Pho Bac

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I've been craving warm soups and stews since the time change plunged us into early darkness and the chill winds of fall have started in earnest to take the leaves from the trees. This colorful shop front of Pho Bac Restaurant in the International District called out from the dark. It is one of four sites of this economic and tasty Vietnamese eatery. It probably will raise a few eyebrows aesthetically. The scaffolding has been up since forever and there are noticeable unfinished interior repairs going on; however really good eats are the reward for braving it. Seattle chef and restaurateur Tom Douglas listed the Beacon Hill/Little Saigon neighborhood Pho Bac as one of his four favorite Seattle restaurants, besides his own Palace Kitchen, Dahlia Lounge, Serious Pie, Etta's, and Lola restaurants (and a new, as yet unnamed, restaurant opening in April next to Etta's). What are your favorite soups and stews for this time of year? (Recipes and restaurant tips welcome!)