Hong An Restaurant

While driving down Grand looking for a garage that does Missouri Emissions and Safety inspections I noticed that the old Arby’s on Grand had a new business in it that said «Grand Opening».
I couldn’t really tell what was inside but from the lettering I surmised either Vietnamese or Cambodian.
Went inside and a gentleman with very good English greeted me and went over the menu with me.
I was looking for something spicy and full of noodles with chicken, but didn’t see anything like that on the menu. But as the menu is new, the guy yelled back to the cook and came back and asked me if I wanted the spicy chicken and noodles? Ding, ding, ding!
Got 2 heaping orders to go and 4 orders of spring rolls for $ 30 and the chef (Minny or Binny) was so happy that they had walk-​in business that she came out and thanked me and handed me a bunch of business cards to pass among my friends.
The restaurant itself no longer resembles an Arby’s as it is enclosed in white wooden siding and the entire interior is carpeted with booths (possibly original) and family-​style dining tables. There are 4 – 5 large screen LCD televisions and right up at the front of the dining room is a massive karaōke rig including stage lights. I suspect that this place will soon host cultural get-​togethers from the local community.
I saw a group of young laborers enjoying cold beers, so they must at least have a limited liquor license and there were Vietnamese sweet treats and drinks behind the chilled counter near the register.
Back to the chow. As soon as I opened the lids at home I knew that they didn’t hold back on the spicy! Unlike most of the Thai-​Chi-​Viet joints I’ve tried over the years where the proprietors act like they’re afraid to hurt the poor white child, these guys at Hong An gave me a good sinuses-​clearing helping of heat. The dish they created for me ended up looking a lot like «Drunken Noodles» and the veggies consisting of carrots and broccoli were very fresh.
The spring rolls weren’t as light as I’ve had but were still very tasty and piping hot and crispy, surviving a 5-​minute car ride with no problem.
Most entrees appeared to be in the $ 10 – 12 range and the spring rolls were $ 2.85 for an order of 2 and the soups/​rice around $ 4.
All in all, I really enjoyed Hong An and would recommend it to a Vietnamese cuisine expert so they can give it a realistic rating. On price, friendliness, speed, packaging and décor I’m starting with 3 stars but if I go back I’ll try something new and update.
Enjoy!