Bambu, Sanford

I had lunch at this new (two months) Vietnamese restaurant on the Mount Dora side of 46 on Wednesday. It's in the old Hayashi spot. I had Pho Tai Chin Bo Vien for $8. It's a beef noodle soup with "eye round" steak, brisket and meatballs. I didn't perceive any brisket and the meatballs were really chunks of half of a meatball. However, it was tasty and large and came with the usual rice noodles and bean sprouts, basil and peppers on the side. Service was good. They didn't do much to the interior. A paint job, I think. The place seats around 30. It was mostly full. It drew a diverse audience (even Mexican mechanics). You wouldn't have to do much more than show up and be Vietnamese to be a success. This is a cuisine woefully under served in the area. It's a smallish menu. They have about eight appetizers, nine soups, eight vermicelli dishes and nine rice platters. The prices are VERY reasonable. The most expensive thing is under $10. Apps start at $3. Most dishes are around $7. They even are not scared to offer tendon and tripe. If you live in the neighborhood, add this to your rotation. Free refills. Takes AMEX. Has desserts, funky coffees and beer and wine. I was sorry to see the last place go, but, I think the area could afford to trade a sushi place. Especially when it added a fresh experience.