pho (or Vietnamese noodle soup) for lunch. My friend and I must have been on the same wavelength, because each of us chose the pork and shrimp soup. She ordered the small for $4.50 while I, of course, got the large for only $.50 more! What a bargain! How could I resist? And let me tell you, when they say large, they mean LARGE! Holy heck, that is one of the biggest bowls of soup I have ever seen served to just one person! (It was a little intimidating even for Betty.)

     We savored the smell of the steam rising off of our piping hot bowls of soup filled to the brim with a generous portion of noodles in a sea of tasty broth with sliced scallions; and don't worry, no skimping on the pork and shrimp here. We surveyed the plate of traditional extras the waiter brought with our meal: lime, fresh basil, fresh cilantro, mung bean sprouts, and ... wait ... what was that? Sliced jalapenos? After adding a little of everything (except the peppers--Betty's stomach isn't always the strongest) I grabbed a pair of chopsticks and a Chinese spoon and dug in (there are forks and regular American spoons for the less adventurous).

     Everything was delicious and we left happy and full. Listen to Betty: Little Saigon is a place you should try, pho sure!