Downtown Phoenix never fails to surprise and delight. DPJ’s Live PHX series captures the moments that illustrate why we love life in our city.

rice paper vietnamese downtown phoenix

Rows of vietnamese-style straw conical hats create a polka dot pattern on the ceiling of Rice Paper in downtown Phoenix. Photo by Lauren Potter.

My taste buds don’t discriminate based on the season. Whether it’s 112 degrees outside or rainy and cold and wet, almost nothing will stop me from getting my hands on a bowl of my favorite comfort food — pho — the beautiful, brothy Vietnamese noodle soup. When I get a craving, I usually walk down to Rice Paper, located inside the historic Hotel San Carlos on the corner of Central Avenue and Monroe. Not only is the pho great (I get the pho dac biet and add veggies, by the by) — I love the quirky colorful accents and the creative use of straw hats. And if I’ve had an especially long day, it’s always nice to have a little reminder that it’s okay to relax.

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