Pho is my favorite comfort food. It's my go-to during our 8 nonconsecutive weeks of Albuquerque winter. It's my first choice for dinner when I've had a hard week, or I'm under the weather. As such, I expect my Pho experience to be every bit as comforting as the bowl of soup itself. 

There are a few places in Albuquerque that have the homey feel and a decent bowl of Pho, but none quite compare to this little unassuming shop. 

The neighborhood is kind of rough, and the shopping center where Leo & Ana opened their little restaurant has seen overall better days. There are only 2 tables and 3 counters inside, so I usually grab take-out and eat at work, but even take-out is handled with such care and thoughtfulness that opening the packages and preparing my meal brings back all the warmth and positive energy of Ana's unwavering smile.

I generally avoid hot foods during our sweltering summers, but being under the weather today, I went in for some Pho. Ana greeted me like an old friend and guessed my order from memory. As many people as there were coming in for take-out while I ate my meal, the recognition made me feel super special. It's that care that elevates this spot to a full 5 stars.