Tag: dining

Pita de Jour —- a Dining Review

Pita de Jour has been around I feel like forever here in Killeen. Its location is downtown right off Rancier near the scary H.E.B. But don’t let the location stop you. There is a slow rebuilding of the Downtown area. Now granted more expansion of the city is focusing near the airport. But do not I repeat DO NOT sleep on the great eats over there! I happened to find out about it because years ago I worked in downtown Killeen. History has a way of repeating itself so here I am again working back downtown in 2018 and I remember that super fat pita spot!!

Don’t let the dated building fool you it’s the example of never judging a book by its cover. It really has delicious food and large serving sizes. It’s not really greek nor mediterranean cuisine. It’s a more Americanized version of the concept. There are still American staples like fried chicken wings and french fries. You can completely customise your pita with a variety of veggies, meats, cheeses and sauces. Definitely call ahead because the food is made fresh to order so if you are on the clock be proactive about it. Due to the high temperatures lately it’s been a little hot in the restaurant so I would just grab and go until the weather breaks. Nevertheless check it out if you’re in the Killeen area for a super savory bite and pleasant conversation with the owner while you wait.

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I had a lamb pita with pepper jack cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, olives, jalapeños, onions and spicy ranch sauce. Also you can choose between a regular ketchup or a spicy ketchup. I went with the spicy and large fries.

Pita de Jour

904 N Gray St, Killeen, TX 76541

(254) 616-1873

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Why I like Red Lobster…

Ok so we are going to go into a touchy subject. I swear a lot of people act as though they are too good for Red Lobster. There are way fancier, pricer seafood restaurants to eat at. I get that. But people were dang near ashamed to admit that they dine there until Beyonce shouted them out in the song “Formation”. I like to go there because of the simplicity of the ingredients and sauces. I love the taste of a fresh clean fish. Always have always will. Other seafood places do have more going on with their sauces but to me it covers the taste of the actual fish. (Not to mention will tear my stomach apart). So yeah I got to Red Lobster for the fish!

Their current menu has tuna poke. It’s a little over $5.00 and makes a great appetizer. It was how I expected it to taste. It is a lighter take on poke. Most pokes are significantly more flavorful. The typical poke is darker because of a more fuller bodied sauce and it’s marinated longer. I believe this was lightly tossed right after I ordered it to be honest maybe I’m wrong…

The fish was very fresh so it was a light and refreshing. This dish is a great way to introduce eaters who are a little scared to step outside the box. It was good. Not fantastic but good nonetheless.

Notice the differences of my homemade Tuna Poke marinaded for 2 hours before serving. **I’ll post that recipe another time.

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For my entree, I went with the grilled trout topped with a tomato-cilantro relish, baked potato with butter and sour cream, and chesapeake corn on the cob. The trout was of course more of the star and the sauce was missing more acidity. I think more lime juice was needed to be used because it was more like stewed tomatoes with a touch of cilantro. I added squeezed lemon to balance it out and it was good from there. Probably wouldn’t go for that topping again to be honest but I applaud their effort to bring more flavor to the menu without murdering my insides.

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Pho-Sho

When I first came to Killeen, Texas of all the places in Texas, I was ready to throw myself out of a window or even drink bleach. 😩 This is for many reasons. Back in 2003 or 2004 it developed since the 80s (I give it that) but compared to me leaving the Tidewater area in Virginia it was like a dust bowl. Food-wise it was about as diverse as Burger King and KFC. It had your usual offenders like Red Lobster and Olive Garden but it took years to get to the point where now I don’t have to drive to Austin to get something that’s ethnically diverse and tasty. Back then even the Chinese places was limited and not very good. Yuck!! 🤢

One of my bestfriends who used to stay with me is Cambodian. Mannnnn!!! I was eating all kinds of Asian food and got exposed to so many spices I wasn’t used to working with myself. When I had tried Pho for the first time, I immediately fell in love.

Pho is a very satisfying and simple Vietnamese noodle soup. I go with the beef pho due to my dietary restrictions. All that means is that this is a beef broth base. When making pho, Anise is bundled with other herbs/spices in a spice bag and cooked for hours. Anise is the mystery flavor that immediately sticks out when tasting pho. Various thin, tender cuts of beef are added in along with noodles when served. You’re presented sides and additional herbs to add in based on your liking. Pictured here is thai basil, bean sprouts, cilantro, jalapenos and limes to squeeze in.

Also you’re given sauces like hoisin, soy, and chili paste to add additional flavor or heat. After eating so much fo you do start to get a little bougie in your expectations. But after carely research *cough* eating, I have found the best Pho restaurant in Killeen and that is Pho 9.

Pho 9 is one of the best restaurants in town!!! It’s located in downtown Killeen on Veteran’s Memorial Road/Business 190 close to where it intersects Ft Hood Road. The size of it is more than enough space and seating where you’re don’t feel crowded and you don’t have to wait to be seated. Even though it’s near post, it’s still not crazy busy during lunchtime and food comes out really fast. You can be in and out if you need to. It’s also good to take for low-key dates because your typical bird’s I never see there. #stoolyalert LOL just being honest. And it is pretty quiet. Also someone made an effort in the decor so its ok to look at.

The service aspect is pretty interesting. It’s not that they don’t care. It’s just that once you order your food you’re getting your food and no one’s going to check on you a million times. So if you need something just go up to the front and ask. Don’t wait for a check. Go to the front, pay and be out. Now the benefit of this is that you shouldn’t have to drop a whole bunch on the tip.

Prices?

Now price point-wise if you don’t watch out you can easily end up spending a lot of money in there. Average prices are going to start at least $8 and up for dang near anything on the menu. So all those yummy looking appetizers can get you messed up quick. Like dang what happened??!! 😂

Is it worth it? Yes it is!! If you don’t want Pho there is still a lot to choose from. Even if you bring the most basic tastebuds … (You know the one who really doesn’t dive off the cliff of ethnic eating) they still can find something there. The menu has pages bruh! And pics too!

The only negative thing I would have to say about Pho 9 is that I wouldn’t suggest delivery. I’ve tried their delivery service before a couple of times and it just seems like you get less food with it. I don’t know. 😖

**Last thing and it doesn’t happen very often but it does happen…

It is a small family-owned business so occasionally the family does go on vacation. The restaurant will be shut down until they come back. No big deal so don’t get out of pocket because you just happened to come at the wrong time. Other than that, I highly suggest checking it out. It is a very good place to eat and I will definitely be going back again and again. 😋

***Pho 9*** 👌🏽

921 W. Veterans Memorial Blvd #101, Killeen, TX

254-200-9020

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