The Next Adventure With Taximan

Bro Bro needed a delivery done today, so he called in Taximan. I don't know what came over me. I called out, "Pho, pho, pho!"

So Taximan went on his delivery and came back with three orders of pho noodles in styrofoam containers for us. The shop was abound with customers so Bro Bro and I tended to them while Taximan took out a giant green tupperware container resembling a bucket and emptied his noodles into it. Then he poured the steaming broth into the bucket on the top the noodles. He stirred the noodles in the broth and to my disgust, started eating out of the bucket.

When business calmed down, I was ready to eat my lunch. I opened one styrofoam container to see thin slices of tender rare beef on top rice noodles. I opened a second container to see three meatballs swimming in aromatic broth. I started to pour the broth on top of the noodles. Taximan and Bro Bro shouted in unison, "No!"

I stopped, then started again. They shouted again, "Don't!"

Taximan said, "Don't be an amateur." Then he handed me a green bucket just like the one he had. He said, "You gotta listen to the pros." So he guided me through emptying my noodles into the bucket and pouring the broth on top. Then I stirred the noodles and meat to mix in the broth. Bro Bro took out an identical green bucket and prepared his lunch the same way. Then the three of us stood at the counter, each eating at our own trough.

As disgusting as the whole thing sounds, there is an efficiency and practicality to the practice. The wide opening and tall sides really do prevent spillage. No spills when you stir, no spills while you eat, minimal mess to clean up after. When a customer walks in, you just put the whole thing aside to the counter, on a stool, on the floor, wherever, and return to it when you're ready to resume eating. No little pieces to move about and spill.

It was an experience.