Cat's Submarine Sandwich in Seattle

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  A Google User

  :: 21 May 2010 12:01:54

  This will always be THE original Seattle Phở joint. In the old days (late '80s), it was known only by the big sign above it proclaiming "Cat's Submarine". Inside, beneath the old sub sandwich menu (none of which were available for order), were friendly but busy employees dishing up the only menu item -- described on a scrap of cardboard taped to the wall as "Beef Noodle Bowl $2.25". None of us gringos knew that we were in for. The soup (we didn't even know it was called "phở" back then) was heavenly, and we improvised with the accompanying basil, mint, lime, sprouts and chilies, following the lead of the Vietnamese customers. We were also happily rewarded by following their lead and ordering the amazing iced coffee. This last was even more of a procedural education: wait forever (no peeking!) for coffee to drip into glass, stir slowly to mix with the portion of condensed milk, pour magic potion into awaiting glass of ice. Back then, the "point" of this triangular-shaped restaurant was outdoors and only a thin garden screen sheltered customers from the passing traffic on Boren and Jackson streets. They also played fantastic music back then: a moody collection of psychadelic viet high-reverb freak-outs including Vietnamese versions from The Doors songbook. Very 'Apocalypse Now' to our ears, and spooky enough to keep us feeling like outsiders. We didn't know the place by it's alternate name, "Phở Bac" until several years later when a new sign was erected. My first, my last, my everything.