Viet Noodle Bar occupies an airy, minimalist spot on Glendale Boulevard with white walls, exposed brick and low wood tables that warm up the space. Free books line one wall to welcome the solitary diner. In a break from pho's über beefiness, the ginger fish pho offers a delicate, clean chicken broth with a deep, mellow ginger flavor that dances at the back of the tongue. Crispy fried shallots sprinkled on top (no plate of accoutrements here) quickly soften in the broth to become pleasantly gentle pops of chewy allium. Wide, soft noodles support the perfectly poached, tender white curls of fish that achieve a near-perfect matzoh ball consistency—the ultimate comfort experience.