Appetizing Muse

I redeemed my gift certificate for Noodle Express this afternoon. Before I go into the specifics of today's meal, I'd like to remind those who read this blog that I mentioned my dissatisfaction with Noodle Express in a blog entry last month. Shortly after complaining to management, I was sent a $15 gift certificate for another meal at the eatery.

My husband I decided to use the certificate today, and instead of getting take-out we ate the meal inside the restaurant. Our order totaled $25.20, which actually came to $10.20 after redeeming the gift certificate. For the original amount of money one might expect a lot of food, but there was not a vast amount. Wilbert ordered the Beef Teriyaki Bowl, while I had the chicken version of the same. For sides, we had an order of Gyoza (four pieces, $4.25 total), and a regular-sized soda each ($1.50 per cup).

I'm grateful for the gift certificate. I would have never gone back to Noodle Express without it. Instead of ranting and raving about how terrible the food was, instead I've compiled a list of the same meal at our favorite haunt, Kyoto, as compared to the food served at Noodle Express. I'm using my serving of "Chicken Teriyaki" as an example, not including Wilbert's beef or the over-priced drinks at Noodle Express:

The Gyoza deserves further mention. I adore the dumplings when they are prepared correctly, but I'm afraid the Noodle Express version does not pass muster. Today they were soaked with grease even after leaving the chef and had a frozen after-taste; the four-piece serving cost $4.25. During my first go-round with the same dish a month ago they were better, but today's offering was what I term "un-health going down the gullet" and were not finished off by either my husband or myself.

Gyoza can be had in an eight-piece serving from Kyoto for $3.25. Not only do they contain a proper balance of filling, they are nearly grease-free with no frozen after-taste whatsoever.

I don't mean to whine and complain. It was my intention to remain positive when going to Noodle Express today, but the food quickly turned my expectations sour. I wanted to give the place another chance - especially since they sent me a gift certificate - but the food quality simply does not correspond with the prices they charge. I held my tongue today, however, and did not say one unkind word to anyone in the restaurant. Gift certificate or not, I will not be going back.

Hopefully someone has a different experience with the restaurant. If so, I'd like to hear about it.