Since 2014, VIA CDC (a community organization formerly known as Layton Boulevard West Neighbors) has organized a month-long celebration aimed at highlighting the abundance of excellent Asian-owned eating establishments in Milwaukee’s Silver City neighborhood. Today marked the opening day of the seventh annual “Phobruary.” Up until this point, the multi-restaurant promotion—that runs from February 1 through February 28 at Bamboo Restaurant, Thai Bar-B-Que, and Vientiane Noodle Shop—offered customers sale-price bowls of the Vietnamese specialty (pronounced “fuh”) for just $5 from Monday to Friday (dine-in only).

Due to concerns related to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, there will be some changes to the festivities this year. Most notably, the $5 sale price WILL NOT be offered this time around. Additionally, VIA CDC is encouraging patrons to bypass dining in and, instead, order “Pho To Go!” this year.

“2021 is the most vital year for patrons to participate in Phobruary,” a  VIA CDC press release says. “​Small business owners need the support more than ever as they continue to take precautions and work through the pandemic ​so they can stay afloat.”

Participants are asked to order carryout pho from the three restaurants. Those who take part in the promotion can enter to win a $25 gift card from Thai Bar-B-Que or Vientiane Noodle Shop. Winners will be drawn every Friday in February. For more information, consult the press release below:

ANNUAL “PHOBRUARY” IN SILVER CITY​

“Pho To Go​,” experience a signature Vietnamese dish from the comfort of your home

“Pho To Go,” ​Phobruary with a twist! Phobruary is an event that takes place in Silver City every February. Phobruary encourages locals to partake in supporting small local restaurants. Silver City participating restaurants include Bamboo Restaurant, Thai Bar-B-Que, and Vientiane Noodle Shop (all supplied by the Asian International Market). Each restaurant is offering, “​Pho To Go.”

This year the restaurants will not provide the $5 Pho special, however they will continue to make delicious authentic Pho for everyone to enjoy. 2021 is the most vital year for patrons to participate in Phobruary. ​Small business owners need the support more than ever as they continue to take precautions and work through the pandemic ​so they can stay afloat.

There are many ways to support the following three international restaurants. Order takeout, purchase gift cards and or leave a kind review on their social media platforms.

●Bamboo in Silver City ​| 3427 W National Avenue | 11:00am – 8:30pm
●Thai Bar-B-Que​ | 3417 W National Avenue | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday 11:00am – 8:30pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm (closed Tuesdays)
●Vientiane Noodle Shop​ | 3422 W National Avenue | 10:00am – 9:00pm

Starting Monday, February 1st and throughout the month of February, VIA CDC will be hosting a weekly ​“Pho To Go”​ raffle. To learn more about how to enter the weekly raffle visit ​ www.viacdc.org/event/phobruary/​. The weekly winner will be announced every Friday, and will receive a $25 gift card to Thai Bar-B-Que or Vientiane Noodle Shop.

So, what is Pho? ​It’s a soup native to Vietnam, common in Laos and Thailand, which delivers a complex combination of flavors that dance on the tongue’s taste buds. It combines noodles with a choice of thinly-sliced beef, chicken, vegetables or shrimp,and also offers a multitude of garnishes and fresh herbs to tailor the soup to individual preferences. These typically include Thai Basil, sprouts, cilantro, limes, jalapeño, sauces, peppers, and other items. This delicious combination of flavors will satisfy your hunger by the time you get to the bottom of the bowl.

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The Silver City Business District​, located just minutes from the Menomonee Valley, I-94, and downtown Milwaukee, offers amenities such as the Hank Aaron State Trail, the Urban Ecology Center, Three Bridges Park, Miller Park, and the Mitchell Park Domes. SilverCity is one of Milwaukee’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, blending historic architecture with exciting retail and ethnic dining opportunities. With its rich collection of international restaurants, one can travel the world without leaving the neighborhood. For more information visit ​viacdc.org/neighborhoods/#silvercity.VIA CDC ​​is a partner in building strong, healthy neighborhoods where all of us can thrive​, visit​ www.viacdc.org.

About The Author

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Co-Founder and Editor

Before co-founding Milwaukee Record, Tyler Maas wrote for virtually every Milwaukee publication (except Wassup! Magazine). He lives in Bay View and enjoys both stuff and things.