Appetizing Muse

Today my husband and I decided to splurge and have lunch out, but we can never seem to agree on one place. Wilbert wanted Burger King whoppers, while I opted for a first trip to the Noodle Express. I'd rather eat rice, noodles, chicken and/or vegetables than wolf down a burger, so we made two stops instead of one.

Going to the Noodle Express was a big mistake. I've heard only good things about the quality of the restaurant's food, but as I was to discover the quantities are paltry and the prices are outrageous. I ordered the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl to go, which carried a price tag of $5.75. Imagine my surprise when I got the food home and found about a dozen mini-pieces of chicken (about half the size of a normal "bite-size"), little minced vegetables in the same quantity; all of which was spooned over the top of a copious amount of rice. The rice itself was dry and separated easily, making it impossible to eat with chopsticks. It was not the typical sticky rice I'm used to, or that I make myself.

The taste of the food was fine – but nothing to write home about – and certainly not worth the asking price. My first excursion to the Noodle Express will be my last. I feel completely ripped off.

I should have known better. Just a short distance from my house is a restaurant called Kyoto, where the same dish (Chicken Teriyaki) comes with large strips of steamed chicken and vegetables, and just enough rice to compliment the meal rather than overwhelm it. Kyoto's asking price for the lunch meal is $4.50. This includes twice the amount of food than the same-named version from Noodle Express, and with a definitely better taste. The Kyoto plate also contains enough food for two meals rather than the poor excuse for one I had today.

Did I forget to mention I also ordered a side of Gyoza from Noodle Express today? The dumplings were actually quite good, but then again they should be since they cost more than one dollar a piece.

I've added another place to my "never again" list.