The time: 8:00 PM
The watch: Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Power Reserve
In the heart of Cincinnati’s Findlay Market district sits Pho Lang Thang, a beloved Vietnamese restaurant known for fresh flavors, soulful broths, and dishes that honor tradition with a touch of modern comfort. For this episode of Time and Taste, I brought along the Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Power Reserve, a timepiece that blends mechanical precision with visual artistry. Together, they create an experience where culinary brightness meets horological brilliance, much like my other dining adventures in Cincinnati.
I’ve been to Pho Lang Thang before, but didn’t have a chance to write about it until now. So, here we go!
The Fresh Salad Rolls arrive as translucent flavor pockets of herbs, shrimp, pork, and rice noodles wrapped in thin rice paper. Each bite is clean, crisp, and refreshing, especially when paired with the house-made peanut hoisin dipping sauce. This dish mirrors the open heart of the El Primero movement, where components are revealed through the dial’s cutout. Just as the rice paper gives a glimpse of the colors and textures inside, the Chronomaster allows enthusiasts to appreciate the movement’s rhythm with clarity and intention.
The Vietnamese Beef Carpaccio presents lime cured slices of beef layered under a vibrant mound of herbs and crispy shallots, all sitting atop a crispy sesame rice cracker. Its lively acidity and aromatic freshness immediately brighten the palate. It is a MUST HAVE! This energetic character calls to mind the high frequency of the El Primero caliber, which beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour. The dish and the watch share a spirited pulse that is fast, precise, and exhilarating.
The Shaken Beef is a comforting classic, with marinated steak cubes seared to a tender medium, served alongside crisp vegetables and a perfectly cooked sunny side egg over rice. The richness and depth of flavor in the beef reflect the Chronomaster’s power reserve indicator. Just as the watch allows its wearer to gauge remaining energy at a glance, this dish offers a reassuring steadiness in every bite, grounding the meal with warmth and structure.
A steaming bowl of beef phở completes the experience. The broth, simmered for 20 hours, carries layers of savory depth that unfold slowly with each spoonful. Fresh herbs and delicate slices of beef add brightness and balance. It is a SHOW STOPPER! This long simmer parallels the meticulous craftsmanship behind the El Primero’s construction, where time, patience, and precision result in enduring performance. The phở’s layered complexity is a culinary counterpart to the movement’s harmonious integration of components.
The Pairing
The Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Power Reserve is a masterclass in mechanical expression, boasting an open heart dial that reveals the soul of the movement, a power reserve indicator that adds both function and charm, and a high beat caliber that remains one of the most celebrated innovations in watchmaking. Paired with Pho Lang Thang’s dishes, the watch finds itself reflected in fresh ingredients, bright flavors, and the careful balance of tradition and technique.
Looking closer, the Chronomaster tells a deeper story. Its stainless steel case and bracelet offer a refined yet versatile presence. The movement’s architecture shows intent, discipline, and elegance, much like the layers of flavor crafted in a well made broth or the precision needed to achieve perfect sear on shaken beef. Wearing this timepiece is an invitation to appreciate complexity made effortless.
This and many other timepieces are available at Bespoke Luxury Heroes, where we can source any luxury watch your heart desires.
Why blend in when you can stand out?
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