The first time I went to Pho Joy was the first day I officially became a Powegian.

I moved to Poway in September and when one of my friends couldn't eat the pizza we ordered from Filippi's Pizza Grotto because he's a gluten-free type of guy, we made our way to Pho Joy.

But I didn't order anything for myself, and when Gavin told me the Vietnamese noodle dish was delicious, I just nodded—unimpressed by his judgment call.

It isn't because of arrogance though—it's just hard to find good Vietnamese-Chinese food when you grew up in a home where I had the best authentic dishes tossed up by my momma.

Like any good food reviewer, though, it was time to give Pho Joy, the only Vietnamese restaurant in Poway, a chance.

And, boy, it was like my mom passed on the scchweet recipes to the cooks at the Vietnamese restaurant.

I ordered the vermicelli with tofu and veggies dish. The veggies consisted of green beans, carrots, potatoes, baby corn and romaine lettuce. Though this main course was comparable to most other dishes at Vietnamese restaurants, the spring rolls stole the show. They were stuffed with similar goods, but the homemade peanut sauce was delicious.

My dining companion was even impressed with his very meaty pho and said it was better than the very popular Phuong Trang Restaurant in San Diego, which says a whole lot about the spot!

Our venture into Pho Joy was complete with a sweet and charismatic waiter, another patron who told us the veggie egg rolls were to die for and quick and attentive service.

Though there aren't many vegetarian dishes on the menu, those the restaurant does offer are worth the trip for any serious vegetarian.

Vegetarian-friendliness on a scale of 1-10: 11 because I know my mom would even like their food.